Princess Cruises’ Coral Princess will depart on a lengthy, destination-immersive cruise as scheduled on January 5, 2026, but the voyage will not sail the traditional world cruise itinerary originally planned.
The 3,000-guest Coral-class ship will operate a 131-day Circle Pacific Voyage rather than a 114-day around-the-world sailing that was to travel through the Red Sea and Suez Canal, both hotspots for ongoing regional conflicts that could impact ship and passenger safety.
The new itinerary focuses solely on destinations across the Pacific and sails from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale to the Port of Los Angeles. Coral Princess will call at 60 ports in 19 countries during the voyage.
The itinerary swap came after the line consulted with experts in global security and government officials. The new routing for Coral Princess will take guests from the cosmopolitan cities of East Asia to the beaches of New Zealand and the remote coastline of Alaska.
“This Circle Pacific Voyage is more than just an itinerary, it’s an invitation to explore some of the Pacific’s most iconic and remote destinations in a single, unforgettable journey,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises.
“We’ve crafted this route to showcase the beauty, culture, and diversity of 19 countries, from the volcanic shores of Hawaii to the bustling streets of Bangkok and the serene landscapes of Alaska,” added Padgett.
The voyage has a distinct East Asia focus, with nine port calls in Japan alone, including at Yatsushiro; Kagoshima; Kochi; Osaka; Shimizu; Tokyo; Miyako; Aomori; and Hakodate.
Destinations in Vietnam, Malaysia, and South Korea, are featured as well, along with Alaska’s top tourist sites such as Anchorage, Skagway, Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan.
Visits to ports in Australia, New Zealand, French Polynesia, and Hawaii will provide guests with plenty of warm sunshine and beaches. The tail-end of the voyage explores the west coast of the US with calls to Seattle, Washington; Astoria, Oregon; and Santa Barbara, California, before ending in Los Angeles.
Several segments are available for guests seeking shorter itineraries. A 115-day option allows guests to join the ship at the Port of Los Angeles on January 21, 2026.
Photo Credit: Dans Destinations / Shutterstock
Also, there are opportunities to embark Coral Princess on January 5, 2026 and debark at various destinations.
For example, guests can select a 22-day Panama Canal segment anddebark in Honolulu; a 30-day option is offered from Los Angeles to New Zealand; a 39-day segment goes from Los Angeles to Sydney; and a 59-day route travels from Los Angeles to Singapore.
Guests can also embark on the ship on January 27, 2026, in Honolulu and sail to Sydney.
A slew of valuable savings and benefits await guests booking either the full 131-day voyage or the 115-day route. They include free air fare, premium beverages, unlimited specialty dining, crew tips, WiFi for up to four devices, onboard credits up to $500, and other perks.
Ship Will Offer Vibrant Onboard Enrichment Programs
The Circle Pacific Voyage on Coral Princess will provide an ambitious onboard enrichment program that will feature various speakers and destination experts who will interact with guests and offer insights into the itinerary’s port calls.
Activities will include language classes, dance lessons, art events, music instrument instruction, and local culinary offerings.
Entertainment is always a big part of world cruises or lengthy regional cruises, and Coral Princess will deliver with folk shows that highlight regional traditions, stage shows, deck and sailaway parties, trivia contests, and more.
Coral Princess launched in 2002. The ship will spend summer 2025 sailing Alaska cruises from Vancouver, British Columbia, and then reposition to Fort Lauderdale in October 2025. She will operate several Caribbean cruises in fall 2025, before setting sail on her Circle Pacific adventure.
Any meal on a cruise ship can be a festive occasion, but holiday dinners are something extra special. Unique dishes with gourmet twists on classic favorites are common additions to onboard menus for special holidays, and are delightful dinners that travelers look forward to.
Carnival Cruise Line has now released its 2024 Thanksgiving dinner menu, which is filled with mouth-watering dishes that honor the American tradition while highlighting the cruise line’s gourmet dining experience.
The special dishes include options for all three courses – appetizer, entrée, and dessert.
The featured Thanksgiving appetizer is a warm Baked Brie garnished with cranberry-pecan crumble and accompanied with fig and olive crostini, all seasonal tastes that evoke the deliciousness of an autumn harvest. If guests prefer a different starter, they can also enjoy seasonal tastes with the roasted pumpkin soup or the short rib and yam croquette.
More familiar appetizers are also offered, including shrimp cocktail, deviled eggs, and the BLT wedge salad.
Three classic holiday entrees are available to celebrate the season. Of course, the Holiday Roasted Tom Turkey will take center stage with Thanksgiving stuffing, sweet potato casserole, giblet gravy, and cranberry relish.
Not everyone enjoys turkey, and the Honey Glazed Ham is another special entrée option on the Thanksgiving menu. This is accompanied by classic sides of mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, asparagus, candied pineapple, and raisin sauce.
