Carnival Cruise Line is not responsible if guests miss private tours due to time differences.
John Heald has reminded guests that not all ports are on the ship’s time or Daylight Savings Time.
Cruise lines take several steps to remind guests about important times, but guests are ultimately responsible for being on time.
One great thing about a cruise vacation is the ability to not worry about timing, schedules, or (in this writer’s case) deadlines while at sea. But what about in ports of call? One Carnival cruise guest learned the hard way that when visiting a port, it’s critical to stay on top of timing and doing so is not the cruise line’s responsibility.
With much of the US beginning Daylight Saving Time just a few days ago, there is naturally a period of confusion about exactly what time it is, especially for guests traveling between different time zones.
On cruises, guests are urged to stay on “ship’s time,” but even cruise ships change for Daylight Saving Time if it aligns with their homeport.
One guest has found out the hard way, however, that time changes are not universal and it is important to make sure everyone involved in travel plans at ports of call synchronizes their watches.
This guest reached out to John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador, with her displeasure. While Heald did not directly share her comments, he did share her story and his warnings with it.
Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive
“If you are booking a private excursion outside of Carnival Cruise Line please remember that it is your personal responsibility to check the timings of everything that comes with doing this,”he said.
“The Caribbean ports may not follow the same time as the ship and in this lady’s case may not follow the United States daylight savings time. So if, like this lady, you miss the private excursion because of the time difference it is not Carnival’s fault.”
The guest missed the departure for her privately organized tour. The tour company did not refund her money, which is understandable as it was her error that caused the missed departure.
Cruise Hive has previously reported on similar instances when Carnival Cruise Line is not responsible for unfortunate circumstances, such as guests missing their ship’s departure due to traffic as they drive to the port.
What Time Is It in Port?
Heald did not reveal which ship the woman was sailing on or in which port she missed her tour. A number of popular destinations on Caribbean itineraries do not follow Daylight Saving Time, including:
Belize – Belize City, Half Moon Caye
Costa Rica – Puntarenas
Dominican Republic – Amber Cove, Puerto Plata
Honduras – Roatan
Jamaica – Ocho Rios, Falmouth, Montego Bay
Mexico – Costa Maya, Cozumel
Puerto Rico – San Juan
Carnival Cruise Line does take several steps to alert guests to the proper time when arriving at a new port of call. The ship’s cruise director will likely make multiple announcements the day before and the morning of arrival at the port about the new time. It will be printed in the Fun Times newsletter as well as in the Carnival Hub app, and there will be signage at the gangway.
All of these alerts are not only to urge guests to stay on the ship’s time but also to be aware of the all-aboard time before the ship’s departure as it leaves the port.
One unique difficulty guests may face is if they rely on cell phones or smart watches to keep track of the time. Depending on the device settings, it may automatically adjust to local times in ports of call. This can be helpful for private shore tours or retailer operating hours, but it may not align with the ship’s time.
Ultimately, Carnival Cruise Line is not responsible if guests do not make it back to the ship on time after private tours or exploring on their own.
Likewise, the cruise line is not responsible if guests miss out on tours or other opportunities on shore because they are mistaken about the time. On a tour booked through the cruise line, however, the ship will wait for a late or delayed tour to return before departure.
Coral Princess will operate a 115-night world voyage in 2028.
Princess Cruises has just announced one of the most exciting world cruises yet for Coral Princess.
The Coral-class flagship will depart on an epic 115-night sailing on January 3, 2028, with roundtrip itineraries offered from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Los Angeles, California.
In just under four months, Coral Princess will traverse 36,000 nautical miles, visit 24 countries on five different continents, and cross both the Equator and the International Date Line. It will visit a total of 49 different ports.
“Our 2028 World Cruise is an unparalleled voyage designed for travelers to see the world in a meaningful, immersive way — with more overnight stays, more time in port, deeper cultural connections and unforgettable moments at every turn,”said Jim Berra, Princess Cruises Chief Commercial Officer.
“Guests will embark on an exceptional and deeply rewarding journey with extraordinary exploration, effortlessly wrapped in Princess’ signature warmth,” Berra continued.
Passengers are welcomed to remain onboard the 2,000-guest vessel for the entirety of the global voyage. Alternatively, Cruise Hive has confirmed that shorter segments ranging from 20 to 100 nights will also be offered for guests who can’t be away as long.
An Exciting Global Itinerary
Coral Princess is no stranger to world cruises and is currently in the middle of a 131-night Circle Pacific Voyage, which is a route that avoids regional tensions in the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.
Another 129-night Circle Pacific Voyage is scheduled for 2027, which will visit 61 iconic destinations across three continents.
