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Are Extras Really Necessary on Alaska-Bound Princess Cruises?

Catie Kovelman
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Are Extras Really Necessary on Alaska-Bound Princess Cruises?

For cruise fans who are interested in sailing to Alaska, Princess Cruises is one of the most popular brands to visit the Last Frontier state every summer. 

Following a record-breaking season for Alaska bookings in 2024, the cruise line is sending seven ships to the region in 2025. 

But for prospective cruisers hoping to make the most of their voyage, there are questions regarding if splurging for the Princess Premier or Princess Plus packages are worth it – which come with an additional expense but make the sailing more all-inclusive once onboard. 

“We are looking into a cruise to Alaska, but it’s been a few years since we’ve booked a cruise, and now it seems that every cruise line I look at has an ‘extra’ package for beverages, dining, etc. that is recommended,” one potential guest wrote on Reddit.

“On the Princess cruise I’m looking at, this adds $1,300 to our fare,” he added. “When is it worth it to buy?”

Unfortunately, this question does not have an answer that is one-size-fits-all – as it depends on what amenities each travel party intends to take advantage of while onboard. 

In the best case scenario, the idea is that the daily fee – $60 per day per guest for the Princess Plus package and $90 per day per guest for the Princess Premier package – will ultimately cost less than purchasing other offerings a la carte. 

The Premier plan, which was just revamped in August of 2024, comes with the most perks.

These include Wi-Fi for up to 4 devices, unlimited premium drinks (such as bottled water, specialty coffee, juice, and some alcohol), unlimited meals at specialty restaurants onboard, reserved seating for production shows, and more. 

The Princess Plus plan is a step down, but includes similar amenities, such as Wi-Fi for one device, a wide selection of non-alcoholic drinks, and two casual meals (while the Premier plan includes unlimited casual and specialty meals). 

Both plans cover gratuities for the crew and waive the OceanNow fee – which means crew members will deliver drinks, snacks, and some essentials to guests wherever they are onboard for free.

Should You Splurge on an Alaskan Cruise?

While Princess’s extra packages certainly come with perks, they may not be worth it for guests who don’t plan to take advantage of the majority of what they include. 

There will be some cases where it’s more cost effective to purchase some amenities or services individually as needed – and it is not mandatory to sign up for one of these packages. 

The cruise fare for the Carnival-owned cruise line also automatically includes things like meals in the main dining rooms, many snacks, and entertainment – including the production shows (but without reserved seating).

But in the Reddit community where the prospective passenger posted his inquiry, the packages were generally seen as a good value – with some feeling like Princess’s plans include more than other cruise lines. 

Princess Cruises' Premier Package
Princess Cruises’ Premier Package

They also appreciated not owing anything extra at the end of their cruises because everything was already paid for through the package.

“On most cruise lines I would say no. However, on Princess I usually buy the Plus. Unlike most other lines, the $60 a day covers a lot more than just drinks. After the gratuities, Wi-Fi, and a couple casual meals I break even with just my bottled water and specialty coffees,” one person replied.

“I feel like if you planned to get a Wi-Fi package and have a drink or two a day, Princess Plus is a no-brainer, especially since they hiked the a la carte Wi-Fi price to $25 a day…If you planned on eating at specialty restaurants then Premier also gets into no-brainer territory pretty fast,” another chimed in.

Read Also: How Much Does an Alaska Cruise Cost in 2025?

Additionally, the Premier and Plus packages are not the only way to enhance your Princess Cruise to Alaska. 

The California-based cruise line is famous for its cruisetours – which combine the best of land and sea – and the brand has just expanded its offerings for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. 

While the itineraries vary, they give guests the opportunity to explore five national parks in greater depth, such as Denali, Kenai Fjords, and Glacier Bay, along with embarking on a 7-night Alaska sailing.

Halifax’s Longest Cruise Season Ever Expected to Break Records

Lissa Poirot
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Halifax’s Longest Cruise Season Ever Expected to Break Records

When Viking Cruises’ 378-passenger Viking Polaris arrives in port on April 4, 2025, it will kick off Port Halifax’s 2025 cruise season that will not end until AIDA Cruises’ 2,050-guest AIDAdiva departs on November 19, 2025.

At over seven months in length, the port will mark its longest season in its more than 250-year history.

Nearly 330,000 guests are set to call on the eastern Canadian port and its harbor town, surrounded by rolling hills, rocky shores, and numerous lakes. 

Of the 188 scheduled calls to Port Halifax will be six inaugural visits, including the much-anticipated first North American port of call for Virgin Voyages’ newest ship, the 2,770-passenger Brilliant Lady.

The new ship, wrapping up construction at Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, is set to kick off her inaugural season in New York City on September 5, 2025, but not before calling in Halifax on August 31. 

Also visiting the port for the first time will be Silversea Cruises’ Silver Dawn on May 24, Princess Cruises’ Majestic Princess on July 31, Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Splendor on September 14, Oceania Cruises’ Allura on September 26, and French cruise line Le Champlain’s Ponant on October 17. 

Read Also: I Cruised Eastern Canada on Holland America

Halifax will also enjoy 52 multiple ship days during the season, with its peak months found in the summer months of June, July, and August.

On September 30, Norwegian Cruise Line, Windstar Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Virgin Voyages, Holland America Line, and Swan Hellenic will all be in port together, bringing nearly 10,000 passengers to the shores of Canada on the port’s first five-ship day of the year.