A special vegetarian entrée is also available – Cauliflower and Gruyere Cheese Soufflé, with asparagus and mushroom beurre blanc, Brussels sprouts, and glazed pecans.
Carnival Cruise Line Thanksgiving Menu
If the holiday options don’t start guests’ taste buds watering, there are other entrees on offer for Thanksgiving dinner as well. Oven-baked salmon, ricotta ravioli, flame-grilled striploin steak, and parmesan crusted chicken with honey mustard ranch are just a few of the options.
Dessert is where many holiday meals truly stand out, and Carnival’s Thanksgiving menu is no exception. The featured dessert is none other than Pumpkin Pie with traditional spices, salted caramel sauce, and creme Chantilly.
Not everyone enjoys pumpkin pie, however, and Carnival is also offering a Festive Maple Wedge with cognac creme, brown butter shortbread, and caramelized pecan.
For more refreshing dessert options, guests can indulge in the lemon cheesecake or the fresh tropical fruit plate. Of course, Carnival’s signature melting chocolate cake is always on offer. Personally, there is no way I could choose just one dessert from this delicious menu, but it’s a holiday, so why not enjoy them all?
Thanksgiving Food Onboard Carnival Cruise Ships
While this special holiday menu is a treat indeed, guests do not have to eat in the Main Dining Room onboard for seasonal fare.
Every ship’s Lido Buffet is sure to be offering some traditional holiday options, such as carving stations for roasted turkey or glazed ham. Side dishes such as stuffing, mashed potatoes, and green beans are also very popular.
Desserts are sure to include pumpkin pie and other treats, and while they may not be as festively presented as the plating for the Main Dining Room, they will be just as delicious.
Of course, each ship’s other dining venues will still be available as well. Many guests may prefer to make specialty dining reservations to celebrate the holiday, opting for a luxurious dinner at the Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse or the entertaining fun of Bonsai Teppanyaki.
While the specialty venues will not have unique menus for the holiday meal, their offerings are special enough to celebrate Thanksgiving and be thankful to be on a Carnival cruise.
And don’t forget other casual but delicious options such as grabbing a bite from Guy’s Burger Joint or BlueIguana Cantina, enjoying that extra slice of pizza or another ice cream cone, or other free food available onboard.
Finally, be sure to raise a glass to toast the holiday and remember the very best thing to be thankful for – cruising!
Voyager of the Seas, which has temporarily been out of service to undergo routine maintenance and inspections in dry dock, isn’t making the grand return to service she was hoping for.
Instead, her first cruise back in business will have to be delayed by one day due to inclement weather.
The sailing was supposed to embark from Barcelona, Spain, on November 10, 2024, and will take guests to the Voyager-class vessel’s next homeport, Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, over the course of 16 nights.
However, the 1999-launched ship’s arrival in the Spanish port will be delayed by one day due to weather – which is also pushing back embarkation by one day in a domino effect.
“Due to a delay in our current dry dock operations caused by adverse weather, Voyager of the Seas will arrive in Barcelona one (1) day later than we initially planned. As a result, we will now depart Barcelona on Monday, November 11, instead of Sunday, November 10,”Royal Caribbean informed guests on November 6, 2024.
As a consequence of the delay, the planned visit to Valencia, Spain, scheduled for November 12 will be cancelled – with the port call on Palma De Mallorca, Spain, being pushed back from November 11 to November 12 instead.
That said, it’s also possible that the visit to Valencia would have been cancelled regardless – as the Spanish city is still recovering from catastrophic flash floodingthat killed hundreds.
The remaining ports of call on the itinerary are unaffected, and include Cartagena and Malaga, Spain; Madeira (Funchal), Portugal; and Gran Canaria and Tenerife, Canary Islands.
The rest of the itinerary consists solely of sea days until the 4,269-guest vessel reaches Port Canaveral on November 26.
How Serious is the Weather?
After a particular intense hurricane season in the Atlantic, many may be wondering if the bad weather has now made its way to Europe. But cruisers can rest easy knowing that the current weather forecast isn’t too severe.
The weather in the Barcelona Cruise Port on November 10, when the sailing was originally supposed to begin, will be rainy, with a chance of thunder and lightning.
Winds will be low and cruise ships can typically navigate rain with no issue – but the skies should be clear and sunny when embarkation day finally arriveson November 11.
But in this case, the delay is more likely the result of high winds anticipated for Cádiz, Spain. Per cruise tracking data, this is where the Royal Caribbean ship is currently docked.
Voyager of the Seas (Photo Credit: Wikipedia)
Indeed, there is currently a coastal event warning in place from Cádiz to around Tarifa, with strong winds reaching up to around 38 miles per hour expected – which can make navigating ports unsafe and lead to rough seas.
But even with a delay, Voyager of the Seas should make it to Port Canaveral on time to begin her season sailing the Caribbean and the Bahamas – which she will do until she returns to Barcelona in May of 2025.