But what makes the newly unveiled 2028 cruise extra special is that the 2003-launched ship will make her maiden call at Mossel Bay, South Africa.
Coral Princess World Cruise Itinerary
Mossel Bay is not only a charming coastal town, but alsoa UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning coastal caves that hold some of the earliest evidence of modern human culture that dates back more than 160,000 years.
In addition to visiting South Africa, the 91,627-gross ton vessel will sail to the Panama Canal, Hawaii and the South Pacific (including Samoa and Fiji), Australia, New Zealand, the Indian Ocean (Mauritius and Réunion Island), and Casablanca, Morocco (Africa).
A significant portion of the voyage will also be spent in Europe, with port calls scheduled in the Mediterranean (i.e., Barcelona and Sicily) and the Adriatic Sea (i.e., Dubrovnik).
After completing the European portion of the sailing, the ship will cross the Atlantic Ocean to return to North America.
Extended Calls & New Excursions
In order to make the most of all the exciting destinations on the itinerary, Princess Cruises is offering ten extended port calls and brand new shore excursions.
Late-night visits will take place in bucket list destinations like Barcelona, Spain; Casablanca, Morocco; Honolulu, Hawaii; and Sydney and Melbourne in Australia.
Guests will also enjoy even longer, overnight calls in Cape Town, South Africa, and Auckland, New Zealand.
“These extended calls let guests experience each destination after dark. Highlights include world‑class dining and wine in South Africa, Mediterranean cultural treasures, Hawaii’s vibrant island life, and the cosmopolitan energy of Australia and Europe,”Princess Cruises stated.
In terms of tours, Princess Cruises is offering safari adventures to Africa’s top five celebrated game preserves. These include the Aquila Game Reserve and the Pumba Private Game Reserve, which is famous for its white lions.
Captain’s Circle Members (Princess Cruises’ Loyalty Program) may also be eligible for a $3,000 onboard credit, which can be put toward shore excursions like these.
The 2028 world cruise is already available for booking directly through the cruise line or through qualified travel professionals, including Cruise Hive.
Norwegian Cruise Line currently sends five of its ships on Alaska cruises — Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Spirit — and the best of the bunch is going to depend on what kind of experience you’re hoping for and what matters most to you when cruising.
Overall, while yes, the brand may not have a long legacy of offering Alaskan cruises (that honor would have to go to Princess Cruises or Holland America), Norwegian Cruise Line is an absolutely excellent pick if you’re taking a cruise vacation to Alaska with the family, including kids and teens. All the ships are packed with family-friendly amenities and activities.
So how do you pick? I’m breaking down everything you need to know about each ship so you can make the best choice for your upcoming getaway.
Ship Overview
Ship
Homeport(s)
Glacier Access
Best For
Norwegian Bliss
Seattle
Glacier Bay
Big‑ship amenities
Norwegian Encore
Seattle
Glacier Bay
Modern, activity‑heavy cruising
Norwegian Jade
Vancouver, Whittier
Hubbard Glacier, Inside Passage
Smaller‑ship comfort
Norwegian Joy
Seattle
Glacier Bay
Feature‑rich without crowds
Norwegian Spirit
Honolulu, Vancouver
Varies by itinerary
Intimate, unique routes
Norwegian Bliss
Originally built in 2018 and weighing in with a gross tonnage of 168,028 GT and a double occupancy of just over 4,000 people, Norwegian Bliss offers a lot to love.
For years, the ship has offered highlights such as a go-kart track on the top deck, a double-loop waterslide that hangs out over the ocean, and the ritzy VIP Haven area.
Photo Credit: lenic
However, things got even better in early 2025, when the vessel underwent some massive refurbishments that made it all the more ideal for an Alaskan cruise.
The dry dock introduced a new outdoor venue, Horizon Park, with lawn games and loungers, and the first immersive theater at sea. In The Haven, Premiere Owner’s Suites were upgraded to offer three bedrooms. A new seafood restaurant, Palomar, was likewise added.
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Norwegian Bliss
Expect an upgraded, top-tier cruise experience with plenty to do at all hours. This ship is packed to the gills with amenities and fun, as well as spots to catch amazing views of the Last Frontier as it passes by.
You’ll find awesome views in the Observation Lounge, where you can enjoy 180-degree scenery without braving the cold. However, do note that on glacier days, this venue is packed, packed, packed, and you’ll have better luck outdoors. To escape the crowds, head outside to the Waterfront oceanfront promenade, or even Vibe Beach Club.
Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz
If you’re lucky enough to be staying in The Haven, you’ll also enjoy good views in The Haven Restaurant. Otherwise, the District Brew House is a nice pick, if you snag a window seat.
