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Cruise News Roundup: Princess Cruises Hikes, Fast Dining, Carnival Cancellations, and More

Cruise News

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Mar 14, 2026

Cruise News Roundup: Princess Cruises Hikes, Fast Dining, Carnival Cancellations, and More

Get the inside scoop on cruise news with Cruise Hive’s weekly recap, your go-to source for industry developments across the globe. In our latest edition, top stories include Virgin Voyages deciding to relocate its New York homeport from Manhattan to Brooklyn; P&O Cruises increasing its final payment requirement to 120 days before departure; and Carnival Cruise Line unveiling an Express Dining option fleetwide.

Get your daily cruise news fix by signing up for Cruise Hive’s Daily Update, delivered to your inbox each morning.

Cost to Ship Princess Medallions Rises Sharply

Shipping costs have risen everywhere, even at Princess Cruises, which has quietly raised the cost of shipping its Medallions to booked guests before embarkation day.

Medallions have been used by the line since 2017 as an alternative to the traditional plastic guest ID card. Like those cards, Medallions are presented by guests to buy goods onboard the ship, like drinks, and are used as identification when leaving and returning to the ship.

Guests hailing from the US, Puerto Rico, and Canada have the option of receiving their Medallions before leaving home, but now that convenience will cost more. For passengers in the US and Puerto Rico, the shipping cost has doubled, from $10 to $20. In Canada, the cost jumped from $15 to $25.

Princess Cruises Medallions (Photo Credit: EWY Media)

More than one Medallion can be included in an order, and guests are charged just once for a shipment of up to 4 Medallions. However, if guests on the same booking have different home addresses, each shipment incurs the charge.

Previously, guests who bought the line’s Plus or Premier inclusive packages did not pay for shipping, but under the new policy, which began on February 27, 2026, they are subject to the cost.

The option exists, of course, to simply pick up Medallions at the time of embarkation, and that alternative is free.

Entry Fee to Adult Show Revealed on Norwegian Luna

A risqué adult-only show aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Luna has an admission cost of $45 per person, a fee that has taken some booked guests by surprise.

Norwegian Luna, a 3,571-guest new-build currently sailing her inaugural transatlantic cruise, will arrive at her new homeport, PortMiami, on March 23, 2026.

Some guests booked to sail on the ship have discovered the $44.99 fee to attend “LunaTique: Pop Circus,” which is limited to guests 21 and older and is described as having mature themes.

However, there are some perks to paying the fee: Each guest receives four specialty cocktails (or mocktails) and a souvenir glass to take home. A $10 fee will be charged if guests cancel their reservations within two hours of showtime.

Other, free, entertainment options are featured aboard Norwegian Luna, including “ELTON: A Celebration of Elton John.” It’s a musical review of his greatest hits. And then there’s “HIKO: Innovation Meets Wonder,” a high-tech dance and acrobatic show — also included in passengers’ cruise fares.

Norwegian Luna is the line’s second Prima Plus-class ship, following Norwegian Aqua, which launched in March 2025.

Virgin Voyages Opts for Brooklyn Terminal Over Manhattan

Virgin Voyages is shifting Valiant Lady’s homeport from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal to the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal due to infrastructure issues that have affected Manhattan’s Pier 90.

The change is effective on April 6, 2026, and impacts all of the ship’s cruises in April, and then again in September and October. Valiant Lady, a 2,770-guest ship, is scheduled to operate Bermuda cruises in April before heading to Europe for the summer season.

Valiant Lady Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Just dance)

Following her Europe deployment, Valiant Lady will return to the US — to the Brooklyn terminal, in September and October, for New England and Bermuda voyages. In late October, the ship will reposition to Puerto Rico for winter cruising in the Caribbean.

All told, 10 cruises from New York are affected, ranging from a 5-night Bermuda sailing in April to an 8-night fall foliage sailing in September, and the 12-night voyage to Puerto Rico in October.

Valiant Lady typically has been based at Pier 90, however, that facility is in disrepair, and a major redevelopment is planned. Currently, Pier 88 is the Manhattan terminal’s only operating berth for cruise ships.

P&O Cruises Tells Guests to Pay Up Sooner

P&O Cruises, the Carnival Corporation brand that caters to the UK market, changed its final payment requirement to 120 days before embarkation day.

The new policy is effective on new bookings made on and after March 10, 2026, for voyages departing on and after December 1, 2026.

Its previous policy required payment 90 days prior to departure, meaning that guests sailing after December 1 will have to fork over their final balance payment roughly a month earlier.

P&O Cruises Ship (Photo Credit: TTL Deez)

Existing bookings are not affected, nor are bookings made after March 10 if the cruise departure date is prior to December 1. P&O Cruises offered no reason for the change, but it is likely that the line is looking to lower the number of last-minute cancellations while posting more revenue on its books sooner.

The 120-day rule is not uncommon among the Carnival brands, although it has been mostly applied to luxury brands such as Cunard and Seabourn, which both require final payment at that time. Some of their longer voyages demand full payment even earlier, at 150 days prior to departure.