Throughout the winter and early spring, the Royal Caribbean vessel will alternate between three separate itineraries.
The next voyage in the mix is a 5-night Eastern Caribbean cruise, which will visit Puerto Plata / Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, and Labadee, Haiti – where Royal Caribbean has another private destination.
Last but not least, the cruise ship will operate 5-night Western Caribbean voyages, which will call on Cozumel, Mexico, and CocoCay, Bahamas.
For one guest onboard Grand Princess, their cruise to paradise abruptly ended when they found themselves in need of an urgent airlift from the US Coast Guard.
The 33-night sailing, which embarked from Los Angeles, California, on Halloween, took a scary turn for a 29-year old female passenger who developed symptoms of appendicitis by the evening of Monday, November 5, 2024.
When the ship’s team of healthcare providers reached out to the Joint Rescue Coordination Center Honolulu watchstanders at around 6 p.m. local time on Monday evening, the duty flight surgeon confirmed an airlift was in order.
The evacuation proceeded without a hitch the following day, on Tuesday, November 6, 2024, while the Grand-class vessel was about 70 miles off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii.
The MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew that responded was able to deliver the young patient to The Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii – where her condition was listed as stable.
The skilled team included Lieutenant Wade Myers, Lieutenant Jacque Kubicko, Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT3) Owen Maurer, and Aviation Survival Technician (AST1) Paul Wiedenhoeft, who received a shoutout for their heroic efforts on the US Coast Guard Hawaii social media accounts.
“At 6:17 p.m. Tuesday, an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point rendezvoused with the Grand Princess about 70 miles east of Kaneohe, Hawaii,”the US Coast Guard shared in a press release.
“The helicopter crew hoisted the ailing woman and transported her to The Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu. The patient was reportedly in stable condition,”continued the notice.
Unfortunately for this guest, she only got to be onboard through the first port call of the sailing, which was on Kauai, Hawaii, on November 6.
The itinerary also features Honolulu (Oahu), Hawaii; Pago Pago, American Samoa; Apia, Western Samoa; two destinations in Fiji (Suva and Dravuni), and three stops in French Polynesia (Moorea, Raiatea, and Papeete, Tahiti).
The voyage will conclude in Los Angeles on November 3 – and the 2,610-guest ship will embark on a new16-night Hawaiian sailing the same day.
More US Coast Guard Rescues on Hawaiian Sailings
If you’re wondering if this rescue sounds oddly familiar, that’s because another similar airlift took place onboard Grand Princess while sailing back to Los Angeles from Hawaii just a couple weeks ago.
On October 13, 2024, a 63-year-old passenger onboard the 107,517-gross ton vessel began to experience severe abdominal pain – which necessitated an emergency airlift.
This was the first airlift conducted by the new Coast Guard base, which launched earlier this year in NAS Point Mugu, California, and thankfully the evacuation was successful.
US Coast Guard Grand Princess Airlift (Photo Credit: USCG)
The first passenger was a 70-year-old man who seemed to be suffering from a heart attack, while the second was an 86-year-old man showing signs of internal bleeding.
In both cases, the guests were successfully airlifted to Hilo Medical Center in Hilo, Hawaii, via an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter, where they were left in stable condition.
Travel brand loyalty programs allow you to earn points for doing what you love: traveling! If you’re a frequent cruiser, and you’re loyal to one particular cruise line, then it’s worthwhile to enroll in that cruise line’s loyalty program (and they all have one!).
You’ll receive amazing benefits as a result. If you’re a frequent Royal Caribbean cruiser — or maybe you just took your first Royal Caribbean cruise and now plan on becoming one — but you’ve yet to join the Royal Caribbean Crown and Anchor Society, here’s everything you need to know.
What is Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society?
While you may be a member of a hotel or airline loyalty program that comes with a credit card, and then rewards you with points or miles for spending on that credit card, that’s not how the Crown and Anchor Society operates.
Instead, the Crown and Anchor Society rewards you exclusively for booking and sailing with Royal Caribbean. Every cruiser who cruises with Royal Caribbean is automatically enrolled in the society the first time they step onto a Royal Caribbean cruise ship (so, no, you don’t even need to sign up or register, if you’ve already sailed with Royal Caribbean!). Then, they start earning points automatically.
Royal Caribbean does have a credit card with credit card spending-based rewards, but that’s a different program entirely. With the Royal Caribbean Visa Signature card, you earn MyCruise Rewards points for any and all spending on the card, and then those points get you rewards both during cruising and when enjoying other travel.
If you’re a frequent Royal Caribbean cruiser, consider looking into both points-earning options: both the Crown and Anchor Society and the Royal Caribbean Visa Signature card.
Earning Points
So, how do you go about earning Crown and Anchor Society points? Called “cruise points,” within the program, you’ll earn one point for every night you cruise with Royal Caribbean, and an additional cruise point for every night you cruise with Royal Caribbean if you’re staying in suite accommodations. Your number of eligible cruise points dictates your membership tier.