Of course, if you have a balcony stateroom, you can enjoy the views in private, too. Just note that this ship isn’t going to give you an intimate experience and there can be, as alluded, crowds.
If you want a quiet, low-key Alaskan cruise, you might want to consider one of the other ships or another cruise line altogether. Additionally, for full disclosure, you may find some of the Norwegian Cruise Line-offered excursions to be a little on the pricier side.
Norwegian Bliss Alaska Deployments
Norwegian Bliss sails itineraries ranging from seven to 11 nights, with fares starting at under $100 per night. All of the itineraries depart from Seattle, with round-trip sailings visiting the oh-so-popular Glacier Bay, as well as favorites like Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, and more.
Norwegian Bliss Pros & Cons in Alaska
Pros
Cons
Lots to do on the ship
A bigger ship with crowds
Recently updated
Ship-sold shore excursions can be pricey
Plenty of spots for great views, both indoors and out
Norwegian Encore
Norwegian Encore is fairly similar to Norwegian Bliss. It was built in 2019, and measures 169,116 GT, with a double occupancy just under 4,000 people.
It likewise offers highlight amenities and features such as the top deck go-kart track, the Waterfront promenade, the Observation Lounge, and adrenaline-pumping waterslides for the thrill-seekers. Families will enjoy the indoor entertainment options such as VR games.
Norwegian Encore in Alaska (Photo Credit: EWY Media / Shutterstock)
Norwegian Encore underwent its last refurbishment in late 2024. The changes decreased the size of the Observation Lounge, added more staterooms, increased the sizes of suites in The Haven, and added the Spice H20 adults-only outdoor space with its hot tubs, pool and bar. Seafood restaurant Palomar was also added.
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Norwegian Encore
This ship will give you a modern cruise experience with loads to do and plenty of options around every corner, from booking your stateroom to picking where you’ll eat to deciding how to stay entertained when you’re not in port.
Norwegian Encore Docked in Alaska (Photo Credit: EWY Media)
Speaking of being in port, though, a lot of cruisers do find that Norwegian Encore doesn’t really stop long enough in each destination.
Snag those great views in the Observation Lounge (though, again, you’re going to run into crowds), as well as on the promenade and in Spice H20. Since Alaska doesn’t typically offer pool-friendly weather, you’ll be able to easily get yourself a seat on the pool deck.
Keep in mind that some of these longer itineraries are actually NCL Cruisetours and have you on land for further exploration at the start or end of a trip — you’re not on the ship all 12 nights. Stops include Ketchikan, Victoria, Glacier Bay, Skagway and more.
Norwegian Encore Pros & Cons in Alaska
Pros
Cons
Big modern ship
Bigger ships come with crowds
Lots of amenities and options
You’ll likely compete with other cruisers for restaurant reservations, show seat availability and views
Norwegian Jade
Compared to the first two ships on this list, Norwegian Jade is much older and much smaller. Built in 2006, the ship weighs less than 100,000 GT and holds just about 2,400 passengers at double occupancy.
Don’t worry, though — while this ship may be far from its infancy, it’s receiving new life as of late. A major three-week dry dock refurbishment in spring 2026, ahead of the ship’s Alaska cruising season, brings some nice changes.
The cruise line is adding the adults-only Vibe Beach Club to Deck 14 and Deck 7 gets a Starbucks, for example. Otherwise, the ship will receive a general refresh to keep things spiffy.
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Norwegian Jade
If you’ve been avoiding one of the larger ships that Norwegian Cruise Line sends to Alaska, because you really do think that they’re just going to be too big, too crowded and too overwhelming for your liking … well, then, Norwegian Jade may just be your perfect fit!
Think about it — Norwegian Jade can only fit about half the number of passengers that are routinely on Norwegian Bliss or Norwegian Encore. That’s a big difference.
As such, you’ll enjoy a more low-key, mid-sized ship experience, which ultimately makes for better scenic cruising and easier getting off and on the ship during port days.
Yes, the ship is older and refurbishments can only do so much, but if you’re planning to spend the large majority of your time actually enjoying Alaska rather than the cruise ship, you’ll be just fine.
Norwegian Jade Alaska Deployments
You’ll find a ton of Norwegian Jade Alaska itineraries on offer, with the majority being 10 to 13-night cruises (again, though, note that some of these are Alaska Cruisetours, so keep that in mind as you’re booking).
Cruises depart from both Vancouver and Whittier. This can be a pro or con, depending on who you ask.
Some American cruisers like the convenience of cruising directly from Seattle, on a round-trip cruise. Others, meanwhile, would prefer to get started right away in Alaska, and then take a one-way cruise to Vancouver, even if it comes with the added travel hassle of starting and ending your cruise in different ports.