But other premium lines, including Princess Cruises and Holland America Line, implement the 90-day rule, with the exception of world cruise segments and lengthy itineraries, which follow the 120-day requirement.

Princess Cruises Hikes Service Fee Charge to 20%

The service charge applied to food-and-beverage purchases onboard Princess Cruises’ ships is on the rise, from 18% to 20%, and is taking effect almost immediately fleetwide.

Princess Cruises will implement the higher fee as each ship begins a new voyage in March 2026, meaning that guests sailing mid-cruise are not subject to the increase.

Sky Princess Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Ceri Breeze)

The new 20% charge applies to purchases of drinks, cover charges for specialty dining, and other services and amenities. As is the case currently, the fee is automatically added to such purchases and is nonrefundable.

Guests who have pre-paid for an all-inclusive package will not be impacted by the new fee. Also, the charge does not affect crew gratuities at all.

Sister brand Carnival Cruise Line implemented the same service fee hike from 18% to 20% in December 2025. Both lines are Carnival Corporation brands.

However, other Carnival-owned lines have lower service charges. Holland America Line maintains an 18% fee, at the moment, and Cunard, a luxury brand, charges just 15%. Rates are subject to change at any time.

Carnival Cruise Line Rolls Out Express Dining

Some cruisers embrace an unhurried and leisurely dinner, while others prefer to order, eat, and move onto the next activity. It’s for those folks that Carnival Cruise Line has introduced Express Dining.

Designed to provide a complete, multi-course experience within an hour, Express Dining offers guests a less comprehensive menu, but one that still features high-quality choices.

According to cruise line president Christine Duffy, a recent pilot program was a hit with guests, so the brand is rolling out the option fleetwide by the end of May 2026.

It enables guests to enjoy their dinner and not have to rush to evening performances and other events. Express Dining is already offered on 15 ships, including Mardi Gras, Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Firenze, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Breeze, among others.

Passengers who wish to participate in Express Dining can simply tell their servers in the dining room or, if they have signed up for Your Time Dining, guests can select the option through Carnival’s Hub App.

A Slew of Carnival Firenze Voyages Are Cancelled

Guests booked to sail aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Firenze on 11 getaway voyages from Long Beach, California, in the fall of 2026 got some bad news: Their cruise is cancelled.

Without offering a reason for the change, the cruise line has nixed the sailings — five 3-night and six 4-night Baja Mexico cruises departing between October 12 and November 16.

Carnival Firenze, accommodating 4,126 guests, sails to Ensenada on the shorter itinerary and adds Catalina Island on the longer cruises.

Carnival Firenze Docked in Long Beach (Photo Credit: blestkater)

Passengers are invited to rebook another sailing, and those who wish to do so must contact Carnival Cruise Line no later than March 25, 2026. They can apply their cruise fare to a new reservation and receive a $50 onboard credit per person.

Guests who do not rebook will have their reservations automatically cancelled after March 25, and receive a refund of their cruise fare and any pre-paid packages.

Carnival Firenze began sailing from Long Beach in April 2024. The ship is one of the line’s two Carnival Fun Italian Style ships transferred from sister brand Costa Cruises. The other vessel is Carnival Venezia, based in Port Canaveral.

More Cruise Headlines

Let’s keep going with even more news from Cruise Hive, including Princess Cruises rolling out its 2028 world cruise aboard Coral Princess; Florida lawmakers taking action to prevent development of a larger cruise port in Tampa; and an overboard scare on an MSC Cruises’ ship turning out to be a false alarm.

Also, Port Canaveral makes headway on the construction of a huge parking garage for cruise guests, and the first passenger reviews of Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Adventure indicate a few frustrations with the ship.

Royal Caribbean Shares Cozumel Beach Access Update

Royal Caribbean News

Catie Kovelman

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Mar 13, 2026

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Royal Caribbean Shares Cozumel Beach Access Update

Key Aspects:

Royal Caribbean is creating a new public beach as part of the development of Royal Beach Club Cozumel.
The site of the new beach will be in the Zona Hotelera Sur area, with the new location promoting safety and accessibility.
The construction of a new beach aligns with Royal Caribbean’s commitment to bettering the local community and the environment.

Royal Beach Club Cozumel, which is a private resort for Royal Caribbean guests, is expected to open later in 2026 – but not everyone has been excited about it.

The resort, which will be located around 6.5 miles from the cruise terminal, will span 42 acres and will feature roughly a third of a mile of coveted white-sand beach.

Some locals and cruise guests who prioritize other brands have expressed concerns that the paid resort will take over the beach, but Cruise Hive has confirmed that this won’t be the case.

In a March 12 press release, the cruise line confirmed that a new public beach will be created in the Zona Hotelera Sur area as part of Royal Caribbean’s development. The new location of the public beach should also provide greater accessibility, improved safety, and enhanced facilities.

“We are excited to bring the Royal Beach Club experience to Cozumel while ensuring that beach access, a right guaranteed under Mexican law, is available to all,” said Ari Adler Brotman, president, Royal Caribbean Mexico.