Now, thanks to a new loyalty status match program, cruisers can enjoy an equal loyalty status across Royal Caribbean Group’s three cruise lines: Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea.
That means, if you have attained a high loyalty status in the Royal Caribbean Crown and Anchor Society, Celebrity Cruises’ Captain’s Club, or Silversea’s Venetian Society, you’ll enjoy very similar perks whenever you cruise with any of these three lines.
Cruisers already enrolled in one of the three loyalty programs will automatically receive matched status when they enroll in one or both of the other two programs. The status matching went into effect in June 2024.
Membership Tiers
Crown and Anchor Society Membership Tiers
There are six different membership tiers within the Crown and Anchor Society program. You’ll be automatically enrolled as a Gold member, but the more points you earn, the higher your status and the more perks you can earn (like a complimentary cruise!).
The six membership tiers are Gold, Platinum, Emerald, Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club. To become a Platinum member, you need 30 cruise points. To become an Emerald member, you need 55 cruise points.
To become a Diamond member, you need 80 cruise points. To become a Diamond Plus member, you need 175 cruise points. To become a Pinnacle Club member, you need at least 700 cruise points.
Do note that, for example, when you level up from Gold status to Platinum status, you don’t lose your prior 29 points and have to start from scratch again, accumulating a new 55 points to reach Emerald status. Your points accrue over time, so that you can keep working toward a higher and higher status the more you cruise.
There is, though, one other way to achieve a higher status within the Crown and Anchor Society, beyond cruising. If you already have loyalty status with another cruise line within the Royal Caribbean Group, you’ll receive a loyalty status match, for comparable benefits within the Crown and Anchor Society.
This loyalty status-matching offer extends to Celebrity Cruises and Silversea.
Photo Credit: Solarisys / Shutterstock
So, if you have Classic status within the Celebrity Cruises Captain’s Club, you have Gold status within the Crown & Anchor Society. Captain’s Club Select status equates to Crown & Anchor Society Platinum and Emerald status. Elite equates to Diamond, Elite Plus equates to Diamond Plus and Zenith equates to Pinnacle Club.
With Silversea’s Venetian Society, 1 VS Day equals Crown & Anchor Gold status, 100 VS Day equals Platinum status, 250 VS Days equals Diamond status, 350 VS Days equals Diamond Plus Status and 500 VS Days equals Pinnacle Club Status.
If you’re already a member of one of these three loyalty programs, you’ll receive an email letting you know if you’re eligible for a status upgrade, based on the loyalty status matching program.
If you’ve not received such an email and believe you are eligible for a status upgrade or match, address membership inquiries to Royal Caribbean and have your Anchor Society membership number at the ready.
Do realize, though, that even if you do get a status match and now have new, elevated status in the Crown & Anchor Society, you might not get all of the benefits that come with your newly elevated status. Certain benefits are still being reserved for members who earned their status the old-fashioned way.
These benefits include:
Complimentary Pinnacle Club milestone cruises
Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club amenities
Single supplement cruise fare reduction
Access to certain onboard event
Upgraded bathroom amenities
Pinnacle Club milestone recognition
Chef’s Choice amenities
Benefits for Gold Level Members
Docked Royal Caribbean Ships (Photo Credit: fitzcrittle)
But let’s get into what exactly you can expect, in terms of membership benefits of the Crown and Anchor Society. There are numerous exclusive perks.
Gold tier status members (and, remember, this is the basic membership tier that anyone can take advantage of, with just one sailing) will enjoy:
Two coupons per sailing for 50% off any glass of wine, beer or soda
Two coupons per sailing on select ships for 50% off a Johnny Rockets milkshake
Private departure lounge with continental breakfast
10% discount on any glass of wine, beer or soda
25% off any coffee beverages (excluding Starbucks coffee beverages)
Anchor exclusive rates for 10% off Stream internet access and internet packages purchased on board
Access to a Crown & Anchor Society Loyalty Desk
$2 Crown Royale Free Play credit
1 free Jackpot bingo package card
10% discount on select Royal Caribbean logo products purchases
10% discount on any spa service, excluding medi-spa services
Access to a member newsletter
Priority notice on special offers, new ships and itineraries
Exclusive cruise rates, reduced cruise fares and special savings
Kids members also enjoy a few extra perks, including 50% off a scoop of ice cream on select ships and at the ice cream parlor, internet discounts, buy-one-get-one-free movie rentals and arcade credits.