Which is the best option is up to you. Stops include the Hubbard Glacier, Icy Straight Point, Inside Passage and others. Fares start at under $80 per night.
Norwegian Jade Pros & Cons in Alaska
Pros
Cons
Smaller, more intimate ship
No deployments from Seattle
More affordable cruise fares
Older ship, despite renovations
Norwegian Joy
Norwegian Joy isn’t quite as big as Norwegian Bliss, but it’s definitely not as small and compact as Norwegian Jade.
Built in 2017, it weighs in at 167,725 GT and can hold around 3,800 cruisers. It boasts the features that many have come to expect from Norwegian Cruise Line’s newer ships, such as a go-kart track, the Waterfront Promenade, and the Galaxy Pavilion.
Photo Credit: EB Adventure Photography
Norwegian Joyunderwent a dry dock in 2024. These changes redesigned suites in The Haven and expanded both the spa and Vibe Beach Club.
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Norwegian Joy
This Breakaway Plus-class ship provides plenty to do and enjoy, even if it’s not the largest in the fleet. For example, it has more than 20 bars and lounges and more than a dozen restaurants.
Norwegian Joy Open Deck
However, despite the ship’s size and guest capacity, many report that it doesn’t feel all that crowded, even if you’re sailing on a full Alaskan cruise. As such, if you’re really tempted by all those features on Norwegian Bliss, but the crowds are scaring you off, consider Norwegian Joy.
For views, bundle up and take a stroll along the outdoor promenade. It’s a quarter-mile long, so you should be able to find some room.
Norwegian Joy Alaska Deployments
You’ll find nine and 10-night itineraries offered on Norwegian Joy, with fares starting at around $90 per night. All itineraries leave from Seattle, and all are round-trip. Popular stops include Sitka, Skagway, Glacier Bay and others.
Norwegian Joy Pros & Cons in Alaska
Pros
Cons
The ship doesn’t feel overly crowded
Cruisers report a lot of onboard upselling
Tons of amenities, food, and beverage options
Not a ton of itinerary options or a wide range of departure ports
Norwegian Spirit
The final ship out of the five that Norwegian Cruise Line sends to Alaska is also the oldest. Built in 1998, Norwegian Spirit is modestly sized, at 75,904 GT, with a double occupancy of 2,018 cruisers. Norwegian Spirit received a massive $100 million overhaul in 2020.
After the dry dock, the ship boasted 14 new venues, more staterooms and an expanded spa (doubled in size!). New venues included an extra main dining room, multiple new bars and other dining options, and Spice H20 (which took the place of the children’s waterpark that was there previously).
As such, if you sailed on this ship a long time ago, like before 2020, then your past opinions of the vessel may no longer hold true.
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Norwegian Spirit
Even with the refurbishments, though, there’s only so much that a cruise line can do with a small ship like this. They can’t really magically add waterslides or go-karts. You can only fit in so many restaurants and bars.
As such, during an Alaskan cruise, you’re not going to find quite so much to do on this ship. However, if you’re not worried about spending time on the ship, and want to focus on an authentic Alaska experience, you’ll likely not be bothered at all.
Additionally, the smaller size makes for a more intimate cruising experience with fewer crowds and a calmer environment.
Norwegian Spirit Alaska Deployments
Norwegian Cruise Line offers some very unique routes on Norwegian Spirit — 16-night cruises that combine time spent in the tropics and time spent in Alaska. You could visit Honolulu, Kahului Maui, Nawiliwili Kauai, and then head on over to Sitka, Skagway, and Ketchikan.
Oh, and then? The ship turns right back around for Alaska-to-Hawaii itineraries. Cruises start at around $85 per night.
Celestyal Cruises has cancelled the next two sailings of Celestyal Discovery, due to the Iran war.
The line’s two ships, Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey, are in Dubai and Doha, respectively.
Both ships were operating Arabian Gulf itineraries when the conflict began.
As the US-Israeli war with Iran continues to escalate, engulfing the Middle East in chaos, another cruise line, Celestyal Cruises, has cancelled two future voyages.
The boutique line’s two ships, Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey, are stuck at the Arabian Gulf ports of Dubai, UAE, and Doha, Qatar, respectively. Like other cruise brands, Celestyal has been unable to move its ships away from the conflict, which began on February 28, 2026.
In a Facebook post on March 9, 2026, the cruise line confirmed that it has cancelled Celestyal Discovery’s next two cruises, a 3-night and 4-night sailing, both scheduled to sail roundtrip from Athens on March 20 and March 23, respectively.
“Given the current situation we have taken the decision to cancel the March 20 (3-night Iconic Aegean) and March 23 (4-night Iconic Aegean) sailings operated by Celestyal Discovery, while we finalize operational arrangements for the ship’s repositioning to the Mediterranean ahead of the summer season,” Celestyal Cruises said in its post.