This area will be enjoyed, free of charge, and is available to all cruise passengers and locals – not just Royal Caribbean guests.

Construction will begin shortly and is just pending the completion of all necessary regulatory and environmental permits. But while the new beach is completed, the current public beach will remain open so that access is never interrupted.

Promoting Sustainability & Community Wellbeing

Even though beach access is required by law, Royal Caribbean’s willingness to create a new and better public beach access speaks to the company’s commitment to the community’s well-being within Cozumel and cultivating sustainable tourism.

“This initiative reflects our dedication to creating shared value by improving safety, accessibility and infrastructure for the community,” Adler Brotman continued.

This is in line with other community-forward steps that Royal Caribbean has taken with the development of its third beach club, and aligns with Royal Caribbean’s SEA the Future Initiative, which is all about bettering the brand’s portfolio while reducing environmental harm.

For example, Royal Caribbean has set four economic pillars to guide its new resort, which include creating more than 180 jobs and $30 million in salaries for locals during the construction of the beach club, and adding 700 jobs for locals to work in the finished beach club.

There is also a goal to bring an additional 1 million guests to Cozumel by 2031, which would be a major boost to the important tourism sector on the island, and for the resort to contribute over $350 million to the MX GDP over the next five years.

Meanwhile, six environmental pillars were put in place to confirm the new resort is as environmentally friendly as possible. These include a wastewater treatment plan, habitat protection and restoration, and working to only use products that will not end up in a landfill.

Royal Caribbean will also partner with local organizations for regular beach cleanups, and for accountability, the environmental progress will be publicly monitored by an independent Mexican firm.

What Can Guests Expect at Royal Beach Club Cozumel?

Royal Beach Club Cozumel will be a premium experience that is expected to cost around $150-$200+ per person, including drinks, food, and amenities.

It will feature luxury experiences and relaxation opportunities, including two main pools, private beach access, unlimited food and drinks, and six bars (including two swim-up bars). There will also be water activities, such as snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and a splash pad for kids.

For those looking for more of an authentic Mexican experience, cooking classes, tequila tastings, and even a Cacao Museum dedicated to the history of chocolate in Mexico will be available.

Guests who would like to visit the new resort when it opens later this year will be able to secure their spot by booking access in Royal Caribbean’s shore excursions.

Virgin Voyages Introduces New Indian Restaurant Coming to Valiant Lady

Virgin Voyages News

Catie Kovelman

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Mar 13, 2026

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Virgin Voyages Introduces New Indian Restaurant Coming to Valiant Lady

Key Aspects:

Valiant Lady is getting a brand new Indian dining experience, called Ariya, in May.
The restaurant will be hosted inside Razzle Dazzle every evening, which will remain a breakfast and brunch spot during the day.
The menu for the kitchen and bar has been designed in partnership with Indian Celebrity Chef, Maneet Chauhan.

Future guests of Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady have something new to look forward to. Ariya, a bold new Indian dining experience, is coming to the 2,770-guest ship this summer.

The popular Razzle Dazzle restaurant, which will remain a breakfast and brunch spot by day, will transform into a 220-seat Indian culinary sanctuary by night. It’s meant to cultivate a shared connection among guests and offer a break from the hustle and bustle of reality.

Soft lighting, cozy, cuddlore-inspired booths, deliberate pacing, and an electric soundtrack of Indian classics will whisk guests away to another world, using smell, taste, and ambiance to signal that the next few hours will be an experience that demands attention.

Ariya Private Dining Room, Valliant Lady

At the center of the restaurant, guests will enjoy a semi-private dining space that is framed by decorative screens to make them feel like they are inside a traditional Indian jewelry box.

“Ariya is the next chapter in our food and beverage collection that we’ve been building with real intention since day one. Every restaurant we open is a statement about what we believe dining at sea can be, and Ariya says something we haven’t said before,” Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages, said in a press release.

“Indian cuisine, done with this level of craft and this much heart, belongs on Valiant Lady. Sailors who’ve sailed with us before will understand immediately why this belongs here. For those who haven’t, Ariya might be the reason they book,” Saverimuttu continued.

Even the name of the restaurant has a special meaning that helps to tell its story. Ariya was the name of founder Sir Richard Branson’s grandmother, who was a traveler from the coastal town of Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu.

An Exciting New Menu

The menu and bar for this exciting new addition has been carefully curated through a partnership with acclaimed celebrity chef, television personality, and cookbook author, Maneet Chauhan.

“Ariya presents Indian cuisine with range and precision, pairing saffron-kissed classics with coconut-rich coastal flavors and vibrant regional specialties,” Virgin Voyages stated in an email to Cruise Hive.

Guests who dine at Ariya can look forward to expertly crafted dishes like Lamb Shank Biryani, Goan Curried Mussels, Malabar Coconut Crab Cake, Puffed Rice & Avocado Chaat, and Tandoori Pistachio-Crusted Snapper.