Benefits for Platinum-Status Members
Wonder of the Seas Boardwalk Cabin (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)
In the next tier of the Crown and Anchor Society, Platinum status members enjoy all of the above, but also:
Free coffee beverage with the purchase of one specialty restaurant dinner
Access to an exclusive society event on certain sailings (for example, on five-night sailings)
In-room robes
Discounts on laundry and press service
20% discount on photo purchases, such as a photo book or individual photo
Discounts on balcony and suite staterooms
They also get greater discounts, such as 50% off coffee instead of 25%, a 15% Stream internet discount instead of 10%, and a 15% discount on spa services instead of 10%. They also get more value in casino benefits like slot machine credit.
Benefits for Emerald-Status Members
For the next tier benefits and point status, Emerald status is very much the same as Platinum status, but with a few extras. You’ll get more FreePlay credits and Jackpot cards at the casino, greater discounts on photo packages and complimentary welcome waters.
Benefits for Diamond-Status Members
Royal Caribbean’s Photo Venue (Credit: Royal Caribbean)
When you achieve Diamond status, you get the above perks, but additional perks include:
Priority waitlist seating request in the main dining room
Four complimentary daily drinks up to $14 in value, with certain venues excluded
One free day of internet usage or an equivalent discount
Priority waitlist for shore excursions and spa services
Exclusive top-tier events like an exclusive backstage tour on select cruises
Crown Lounge access with a nightly happy hour
A stateroom phone discount rate
Chef’s Choice gifts on certain sailings
A bonus gift of a single photo of your choice
A commemorative lapel pin and personalized gift
Additionally, you’ll receive greater discounts and credits, including on wine, beer and soda; laundry services; photo packages; branded products; and Vitality spa services. Children likewise get up to four complimentary daily non-alcoholic drinks up to $14 in value, with exclusions.
Benefits for Diamond Plus-Status Members
Spectrum of the Seas Dining Room (Photo Credit: I Love Drones)
Diamond Plus members get all the above, as well as:
Buy-one-get-one specialty dinners for your second guest (with exclusions)
30% discounts on deluxe beverage packages
Priority access and priority seating at the theater, the ice show and AquaTheater shows
Complimentary add-on spa services
Exclusive access to call center staff
Reduced single cruiser fares
Greater discounts are also given for wine, beer and soda. You’ll also enjoy more complimentary daily drinks (for both adults and children), more casino vouchers and two days of free internet.
Benefits for Pinnacle Club-Status Members
Coastal Kitchen
Lastly, if you manage to make it to the most elite level, the Pinnacle Club, you’ll enjoy a huge number of perks beyond all of the above, including:
Access to and complimentary dining in the Coastal Kitchen restaurant (normally reserved for suite guests only)
Discounts on a specialty restaurant dinner cover charge
Exclusive daily breakfast
Free internet for one device
Suite or concierge lounge access, as well as access to the suite-level sun deck and pool area
Flexible arrival privileges
Free cruise certificates for cruise vacations in either a balcony stateroom or junior suite stateroom, as you continue to earn points and reach certain points-earning milestones
You’ll also enjoy more complimentary daily drinks, and better onboard offers for deluxe beverage packages.
How to Earn a Higher Status Faster
While many points- and miles-earning fanatics are always looking for the easiest way to earn a higher status, faster, with Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society, it’s not really possible.
The program is very cut and dry, simple and straightforward. You earn points and the more points you earn, the more perks you get. You don’t have to redeem your points for anything and there’s no fast-track to a higher membership tier.
The only way to get those coveted Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club membership benefits is by cruising often with Royal Caribbean, cruising on longer itineraries and opting to stay in a suite versus a regular stateroom — or obtaining a similar status on another Royal Caribbean International brand.
Partnerships
Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: marleyPug)
Thanks to a few Royal Caribbean partnerships, you can enjoy certain perks with other travel brands as well, if you’re a Crown and Anchor Society member — and remember, so long as you’ve sailed with Royal Caribbean in the past, you’re already a member!
Members can claim Hertz Gold Plus membership status, which comes with perks such as counter-free pickup, better rental cars and more
Members can also receive a tier status match with MGM Rewards, MGM Resorts’ loyalty program. Gold members receive MGM Rewards Sapphire status, Platinum members receive MGM Rewards Pearl status, Emerald and Diamond members receive MGM Rewards Gold status and Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members receive MGM Rewards Platinum status.
Most recently, as of the latter half of 2024, Royal Caribbean announced a new partnership with IAG Loyalty, which will be of interest to cruisers based in the U.K., Spain, or Ireland. The cruise line also has a rewards partnership with Hard Rock International.
When you book through Royal Caribbean websites in those countries, you’ll now be eligible to earn Avios, which is basically the rewards currency/points used by British Airways Executive Club, Qatar Airways Privilege Club, Iberia Plus, Aer Lingus AerClub and Vueling Club.
How Does it Compare to Other Cruise Line Loyalty Programs?
Deck of an MSC Cruises Ship (Photo Credit: Nate Hovee)
However, if you’re not married to the idea of becoming a lifelong Royal Caribbean cruiser, should you skip the Crown and Anchor Society and, instead, sign up for another cruise line’s loyalty program?