Guests were being offered full refunds or future cruise credits. The cruise line has not yet announced any cancellations of Celestyal Journey’s upcoming itineraries. Both ships are set to begin their summer series of Mediterranean cruises from Athens.
First Priority: Transporting Guests Home
The cruise line’s priority in recent days has been the safe disembarkation of guests who were onboard the two vessels when the military conflict began. Celestyal Cruises confirmed that all guests had debarked from Celestyal Discovery in Dubai, and the line was working to disembark guests from Celestyal Journey.
According to the post, the disembarkation from that ship was estimated to be completed sometime on March 10, 2026. Celestyal Discovery accommodates 1,360 guests, and Celestyal Journey has a capacity for 1,260.
“We continue to follow developments closely and remain focused on resuming our planned programme as soon as possible. We sincerely thank our guests and valued partners for their patience and understanding,” the cruise line wrote.
Celestyal Discovery’s next scheduled voyage, a 3-night Greek Islands cruise, is set to depart March 27, 2026, while Celestyal Journey’s next cruise is a 7-night Adriatic voyage departing on April 4, 2026. Both are to sail roundtrip from Athens.
Celestyal Cruises bought Celestyal Discovery in 2023 from AIDA Cruises, where the ship operated as AIDAaura. Celestyal Journey was acquired the same year from Seajets. The ship had previously sailed in the Holland America Line and P&O Australia Cruises fleets.
Next Priority: Getting Cruise Ships to Safer Ports
Following the disembarkation of all guests, the cruise line will join other cruise brands in another challenge — attempting to safely sail its ships away from the region.
As reported in Cruise Hive, several cruise ships have been stranded in the Middle East, unable to sail to safe destinations without transiting the Strait of Hormuz, which is at least temporarily closed to shipping.
Among the cruise lines that found their ships in harm’s way as the conflict unfolded was MSC Cruises. The brand’s MSC Euribia was operating its winter season cruises from Dubai when the war began.
The line has since cancelled three 7-night voyages that were to depart on March 14, 21, and 28, 2026. Guests had the choice of embarking on the ship in either Doha or Abu Dhabi. The mega-ship has the capacity to carry 6,300 guests with all berths full. MSC Cruises also had to debark guests from the ship while it was docked in Dubai, and arrange to fly passengers home.
Most recently, Aroya Cruises, a small cruise line based in Saudi Arabia, announced it would cancel all scheduled sailings of its one ship, Aroya, from Arabian Gulf ports for the rest of the 2026 season.
Carnival Cruise Line is now rolling out a dinner Express Dining service across the fleet.
The program will be available onboard all Carnival ships by the end of May.
Express Dining menus are slightly abbreviated but do not sacrifice quality or deliciousness.
With so much to do onboard a cruise ship, guests are eager not to miss out on anything from activities to entertainment to delicious dining. When meals can take 90 minutes or longer, however, some cruise guests have found themselves forced to miss out on one thing or another.
Now, Carnival Cruise Line is working to remedy those schedule conflicts with the rollout of its new Express Dining option in the Main Dining Rooms.
Express Dining aims to offer the same delicious dining as the regular menu, but with “slightly abbreviated” options and in a shorter timeframe to suit today’s guests.
“Our guests continue to tell us they value greater flexibility in how they spend their time on board, and Express Dining was designed with that in mind,”said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
“Our pilot program generated positive feedback from our guests. With this in mind, we are excited to expand Express Dining to offer them the same high quality dishes and attentive service our dining rooms are known for, while giving guests the ability to use more of their time to enjoy all the other onboard fun.”
Express Dining is designed to offer the full, multi-course meal experience in under 60 minutes. This would give guests plenty of time to enjoy evening events, such as signature production shows, dance parties, photo sessions, live music, spa appointments, and more.
The program is already available on 15 ships and is now being rolled out across the entire Carnival fleet. Full implementation across all 29 ships is expected to be complete by the end of May.
In the meantime, guests aboard the following ships can already enjoy Express Dining:
Breeze
Celebration
Conquest
Dream
Firenze
Freedom
Glory
Horizon
Jubilee
Mardi Gras
Panorama
Radiance
Sunrise
Venezia
Vista
Guests interested in the Express Dining option can let their serving team know. If guests have Your Time Dining, they can opt in to the new program via the Hub App.
Cruise Hive has previously reported on the Family Express lunch Carnival Cruise Line has offered at the Lido Marketplace buffet. The lunch program was first offered onboard Carnival Vista.
Following great success and popularity, the program was expanded fleetwide in September 2025, with guests eager to see the option during dinner hours. Now, the new Express Dining program does just that.