Chaat, which is a popular street food in India, will be at the heart of the carefully curated menu. It is known for being crispy, tangy, and deeply satisfying in a way that leaves diners wanting more.

The drinks at the bar have also been designed to complement the menu and draw upon the same regional influences as the kitchen.

Every experience will begin with a complimentary welcome sip of jaljeera, a chilled blend of zesty tamarind and cumin that serves as an excellent palate cleanser.

Afterwards, guests can order from an exciting array of exquisitely crafted cocktails and spirits, such as Saffron & Silk with scotch and toasted coconut smoke, Maharani Morning with rose, cardamom, and sparkling wine, and Bangalore Old Fashioned with jaggery and cardamom.

For those who don’t drink alcohol, the Seventh Leaf, a botanical zero-proof creation, is a standout option.

How to Experience Ariya

Ariya will debut exclusively onboard Valiant Lady at the end of May, after the 2022-launched ship completes its upcoming dry dock. The ship will undergo a month-long “glow up” from May 9-25, 2026.

When the 110,000-gross ton ship reenters service on May 25, she will begin her European season with the new dining experience open for business.

She will first homeport in Barcelona, Spain, from where she will offer 6- to 8-night sailings to destinations through Italy, Spain, and France.

The adults-only ship will then briefly homeport in Portsmouth, UK, operating 7- to 15-night sailings to destinations throughout England, Scotland, Ireland, Iceland, and the Netherlands.

Guests who would like to be among the first to experience Ariya can still secure bookings on these sailings directly through the cruise line or by booking through a reputable travel professional, including Cruise Hive.

Tampa’s Cruise Terminals Brace for Record Spring Break Rush

Port News

Lissa Poirot

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Mar 13, 2026

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Tampa’s Cruise Terminals Brace for Record Spring Break Rush

Key Aspects:

Spring break crowds are about to turn one Florida port into one of the busiest cruise hubs in the US this month.

Port Tampa Bay says March 2026 will be its busiest cruise month on record, with 51 cruise ships scheduled to call during the spring break travel rush.

The surge is being driven by seasonal travel and comes on the heels of a harsh winter, with cruise lines scheduling additional departures to keep up with the demand.

“March is one of the busiest travel months of the year, and we’re thrilled to welcome more cruise ships and passengers than ever before,” said Port Tampa Bay Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Raul Alfonso.

Alfonso says the record shows the popularity of Tampa as a cruise destination.

He added, “We look forward to providing an exceptional experience for travelers while responsibly planning for future growth.”

In March 2026, there are only seven days when a ship is not in port and 10 which will see three ships at port simultaneously, including March 28, when three different Royal Caribbean Vision-class vessels share the port together.

Grandeur of the Seas, with up to 1,992 passengers, will occupy Terminal 2; Enchantment of the Seas, carrying up to 2,252 guests, will occupy Terminal 3; and the 2,040-passenger Rhapsody of the Seas will take Terminal 6.

The busy month is part of a much larger year for the Gulf Coast port. Port Tampa Bay expects 394 cruise ship calls in 2026, with activity spread across its cruise terminals along the Channel District waterfront.

Officials say the port will see 53 three-ship days this year. That figure is more than double the roughly 20 such days recorded in previous years. The increase follows a record year for the port. In 2025, Port Tampa Bay handled 1.66 million cruise passengers, the highest annual total in its history.

That number is already climbing again. The port is currently tracking toward about 1.8 million passengers in 2026 as cruise lines continue expanding their deployments in Tampa.

Cruise operations have also become a major economic driver for the Tampa Bay area. According to the port, cruise activity generates more than $648 million annually in economic impact.

Region Looks to the Future

Port Tampa Bay is currently home to five major cruise lines – Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, and Margaritaville at Sea – offering a mix of short and week-long itineraries across the Caribbean.

Ships departing Tampa typically operate 4- to 7-night itineraries to the Western Caribbean, with frequent stops in Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras, and Belize City, Belize.

The port has also recently welcomed a luxury vessel to its lineup. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ Oceania Cruises is making three calls this month to add a higher-end cruise option from the port.

Despite the growth, Tampa faces a limitation that many other Florida cruise ports do not. Cruise ships sailing from Tampa must sail beneath the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, which provides roughly 180 feet of vertical clearance at zero tide.

The restriction actually prevents many of today’s largest cruise ships from reaching the port, including Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class and Icon-class fleets.

Developers are exploring plans for a new cruise port south of the bridge in Manatee County, which would allow much larger ships to sail from the Tampa Bay region.

However, as Cruise Hive reported earlier this week, the proposed port faces a number of hurdles. Until then, Port Tampa Bay will continue to shatter its own records in 2026 and beyond.

Portland Approves Major Cruise Fee Increase, Citing Growth and Environmental Concerns

Port News

Lissa Poirot

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Mar 13, 2026

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Portland Approves Major Cruise Fee Increase, Citing Growth and Environmental Concerns

Key Aspects:

Portland, Maine, will increase cruise passenger and infrastructure fees beginning in 2027.
The new port tariff was approved by the city council in February 2026.
The per-passenger fee will rise from $18 to $24 by 2030.