In general, Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society is pretty generous (you can get a free milestone cruise certificate, after all!).
Carnival’s Very Important Fun Person Club operates very similarly, giving you one point for every cruise night, but the perks aren’t overall as good as what you’ll get with the Crown and Anchor Society. The same goes for Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Club.
The Holland America Mariner Society gives you more ways to earn additional points than these other loyalty programs, such as by making purchases or using the cruise line’s credit card.
Similarly, MSC Cruises’ MSC Voyagers Club is on the more flexible side, too, allowing you to match loyalty status with a large array of partners, including Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott.
Ultimately, though, the best cruise line loyalty program for you will simply be the loyalty program for the cruise line you cruise with most often. Just make sure to join before your next cruise!
Hurricane Rafael has strengthened throughout Wednesday, causing greater concern for cruise travelers with sailings in the Gulf of Mexico over the next few days. Carnival Cruise Line has made several adjustments to different vessels, all with guests’ safety as the top priority.
While the Atlantic Hurricane Season officially runs through November 30, such strong storms later in the season are a bit unusual. Still, all cruise lines are carefully watching the storm to ensure their ships remain safe.
“Our Fleet Operations Center in Miami continues to actively monitor Rafael, which has developed into a hurricane. The safety of our guests and crew is our priority and our ships will always maintain a safe distance from the storm,”Carnival Cruise Line said.
Carnival Valor Adjustments
Carnival Valor is currently sailing a 5-night Western Caribbean itinerary that departed New Orleans on Saturday, November 2. While the ship has not had any changes to this particular sailing, she is speeding up and will be arriving back at Port NOLA earlier than scheduled on Thursday, November 7.
This means that the debarkation of the current sailing will happen earlier than usual in order to get the ship ready for her next sailing and begin embarkation. Carnival Cruise Line has confirmed that Carnival Valor will depart New Orleans earlier than expected in order to keep out of the storm’s path.
“To sail safely away from the storm, we will depart at 2:30 PM (CT), earlier than scheduled,”the cruise line said.
Guests must still stick to their terminal arrival appointments, but all travelers must be checked in at the cruise terminal no later than 2 p.m. for the ship’s earlier departure.
The 4-night Western Caribbean cruise is still expected to visit Cozumel as planned on Saturday, November 9, but that port of call may be adjusted if necessary.
Guests are urged to sign up for text alerts in case of further updates. The Carnival Hub app will also be updated and announcements will be made onboard if there are further changes for Carnival Valor.
Port Tampa Bay remains open but at Port Condition Whiskey, with the possibility of gale force winds within the next 72 hours. At the moment, however, all port operations remain open and there are no impacts to cruise schedules.
Carnival Paradise is finishing a 4-night Western Caribbean sailing that visited Cozumel on Tuesday, November 5, and the ship should arrive back in Tampa on schedule on Thursday, November 7.
There are no expected changes for the Fantasy class ship’s next itinerary, her November 7 departure, which is another 4-night Western Caribbean cruise visiting Cozumel.
Carnival Miracle – Port Cancellation
Carnival Miracle departed Galveston, Texas on Sunday, November 3 for a 12-night Southern Caribbean Carnival Journeys voyage. Unfortunately, Hurricane Rafael forced the cancellation of the ship’s first port of call, Grand Cayman, on Wednesday, November 6.
The Spirit class vessel is continuing as planned on the remainder of the itinerary, with visits scheduled for Aruba on Friday, November 8; Bonaire on Saturday, November 9; and Curacao on Sunday, November 10, with no changes anticipated.
Furthermore, the ship’s visit to Ocho Rios, Jamaica on November 12 is not expected to be impacted, nor is her return to Galveston on Friday, November 15 adjusted at this time.
Carnival Horizon – Port Cancellation
Carnival Horizon is the most impacted ship in the Carnival fleet at this time. The Vista class vessel is currently sailing a 6-night Western Caribbean voyage that departed Miami on Sunday, November 3.
Guests were notified onboard that it was necessary to reverse the ship’s itinerary to steer clear of the rough weather, and ultimately, the call to cancel the call to Grand Cayman that had been planned for Wednesday, November 6.
Announcements will be made onboard if further changes are necessary, and the Carnival Hub app will also be updated as needed.
Hurricane Rafael Update
Hurricane Rafael Update
Hurricane Rafael is currently located about 55 miles west-northwest of Havana and is moving northwest at 13 miles per hour.
The storm’s intensity did peak at 115 miles per hour as a Category 3 hurricane late Wednesday afternoon. After making landfall across Cuba, however, Rafael has weakened somewhat with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph at of the most recent update from the National Hurricane Center, making it a Category 2 storm.
At this time, the storm is expected to maintain intensity over the next couple of days, though it will continue to generate rough water significantly away from its center.