Of course, guests can still opt for the full dining experience if they prefer a more leisurely meal, as no one is being forced into the faster service. The option is strictly by guests’ choice, ensuring flexibility for their dining preferences and evening plans.
Some Limitations Still Apply to Express Dining
There are limitations to the new shorter meal service, however. The Express Dining option will have a less extensive menu than the full seating options, though Carnival Cruise Line has not yet offered any direct comparison between menus on the same night.
This is not unexpected, as some dishes require more intensive preparation that may not be possible for a shorter seating time.
All food is prepared-to-order, ensuring the freshest and most delicious dishes for guests to enjoy. By carefully curating the menu options for Express Dining, Carnival Cruise Line ensures guests still have the same quality cuisine no matter which dining option they select.
Top favorites such as filet mignon and grilled lamb chops will still be offered with Express Dining, along with other easy-to-plate, tried-and-true favorites for appetizers, entrees, and desserts. So long as the cruise line’s famous warm chocolate melting cake is still on the menu, I’m good!
The new program is also only available for parties of six or fewer guests. Larger groups cannot be accommodated in the shorter time frame, likely due to the complexity of ensuring multiple dishes with different preparation times are ready to serve simultaneously.
Special dietary requests, such as allergies, will still be accommodated with Express Dining, ensuring the program is available to all guests regardless of their dietary needs.
Florida has passed Senate Bill 302, which will hinder plans for a new cruise port in Tampa.
The new legislation protects the waters surrounding the proposed site, which could block necessary dredging and construction.
Public opposition also continues to grow, with a petition against the port nearing 20,000 signatures.
Another hurdle is blocking the proposed new cruise port in Tampa Bay, Florida, and may put a stop to the project before it even really begins.
Private developers have been considering building a new multi-berth port on the 328 acres of land known as the Knott-Cowen tract in Manatee County, which would enable larger mega-ships to operate out of Tampa for the first time ever.
These plans would also necessitate the purchase of Rattlesnake Key, which is a 710-acre island adjacent to the proposed site.
While a new port and larger ships would bring a great source of revenue to Tampa, Cruise Hive has seen plenty of opposition against this proposal due to environmental concerns.
A bill aimed at protecting the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve, which surrounds the proposed site of the potential port, has officially been approved and would hinder the construction process if plans move ahead.
“It is one of the most pristine areas in our state, and we don’t need mega cruise ships in this area,”Republican Representative Will Robinson said in support of the legislation.
“Your bill will do a great-great deal to stop that from occurring in one of the most important environmental areas in our state…it’s a wonderful bill, and maybe one of the more important environmental bills that we vote on this session,” Robinson continued.
The bill passed with a unanimous vote of 109 to 0 on March 9, 2026. It will now go to the desk of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Assuming the governor signs off (as is expected), the bill will go into effect on July 1, 2026.
What the Legislation Does
The Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve is a 2,000 acre park that encompasses mangrove forests, freshwater and saltwater habitats, and mangrove forests. It also has a focus on marine protection and restoring natural tidal circulation.
In order to build a new cruise port and all the supporting infrastructure, a significant amount of dredging and digging would need to take place, which could harm marine wildlife and habitats. For context, cruise ships need at least 25 to 50 feet of water beneath them in order to dock safely.
The Knott Cowen tract of land is the site of a proposed cruise port near Tampa.
Under the newly approved Senate Bill 302, dredging is only permitted under very specific conditions, such as improving human health by getting rid of stagnant waters or promoting environmental restoration projects.
Any dredging that is completed must be done in a way that does not negatively impact the water quality or harm the marine habitats within the nature preserve.
Speaking to this, the bill calls upon the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish clear and specific statewide standards for coastal protection methods by 2027.
These restrictions won’t necessarily make it impossible for the new cruise port to get approved, but it will be significantly more difficult to adhere to the requirements.
Anti-Port Petition Nears 20,000 Signatures
It’s not just lawmakers who are against the new cruise port, but also general members of the public and the cruise community.
A Change.org position that is trying to stop the proposed cruise port has grown to 19,350 signatures as of March 9, 2026. When Cruise Hive first checked the petition in January, it had just surpassed 6,000 signatures.
In addition to the land in Manatee County, locals and lawmakers want Rattlesnake Key to remain undeveloped.
“The Rattlesnake Key should not be mitigation land. It should be preserved forever,” George Smith, a Manatee County resident, told ABC 7 News.
It’s unclear how the developers of the possible cruise port will proceed, given the growing opposition and the now-approved legislation.
When the bill was first proposed, a spokesperson for the landowners indicated that they were still in a research and fact-finding stage and would consider all factors when deciding if the project would go forward.