Passengers visiting Portland, Maine, will soon face higher fees as city officials move to adjust tariffs tied to the fast-growing cruise tourism sector.

The Portland City Council announced on February 19, 2026, that Tariff 11, the port’s updated fee schedule, will take effect January 1, 2027, gradually raising cruise ship charges through the end of the decade.

The changes raise both per-passenger fees and infrastructure tariffs for ships carrying more than 1,000 passengers.

Under the new schedule, the per-passenger fee will rise from $18 today to $24 by 2030, while the existing infrastructure fee will increase from $3 to $7 per passenger over the same period.

City officials say the changes are meant to balance Portland’s growing popularity as a cruise stop with concerns raised by residents about environmental impacts and harbor traffic.

The updated tariff system also includes an environmental incentive to encourage cruise lines to switch to cleaner fuels while visiting the port. Ships that use lower-sulfur fuels like marine gas oil while docked or anchored in Portland Harbor will receive a $2 per-passenger discount.

Portland does not currently offer shore power for cruise ships to plug into to shut down their engines while in port. This means ships calling in Portland must run engines or generators for onboard electricity.

District City Councilor Wes Pelletier said the changes, “will help fund our working waterfront while incentivizing cruise ships to keep Casco Bay clean.”

Cruise Ships Docked in Portland, Maine (Photo Credit: Andres Felipe Perez)

Under the new fee structure, Portland could see several million dollars more in annual port revenue. In 2025, the city hosted about 100 cruise ship visits, with larger vessels carrying upwards of more than 4,000 passengers.

Ships call in the New England port from spring through late fall, with vessels like MSC Cruises’ MSC Meraviglia, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Breakaway, and Princess Cruises’ Majestic Princess among the largest to visit.

These ships carry 4,488, 3,903, and 3,560 passengers at double capacity, respectively.

Rising Cruise Traffic and Coastal Tensions

Portland’s decision to raise cruise ship tariffs comes as cruise tourism continues to expand along Maine’s coast, bringing larger vessels and growing passenger volumes to ports across the state.

But the industry’s growth has drawn scrutiny from some residents and environmental advocates. Portland Cruise Control, for example, has been urging city leaders to strengthen environmental rules for cruise ships visiting the harbor.

The group is asking the city to ban scrubber wastewater discharge, arguing the contaminated wastewater could harm marine life in Casco Bay.

Environmentalists are also concerned with other coastal ports in Maine, where growing cruise traffic has become a concern. In Bar Harbor, voters approved a citizen initiative that limits cruise guest disembarkations to 1,000 people per day to protect the small town’s waterfront.

The rule has sparked a continuing legal dispute between the town and business groups that argue the restrictions could hurt tourism and local businesses.

Portland is also not the first American cruise port to adjust cruise fees as they look for ways to fund environmental initiatives. In Hawaii, lawmakers proposed a new “Green Fee” for visitors, including for cruise guests, in an effort to raise money for environmental protection and climate resilience projects.

In Juneau, Alaska, local officials also raised cruise passenger fees to help pay for environmental mitigation, infrastructure, and services needed to manage the city’s large number of cruise visitors each summer.

In cases of raised tariffs presented to cruise ships, cruise lines pass these on to guests with higher cruise fees.

Carnival Platinum Guests Lose Loyalty Perks Across Three Ships

Carnival Cruise News

Catie Kovelman

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Mar 13, 2026

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Key Aspects:

Platinum VIFP benefits have been removed from three upcoming Carnival sailings.
The decision impacts upcoming March 2026 sailings for Carnival Spirit, Carnival Legend, and Carnival Dream.
Guests will miss out on perks like priority embarkation and debarkation and early stateroom access.

Thousands of Carnival guests have learned that they will be going without their favorite loyalty perks on their sailings just days before embarkation.

Platinum members booked on three quickly approaching sailings will be missing out on several coveted perks due to the number of elite members of the Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) loyalty program booked on these cruises.

“Due to the high number of Platinum guests joining us on this voyage, we will not be able to provide the following benefits,” Carnival wrote in a letter to impacted guests.

The first impacted sailing will be Carnival Spirit’s March 14 departure, which is an 8-night Caribbean cruise based out of Mobile, Alabama. Next up is Carnival Legend’s March 16 embarkation, which is a 10-night sailing to the Caribbean and Panama from Galveston, Texas.

Worth Reading: Carnival Platinum Cruiser Furious Over ‘Priority’ Debarkation Policy

Last but not least is Carnival Dream’s March 21 itinerary, which is a 15-night transatlantic crossing from Barcelona, Spain, to Galveston.

Two of these three sailings are Carnival Journeys cruises, which last for nine or more days. Cruise Hive has consistently seen a higher number of elite VIFP members on these longer sailings, which makes perks less practical.

What Perks Will be Missing?

As is usually the case when Carnival removes loyalty perks, front-of-line and early access benefits have been eliminated.