Travelers with any cruises booked for the Western Caribbean over the next few days should stay in close contact with their cruise line to keep updated about any itinerary changes, port cancellations, or other adjustments as necessary.
Happy birthday to the Port of Galveston! Established in 1825, Texas’ oldest port is about to celebrate its bicentennial in a big way in 2025.
The Gulf Coast port announced it will officially launch its birthday party on May 22, 2025, to coincide with National Maritime Day.
The party will be followed by other key events like a golf tournament on October 16, 2025, the Party on the Pier public event on October 17, 2025, and a bicentennial gala on October 18, 2025.
“We’re planning a full year of activities to share the port’s history, spotlight the contributions of the port and its partners, and celebrate our past, present, and future,”said Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves Port Director and CEO.
In addition to the fun, Galveston Wharves is also releasing a book filled with two centuries of stories about the harbor’s naval battles, pirates, and resilience. The book will be available in October 2025.
“We invite the Galveston community and our port partners to join us in a year of celebrations,” Rees said, adding that community partners are encouraged to present their own programs commemorating the Port of Galveston.
Interested supporters can also sponsor the port’s celebratory events while also funding maritime education scholarships through five levels of sponsorship opportunities.
Although the Platinum Level sponsorship at $100,000 is sold out, four levels are still available, starting at $15,000.
The history of Port of Galveston
Founded on October 17, 1825, by a proclamation from the Congress of Mexico, of which Texas was then a part, the Port of Galveston has grown massively since its initial role in the Texas Navy.
It began offering cruises in 1837 when New York shipping magnate Charles Morgan sent steamships between Galveston and New Orleans weekly. Although primarily commercial, the steamships also provided passage to guests traveling along the Gulf of Mexico as Morgan expanded routes to other Texas ports, Florida, and Mexico.
The port’s cruise industry presence expanded in 2000 when Carnival Cruise Line arrived with the 183,521-gross-ton, 5,374-passenger Carnival Celebration as the first homeported cruise ship in Galveston. The company has since featured a year-round vessel from the port every year following.
Today, the Port of Galveston spans 840 acres and ranks as the fourth busiest US cruise homeport, serving nearly 1.5 million cruise passengers every year through five major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL).
Galveston Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov)
This year, the Port of Galveston undertook several major projects to improve its offerings, including completing $53 million worth of upgrades to Carnival’s Cruise Terminal 25 and beginning construction on the $151-million Cruise Terminal 16.
The new terminal is expected to open in 2025 and welcome a sixth cruise line, MSC Cruises, to the city. The maritime line will homeport its 5,877-passenger MSC Seascape here in November 2025, just as NCL commits its first year-round vessel, the 3,099-passenger Norwegian Prima, to the region.
Additional plans include expanding parking in cruise terminals 25 and 28 and enhancing internal roadways.
The port anticipates it will conclude 2024 with a 14-percent year-over-year increase in passengers, reaching a record of 1.6 million guests.
This growth has been spurred by the larger ships utilizing the waterways at the entrance to Galveston Bay and the Houston Ship Channel, including the new 5,228-passenger Carnival Jubilee, which set a new record for the port with 390 cruises.
The oceangoing life of the SS United States, fondly known as “America’s Flagship,” is drawing to a close as Okaloosa County has confirmed when the storied ocean liner’s final voyage is set to begin.
For the past several weeks, since the Florida county closed the deal to purchase the vessel, preparations have been underway to tow the ship to a shipyard where she can be converted for service as the world’s largest coral reef.
Now, those preparations are completed and the ship will begin her last ocean voyage in just a matter of days.
“Okaloosa County’s Tourist Development Department, Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida, has concluded the necessary requirements by local, state and federal agencies to move the SS United States (SSUS) from her current docking area at Pier 82 in south Philadelphia,”the county confirmed.
Initially, the coral reef preparation work was planned to take place in Norfolk, Virginia. That shipyard was later deemed unavailable for the full extent of the necessary work, however, and now the SS United States will move to Mobile, Alabama for her refitting.
“Operations to move America’s Flagship will begin Thursday, November 14, 2024 and will continue through the day on Friday, November 15, 2024,”Okaloosa County confirmed.
Tug boats will begin moving the 990-foot ocean liner at approximately 11:45 a.m. as high tide is available to assist with the operation. The ship will be moved to Pier 80 until low tide the following morning, at which point the tug boats will begin moving the ship down the Delaware River. Local bridges will close as the ship passes, and traffic will be diverted accordingly.
Interested cruise fans can follow the ship’s journey via GPS tracking, which could present interesting viewing opportunities as the SS United States makes her way south, around Florida, and toward Mobile. The total journey is expected to take approximately two weeks, with 2-3 tug boats towing the ship the entire distance.
It should be noted that the dates, times, and logistics of the ship’s last voyage are subject to change. Operational needs, poor weather, or unexpected incidents could all influence the overall timeline of this complex maneuver.