The developers have not commented publicly regarding their plans since the bill was approved, but Cruise Hive will share updates as they become available.
Princess Cruises is raising onboard food and beverage service charges from 18% to 20%.
The change is being implemented fleetwide in early March 2026, though not on the same day for every ship.
The service charge increase follows the recent Medallion shipping increase as well.
Princess Cruises is quietly raising a non-refundable, non-optional service charge on frequent onboard purchases. This is not a change in the “crew appreciation” gratuities, but nevertheless is an extra charge guests will want to be aware of.
The service charge is now 20% that is “automatically added to optional purchases of drinks, dining room and specialty dining, private group functions, and other elected products, services or amenities provided to guests that are not included in the cruise fare,”according to the Princess Cruises website.
This is a food and beverage charge only and does not apply to retail purchases in the onboard shops. It is unclear whether the extra charge applies to bottles of alcohol purchased onboard to take home at the end of the cruise.
Guests onboard Princess Cruises ships have received letters in recent days noting the change, an increase from the previous 18% service charge.
The change is being made fleetwide as ships turn around to their next voyages. The charge is not increasing mid-sailing for guests already onboard, but it will no doubt be adjusted for the next cruise.
The website, however, is clear that if guests have pre-paid for such charges as part of an all-inclusive package, they will not be hit with any additional increase.
“No additional amount will be added to your onboard account for the Crew Appreciation or for those Service Charges covered by such package,”the website notes.
Cruise Hive previously reported about a similar increase from 18% to 20% for Carnival Cruise Line, which was implemented in December 2025.
Star Princess Open Deck (Photo Credit: Catie Kovelman / Cruise Hive)
Both Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line are owned by Carnival Corporation & plc, which also owns several other cruise lines. At the moment, the service charge for Holland America Line remains at 18% and just 15% on Cunard, but rates are subject to change at any time.
It must be noted that service charges and gratuities are separate. While the daily “crew appreciation” gratuity on Princess Cruises can be adjusted at guests’ discretion, there is no flexibility with service charges and the fees are mandatory.
The current gratuity rate aboard Princess ships is $18 per person, per day for most stateroom types; $19 per person, per day for mini suites, cabanas, and Reserve Collection staterooms; and $20 per person, per day for suites.
More Extra Charges on Other Cruise Lines
In addition to these changes, other cruise lines are likewise imposing more charges on guests.
For example, Norwegian Cruise Line has a $45 per person fee for an exclusive show onboard the new Norwegian Luna, while Royal Caribbean is now charging $5 for guests to get a cup for the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines with the all-inclusive drink packages (the cup is still included with the soda package).
It is not the overall use of fees that is upsetting many cruise guests, but rather the constant changing and quiet increases for more and more products and services.
“Seems every week there’s something lost, nothing gained and something costs more. By the time my cruise date appears it’s going to be unaffordable anyway,”one guest noted on Facebook.
It’s true that a 2% increase, even on a $15 drink, is just an extra thirty cents, but those small costs can add up quickly when they are applied to many different purchases onboard and further added to gratuities and other charges.
P&O Cruises will require the final payment 120 days before departure for new bookings.
The affected sailings begin December 1, 2026, and onward.
Existing reservations and bookings remain under the current 90-day payment policy.
Planning a cruise with P&O Cruises more than a year out will soon come with a new timeline for paying the bill.
The cruise line is giving itself an extra month to collect final payments on future voyages, introducing a new 120-day balance deadline for certain bookings.
The change will apply to new bookings made from March 10, 2026, for cruises sailing from December 1, 2026, onward.
“From tomorrow, 10 March, our balance due date will change to 120 days before departure on new bookings for all cruises sailing from 1 December 2026,” the cruise line shared with travel partners.
This change doesn’t affect existing bookings, however. Nor will passengers booking from March 10, 2026, for departures up to and including November 30, 2026.
“For your customers booked before 10 March, 2026, nothing will change. Their final balance will still be due 90 days before departure with current booking conditions,” said P&O Cruises.
Until now, final payment has typically been due 90 days before departure, but the earlier payment deadline helps the cruise line secure revenue earlier and reduce last-minute cancellations.
Moving the final payment window to 120 days also gives cruise operators additional time to resell cabins if guests cancel closer to sailing.
How Final Payment Timelines Vary
The new policy at P&O Cruises brings the line closer to payment structures already used by other brands within its parent company.
P&O Cruises is owned by Carnival Corporation, which manages Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Cunard Line, Seabourn, Costa Cruises, and AIDA Cruises.
Each brand sets its own payment policies, but several already require final payment earlier than the traditional 90-day window used by traditional cruise lines.