“These operational changes are consistent with other voyages where we have a very large number of Platinum guests. We apologize for any disappointment and thank you for your understanding,” Carnival wrote.

This means that Platinum guests will not get priority embarkation or debarkation at any of the ports of call. Additionally, early stateroom access will not be available, and guests will need to wait until 1:30 p.m. on embarkation day to access their cabins like everyone else.

Carnival's Spirit-Class Cruise Ship — Carnival’s Spirit-Class Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Carmen K. Sisson)

Furthermore, priority luggage drop off and delivery will not be possible given the number of Platinum guests and the quick turnaround time.

Lastly, these passengers may not be able to get priority assistance from guest services. Usually, Platinum guests get access to a priority line and faster phone assistance.

If guests would like to recoup some of these benefits, they’ll need to try to snag a Faster to the Fun package if any are still available for their sailing. This package comes with perks like priority boarding, check-in, and early stateroom access.

Which Loyalty Benefits Remain?

First, it’s important to note that Diamond guests, who are the very top tier and one step above Platinum guests in the VIFP program, are not missing out on any of their benefits this time.

For context, Platinum guests need to sail with Carnival for at least 75 nights to reach this status, while Diamond level passengers must have sailed on the Fun Ships for a minimum of 200 nights.

Of course, the Platinum guests aren’t entirely out of luck either. They will still be eligible for perks like complimentary beverages, a welcome treat (upon request), a VIFP logo gift, and free wash & fold laundry service.

Moving forward, it should become easier for Carnival to consistently offer its loyalty perks once the new Rewards Program takes effect on September 1, 2026.

Tense Standoff as Carnival Adventure Denies Access to Inspectors

Carnival Cruise News

Catie Kovelman

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Mar 13, 2026

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Tense Standoff as Carnival Adventure Denies Access to Inspectors

Carnival crew members were caught on camera denying entry to Australian government and union officials, and the tense confrontation is going viral.

On March 9, 2026, officials from SafeWork NSW and the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) attempted to board Carnival Adventure in Sydney, Australia, which is where the 2,636-guest ship is currently homeporting.

For context, the MUA is a division of the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU), which represents more than 100,000 members across Australia.

According to local outlet Sky News, the organization was attempting to carry out an investigation after receiving multiple reports of “seafarer health and safety issues.”

The reports claim that crew members are subjected to overcrowded living conditions below deck with no safe drinking water and earn extremely low wages, allegedly making as little as $2.50 USD per hour.

However, Carnival did not let the representatives onboard, with members of the security team and several senior crew members stopping them in their tracks.

“That’s my badge, I’m a government official,” a SafeWork employee tried to explain in the video, which has been obtained by Cruise Hive.

“So, you’re refusing the government official’s access,” the man behind the camera then said.

“Do you guys understand? You’ve been formally advised that you won’t be attending the ship today so I respectfully ask you to leave…you won’t be entering the ship today,” a senior officer replied.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Maritime Union of Australia. (@maritime_union_australia)

Is Carnival Hiding Something?

There are always two sides to every story, and on the MUA’s side, suspicion against Carnival is growing.

MUA and SafeWork NSW allege that they have now been wrongfully refused entry to Carnival ships on three separate occasions.

“I don’t know what this company has got to hide but they set their entire squad of thugs down to refuse the state government inspectors from getting on board,” Union Member Shane Reside said in the video.

The officials say that they have the proper permits to conduct an inspection and will continue to fight for access.

“We have a right to come on board to speak to our members that work on these vessels,” an MUA official affirmed.

Notably, updated legislation in New South Wales now allows worker safety organizations, including the MUA, to launch proceedings in the court against companies that refuse entry to authorized inspectors.

If Carnival is found to be in the wrong, they could be on the hook for a maximum of $74,849 per incident.

Carnival Pushes Back Against Allegations

Carnival Cruise Line, meanwhile, stated to local outlets that they wouldn’t be “threatened” by the union and that only the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) had permission to board their ships.

“We won’t be threatened by the CFMEU. They have no authority to board our ship, bully our crew or violate security protocols that create risks for our guests,” a Carnival spokesperson said.

“The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is the proper regulator for protecting seafarers’ working and living conditions, and they are always welcome onboard,” the cruise line continued.

Carnival also alleges that the brand was told that the union representatives would be meeting the ship at the port to discuss conflict resolution and there was no prior mention of inspecting the ship.

“SafeWork NSW had written to us on Sunday saying they [would] not be seeking to board the ship, which had been communicated to our crew. We were certainly surprised by SafeWork’s about-face and the pressure applied to our crew,” Carnival added.

Interestingly, the reports about the 108,865 gross-ton vessel have surfaced after whistleblowers sounded the alarm about unsafe and poor living conditions onboard Carnival Encounter, which is also based in Australia.

Ultimately, an inspection by the AMSA, which Carnival happily accommodated, was not able to substantiate the claims.