What’s Next for the SS United States
Once the ship has arrived in Mobile, work will get underway to ensure the hull is safe and suitable for deployment as an artificial coral reef.
Contractors will remove all hazardous material from the vessel, including non-metal parts and any remaining fuel. This will ensure the local marine habitats are protected and there will be no environmental contamination in the years to come.
Some modifications will also be made to keep the vessel upright as she is scuttled, which will be a more attractive dive option for tourism.
Overall, the process to prepare the SS United States for her next life is expected to take approximately one year before she will move to her new home in the Gulf of Mexico. The exact reef destination has not yet been determined but should be about 20 miles offshore of the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area.
SS United States Docked in Philadelphia (Photo Credit: Patty Ballay)
Also in development will be the land-based museum and visitor center in Destin-Fort Walton Beach that will share the ship’s legacy with future generations, featuring various artifacts and displays about her incredible engineering and service accomplishments.
The ship’s funnels, radar mast, and other “signature components” will be highlighted in the museum, along with other items from the SS United States Conservancy’s extensive collection.
“This will preserve the SS United States’ storied history and the memories she has created for so many people over the years,”Okaloosa County said.
At the moment, there is no timeline for when the museum may open or whether or not it will be operating at the time the ship’s final sinking occurs.
While this ultimate resolution for the ship’s future fate is not what the Conservancy had hoped for, the SS United States will continue to serve a vital function in maritime history as she transitions into her new role over the coming months.
TUI Cruises pulled back the curtain on its new-build Mein Schiff Flow, giving cruise-watchers a glimpse into the design of the ship’s indoor and outdoor spaces.
The 4,000-guest ship is the second in the line’s inTUItion class, following Mein Schiff Relax. Both vessels are under construction at the same Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.
Mein Schiff Relax, also with a capacity for 4,000 guests, will debut in spring 2025 and Mein Schiff Flow in 2026.
The cruise line promises that guests onboard Mein Schiff Flow will enjoy “a new way of experiencing lightness.” A three-deck atrium, for instance, will be a centerpiece of the ship, with natural light spilling in from oversized windows.
Airy designs are being integrated throughout the ship, particularly in lounge areas and restaurants. The main dining room, Atlantic, will be situated at the stern of the ship and feature large windows on decks 4 and 5, providing excellent sea views for guests.
Mein Schiff Flow, Captain’s Bar
A lounge at the ship’s bow, called Captain’s Bar, will also offer stunning ocean views similar to what the ship’s captain will see from the bridge.
Other notable venues include the French eatery Sur Mer Bistro, where guests can enjoy indoor and outdoor seating while indulging in freshly baked pastries and other treats.
Outdoor spaces are being crafted with relaxing sea views in mind. The ship’s name, announced in October 2024, refers to a “go with the flow” attitude of relaxation.
Kicking back and relaxing is the goal at two outdoor locations, Agora, on Deck 16, and an expansive pool area on Deck 17.
Mein Schiff Flow Pool
Agora will be designed to look like a Greek village square but with the luxury of an infinity pool, live music, and food and drinks. Guests can relax on lounge chairs or cushions while sunbathing or enjoying the shade under a traditional Greek-style Marcoon roof.
One deck up, guests will find an 80-foot-long pool, lounge furniture, and plenty of cocktails at Bar 17. Heading up to Deck 19 — Mistral Deck, guests can get a full workout at the ship’s fitness center, which will be fitted with soft flooring.
Mein Schiff Flow Dining Room
“The spacious outdoor areas of the Mein Schiff Flow make it easy for guests to leave everyday life behind and enjoy every moment of the trip,” said Christin Boos, head of hotel operations for Mein Schiff.
“My personal highlight is the floating jogging track under the Marcoon roof – an experience with a special work of art and a view of the pool landscape,” added Boos.
In addition to their restaurant and lounge offerings, and their outdoor deck spaces, both vessels in the inTUItion class will be powered by liquified natural gas (LNG), significantly reducing emissions, and be fitted for shore power connections.
Shore power infrastructure enables ships to plug into local power grids and turn off their engines while in port, cutting pollution at port destinations.
Cruise Line Poised For Big Capacity Expansion
Besides the two ships currently under construction, TUI Cruises recently welcomed another new ship, Mein Schiff 7, which entered service in June 2024. The 2,900-guest ship is not an inTUItion-class ship.
Mein Schiff Flow
Constructed at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, Mein Schiff 7 was christened at sea and is currently based at Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands. The ship sails 7- and 14-day itineraries to multiple ports in the Canary Islands.
When Mein Schiff Flow enters service in 2026, she will be the cruise line’s third new ship in as many years, with all three vessels bolstering TUI Cruises’ fleet capacity by nearly 60%. The cruise line’s goals include opening new markets for its ships.
TUI Cruises, which is based in Germany, was created in 2007 and is a 50/50 joint venture between Royal Caribbean Group and TUI AG.