P&O Cruises Ship (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
For example, Princess Cruises typically requires final payment 90 days before departure for most sailings, but longer voyages such as world cruise segments and itineraries of more than 14 days require payment at 120 days.
Holland America Line follows a similar structure, with many standard cruises due at 90 days but longer sailings and Grand Voyages requiring earlier payment.
Cunard and Seabourn, the company’s luxury and premium brands, frequently require final payment 120 days before sailing, with some longer itineraries requiring payment at 150 days before departure. Outside the Carnival portfolio, other major cruise lines have adopted similar timelines.
Royal Caribbean generally requires final payment 90 days before departure but shifted in 2023, as reported by Cruise Hive. The line requires 120 days for longer voyages, such as sailings lasting 15 nights or more.
It drops final payment deadlines to 75 days if the sailings are less than 5 nights.
Disney Cruise Line also commonly uses a 120-day final payment deadline for cruises longer than 5 nights, but uses a 90-day schedule for shorter sailings.
Meanwhile, Virgin Voyages adopted a 120-day payment schedule as its standard policy when it launched in 2021.
Norwegian Cruise Line also requires the final payment four months before sailing. According to the line’s payment schedule, balances are due 120 days before departure for cruises of any length.
Passengers booking December 2026 voyages with P&O Cruises will be the first to experience the new payment structure, with Arcadia, Ventura, Arvia, Azura, Iona, Aurora, and Britannia all offering sailings that month.
The ships predominantly sail from Southampton, UK, with fly-cruise offerings from the Canary Islands, Barbados, Antigua, and Malaga, Spain, in December 2026.
Port Canaveral has begun vertical construction on a new parking garage at Cruise Terminal 6.
The new garage will add more than 3,500 parking spaces to the busy homeport.
Estimated completion of the new garage is expected to be in fall 2026.
Every cruise guest who has driven to one of the world’s busiest cruise ports is familiar with how crazy it can be to find a parking space. Guests driving to Port Canaveral, however, will soon find some relief to the chaos.
A new 3,532-space, 13-story parking garage is currently under construction at Terminal 6, the northeastern cruise terminal used by multiple lines, including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line. Guests from Terminal 5, home of Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, will also use the parking garage.
Vertical construction on the new structure has begun with the lowering of a 600-square-foot, 36.7-ton pre-cast concrete wall section. Now that the first section is in place, the rest of the parking garage will continue to rise above the port.
“Port Canaveral is not only the world’s busiest cruise port, but also one of the nation’s most convenient and easily accessible. Our focus on customers is essential to delivering a high-quality guest experience,”said Captain John W. Murray, Port Canaveral CEO.
“This new parking garage is an investment in our commitment to making Port Canaveral the best it can be for our valued cruise partners and their guests.”
Port Canaveral Garage Upgrade
Construction of the new garage is part of the Port Canaveral Advantage improvement program. In addition to the garage, the nearly $1 billion plan includes further enhancements to the port, including an expansion of both Cruise Terminal 5 and Cruise Terminal 10.
Cruise Hive had already reported on other recent enhancements to Port Canaveral. For example, in December 2025 a new, ADA-compliant debarkation ramp opened in Cruise Terminal 6.
Parking at Port Canaveral
Once the new garage is complete, the port will offer nearly 17,500 parking spaces. This includes spaces in eight different garages as well as surface lots at different cruise terminals.
An exact date for the garage’s completion has not been announced. It is expected to open to cruise passengers this fall, ahead of the busy holiday cruise season.
The cost for parking in the new garage has not been announced. Port Canaveral raised its parking rates in October 2025, the first rate increase since 2017. Parking now costs $20 per day plus tax, and guests must pay for both embarkation and debarkation days. The same rate will likely apply to the new garage.
Approximately 80 percent of guests sailing from Port Canaveral drive to the cruise port, while the remaining 20% arrive via shuttles, ride shares, or drop-offs.
The new garage will span more than 1.2 million square feet and will feature eight extra-large elevators that can accommodate multiple passengers and their luggage. Two-lane vehicle ramps will ensure smooth traffic flow through the structure.
Furthermore, the new garage will also be connected to the west garage at Cruise Terminal 6 by both vehicle bridges and a pedestrian bridge. This will provide guests easy access to Cruise Terminal 5 as well.
At the moment, Port Canaveral – which has won the honor of “Best US Cruise Homeport” for six consecutive years in the Cruise Hive Awards – is home to 18 cruise ships from seven different lines. Some of the world’s newest and biggest ships set sail from the Space Coast, including Star of the Seas, Disney Wish, Norwegian Prima, and Mardi Gras.
More than 1,000 sailings per year depart from Port Canaveral, ranging from weekend getaways to week-long vacations to longer, more immersive itineraries.