Sickness Sweeps Through Guests and Crew on Newest Princess Cruises Ship

Princess Cruises News

Catie Kovelman

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Mar 13, 2026

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Sickness Sweeps Through Guests and Crew on Newest Princess Cruises Ship

Key Aspects:

Star Princess is dealing with a norovirus outbreak that is impacting its two March 7 sailings, which are being operated simultaneously.
More than 100 guests and 49 crew members have experienced gastrointestinal symptoms.
Enhanced sanitation protocols have been implemented onboard and embarkation will be delayed on March 14 to allow for a deep clean.

Star Princess, which debuted at the end of 2025, has experienced a lot of firsts in her first year in service. An outbreak, however, is one milestone the young cruise ship was hoping to avoid.

As of March 12, 2026, the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) has confirmed an outbreak of the highly contagious norovirus on the Princess cruise ship.

This is the first outbreak ever on the 4,300-guest ship and the second official gastrointestinal outbreak of the year reported by the CDC, which only covers US-based ships. The first outbreak was caused by E.coli and struck Regent Seven Seas’ Seven Seas Mariner in January.

104 of the 4,307 passengers onboard (or 2.4% of the guest population) experienced gastrointestinal symptoms. 49 of the 1,561 crew members (or 3.1% of the workforce) also became ill.

For context, gastrointestinal outbreaks must be reported when more than 2% of the onboard population becomes sick, and the VSP publicly declares an official outbreak when numbers reach 3%.

The impacted voyage is the current 7-night sailing to the Western Caribbean and Mexico that embarked in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on March 7, 2026. It will disembark at the same port on March 14, 2026.

The sailing is also being operated simultaneously with a 14-night sailing, which also embarked on March 7 and combines the Sphere-class ship’s 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries.

Preventative Protocols Implemented on Star Princess

Cruise lines do their best to keep their ships clean and sanitized at all times, but are prepared to implement increased sanitation protocols in the event of an outbreak.

The crew members are following the guidance of the VSP, including isolating symptomatic passengers and increasing cleaning and disinfection of public spaces, eateries, and high-touch surfaces, such as railings and elevator buttons.

Star Princess Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Catie Kovelman / Cruise Hive)

The onboard medical team also aided in collecting stool specimens to confirm the causative agent was indeed norovirus. As much as an outbreak can put a damper on the vacation experience, current guests have been laudatory toward Princess’s proactive response.

“I see staff members cleaning everywhere. They are constantly sanitizing the railings in the stairwells and the piazza stairs. Table wipe downs are thorough and I’ve seen items like salt and pepper shakers and the like being removed after use,” one current guest shared on Reddit.

Multiple guests have also said that their room stewards are taking extra time to more thoroughly clean their cruise cabins, and the effort is paying off.

“I am on Star right now. Captain just announced things are looking better with the “gastrointestinal concerns.” Staff is cleaning like crazy and they changed everyone’s bed linen last night,” another guest added.

The passengers went on to note that crew members have been stationed at the entrances of restaurants to encourage passengers to wash their hands, and added additional hand sanitizer stations around the ship.

They also said that there have been ship-wide announcements keeping passengers informed of the situation and advising them on what to do if they experience symptoms.

Next Embarkation Slightly Delayed

When the 177,800-gross ton ship arrives in Fort Lauderdale on March 14, there will be a slight delay before passengers can embark for the next 14-night Caribbean sailing.

“I am supposed to board the Star in FLL on March 14 and I just got an email that there seems to be an outbreak of Gastrointestinal issues on board. They are delaying boarding in FLL to do a deep clean,” a soon-to-be guest also shared on Reddit.

It’s not uncommon for cruise ships to delay boarding to do a deep clean of the cruise terminal and the ship with fewer passengers around.

For example, Cruise Hive reported that this same protocol was followed for Crown Princess, Coral Princess, and Sky Princess following gastrointestinal outbreaks in 2025.

The extra cleaning is not something that future guests should be concerned about, but rather one more step that crew members can take to ensure that the outbreak will not continue on the next sailing.

Disney’s Massive New Ship Debut Hit by Mattress Shock and Early Letdowns

Disney Cruise Line News

Melissa Mayntz

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Mar 12, 2026

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Disney’s Massive New Ship Debut Hit by Mattress Shock and Early Letdowns

Key Aspects:

Some surprisingly poor details have emerged from Disney Adventure‘s maiden voyage from Singapore.
Thin mattresses and an inoperative roller coaster are the lowlights circulating on social media.
Fortunately, there are also many great reviews and fun options onboard for everyone to enjoy.

Disney Cruise Line is known for many superlatives, including spectacular service, extraordinary theming, decadent menus, and outstanding entertainment. It stands to reason that guests onboard Disney Cruise Line’s newest, biggest ship would be in for even more wows.

The first reviews are trickling in from Disney Adventure‘s maiden sailing from Singapore, however, and not all the notes are exceptional.

Popular YouTuber Theme Park Express has shared some first impressions from the ship’s March 9, 2026 departure on social media. During the 3-night cruise to nowhere, there was time to check out all the ship had to offer.

Unfortunately, not all the offerings were as amazing as expected. Of greatest concern was the size of the interior stateroom, along with the condition of the mattresses (if they can be called mattresses!) and noise.

Theme Park Express had an interior stateroom on Deck 13, a first-in-fleet feature for Disney Cruise Line with interior staterooms having views overlooking public spaces. In this case, the stateroom overlooked Disney Imagination Garden. While the view was lovely and convenient, the noise was not so pleasant.

“There’s definitely noise [bleeding] through even with the door closed and locked,” Theme Park Insider noted.

This type of stateroom is currently the cheapest onboard Disney Adventure, but that doesn’t mean it really is “cheap” for upcoming sailings. The cheapest rates for 3-night sailings in the coming months start at roughly $700 per person.

The room, which can sleep four, is surprisingly bare-bones and doesn’t have a traditional bed. Instead, two couches pull out at night, while two more bunks are lowered into position for additional guests.

Disney Cruise Line notes that this stateroom arrangement is expected to be popular with young, single travelers as a lower-priced option but guests still have access to all onboard experiences, dining opportunities, and more that the biggest ship in the fleet offers.

When the beds are made up for the night, along with ladders to access the upper bunks, there is very little floor space to move around in the stateroom. Even more surprising, however, is the state of the bedding.

“I DON’T EVEN HAVE A **** MATTRESS!” said Theme Park Insider. “They just put a cover and a thin pad on the couch cushion!”

In the photo, it appears a mattress topper is layered over the couch cushion (which itself is fairly thin) and held in place with thick elastic straps. This would create a very firm feeling for sleepers, which might be fine for some travelers but could be very uncomfortable for others.

I DONT EVEN HAVE A DAMN MATTRESS!! They just put a cover and a thin pad on the couch cushion! 🫠 #DisneyAdventure https://t.co/8OEVfRJhiB pic.twitter.com/h6GhFUiyrL
— Theme Park Express (@ThemeParkExpres) March 10, 2026

Other less-than-pleasant surprises onboard include a much darker color palette in the Walt Disney Theater than onboard other ships in the fleet, as well as lackluster menus in some restaurants. Of course, menu offerings are always subjective and not everyone shares the same tastes.

Finally, one exciting feature of the ship just wasn’t available to the initial cruisers. Ironcycle Test Run, the longest roller coaster at sea and a first for Disney Cruise Line, was never operational during the voyage.

While it isn’t unusual for different attractions to have downtime, the loss of one of the ship’s most unique attractions is certainly disappointing to guests.

Iron Cycle coaster NEVER OPENED on the #DisneyAdventure maiden voyage and many guests (from what I heard) voiced their frustrations and in return we were given $100 stateroom credit at 11pm the night before the cruise ended. I appreciate the offer but for those who didn’t spend… pic.twitter.com/xs1SJKkSa6
— Theme Park Express (@ThemeParkExpres) March 12, 2026

In response to onboard feedback and frustrations, Disney Cruise Line did offer guests $100 of onboard credit that was posted on the last night of the sailing.

“We understand that you may not have been able to experience everything you had hoped to enjoy on the cruise,” a letter delivered to guests’ staterooms read. “As a thank you for sailing with us and for your understanding – we are pleased to extend an onboard credit of $100 per stateroom.”

Theme Park Insider notes that while the gesture is a nice one, it’s not very useful for those who might not spend much onboard. The credit is exclusive to purchases during this specific cruise and cannot be transferred to any future sailing.

Some Spectacular Fun Aboard

All the reviews aren’t negative, however. Despite some glitches and disappointments, Theme Park Insider not-so-subtly shares the best points of the voyage as well.

“‘Remember’ is [hands] down the BEST Disney Cruise Line show ever created! It left everyone in our group in literal tears (including me) by the end,” they said. “The puppetry is incredible and the whole company is fantastic! Disney truly brought Pixar to life with this show and gave us a story that left me wanting another hour in show length.”

Equally enthusiastic was the response to the “Lion King Celebration in the Sky” fireworks show, which Theme Park Insider calls the “crown jewel” of the fireworks displays the cruise line puts on. The pyrotechnic entertainment was nearly 12 minutes long, definitely longer than most at-sea fireworks displays.

More From Cruise Hive

Other great details that wowed guests were the dynamic lighting in the Animator’s Table restaurant, fantastic menus in select restaurants, and the classic Mickey churro waffles that made a highly anticipated appearance on the last morning of the cruise.

Other guests onboard Disney Adventure‘s first sailings have used words such as “floored,” “overwhelmed,” “absolutely beautiful,” and of course, “magical” to describe the new ship, which is sure to amaze thousands of travelers each week.

It’s not unusual for brand new cruise ships to experience some glitches or be missing some finishing touches while the details of new operation are ironed out. Hopefully Disney Adventure‘s upcoming sailings will be smoother and better than ever, giving all 6,700 guests onboard amazing adventures to enjoy.

Disney Adventure will remain homeported from Singapore for several years, offering 3- and 4-night cruise to nowhere itineraries that will immerse guests in every adventure onboard.