Another five-ship day will feature vessels from Oceania Cruises, Princess Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, Holland America Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line arriving on October 16.

Just five days later, on October 21, five more ships will call together from Crystal, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Silversea Cruises, Azamara, and Norwegian Cruise Line.

Additionally, the port will welcome 13 tendering calls during its 2025 season.

“We’re pleased to share this year’s schedule, and we look forward to the return of cruise ships and cruise guests to the Halifax Seaport,” said Halifax Port Authority President and CEO Fulvio Fracassi.

“We know advance planning and preparations are important for our tourism partners, including the many local businesses like restaurants, stores, and attractions contributing to guest experiences,” Fracassi added. 

“The cruise industry makes and important contribution to Nova Scotia’s tourism sector.”

Cruise Ship Docked in Halifax
Cruise Ship Docked in Halifax (Photo Credit: Simona Donkova / Shutterstock)

Enhanced Services and Sustainability

Halifax is not only extending its season but also enhancing guest experiences and emphasizing sustainability. The port will continue to offer shore power connections and Environmental Shipping Index (ESI) rebates to visiting vessels, promoting environmentally friendly practices among its guests.

Earlier this week, Canada awarded $25 CAD million to the Halifax Port Authority for sustainable environmental infrastructure to refuel alternative fuel-powered vessels and establish a hydrogen production facility.

The 2025 season will also see upgrades that will include new digital signage, an enhanced public address system, better wayfinding, and the addition of new murals to enrich passenger experiences at the dockside.

Additionally, the port is installing water bottle filing stations and an interactive information booth at Pavilion 22 in partnership with Discover Halifax to promote exploration of the area.

US Homeport Agrees on New Cruise Arrivals Fee for Passengers

Donna Tunney
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US Homeport Agrees on New Cruise Arrivals Fee for Passengers

Add Boston to the growing list of ports that are requiring cruise passengers to contribute revenue in the form of arrivals fees. 

Starting in 2026, the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) will charge each cruise arrival a $3 head tax, with the fee rising by $3 every year through 2030. By that time, the total arrivals fee will be $15 per person, according to local media reports.

The fee structure was approved by the authority on February 11, 2025 and will finance the lion’s share of a $105 million port improvement project at the city’s Flynn Cruiseport — a plan outlined in late 2024.

Among the initiatives included in the project is the installation of shore power infrastructure to enable cruise ships to plug into the shoreside power grid rather than keep their engines running while docked.

Massport estimates that close to 80 percent of the cruise ships that typically call at Boston can plug into shore power or use an alternative low-carbon technology. 

With shore power connections installed at the port’s two main cruise ship berths, the port has stated it expects a 93% cut in nitrogen oxide, an 85% reduction in sulfur dioxide, and a 65% cut in carbon dioxide.

The connection infrastructure would make Boston the first port in New England to provide a shore power option. Other upgrades that will be funded using the cruise arrival fee include a new passenger boarding bridge, and an expanded reception and seating area.

Boston is a summer and fall season homeport for several cruise lines, including Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Princess Cruises.

The lines typically sail Bermuda cruises as well as Canada/New England itineraries to Montreal and Quebec City, with port calls in Maine, Nova Scotia, and other destinations.

Among the largest ships slated to homeport in 2026 is Norwegian Cruise Line’s 4,500-guest Norwegian Breakaway. In 2025, two of the line’s smaller ships, Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Gem, will offer sailings from Boston.

Read Also: Boston Cruise Port – Getting There, Piers, Terminals and More

Other notable cruise ships calling at Boston in summer 2025 include Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, and the ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises’ ships Silver Dawn and Silver Shadow.

In addition to homeported vessels, the port welcomes some 160 cruise ship calls from 20 cruise lines. The port’s cruise operations translate to roughly $256 million in economic impact from the 480,000-plus cruise guests who visit each year.

Parking Fee Hikes Also Could Impact Cruise Guests

Along with the approved cruise arrivals fee, MassPort is considering raising parking rates at nearby Logan International Airport, which would likely impact cruise passengers flying to or from the city before and after their sailing.

Under the proposal, which has not been voted on, services such as Uber and Lyft would pay an increased flat fee of $7.50, up from $3.25. Taxi fees would rise to $5.50, from $2.25.

View of Boston Cruise Port
View of Boston Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Wangkun Jia)

Boston has plenty of company in its quest to have cruise passengers help shoulder the cost of port infrastructure improvements and mitigate environmental concerns and lifestyle issues.

In Alaska, both Haines and Juneau charge cruise arrivals fees — $9 per person in Haines and $8 in Juneau. Juneau went even further, setting daily debarkation limits, as did Bar Harbor, Maine, in a bid to lessen the industry’s impact on local populations.

Internationally, the Greek islands of Santorini and Mykonos in 2025 implemented a €20 (approximately $22) fee on all cruise guests. The revenue will be used to mitigate the effects of cruise passengers on island infrastructure.

Carnival Clarifies Best Way to Offer Gifts to Crew Members

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Clarifies Best Way to Offer Gifts to Crew Members

Many cruisers want to show their appreciation to hard-working crew members with small gifts. Unfortunately, however, some crew members may not be receiving those gifts as intended if they aren’t offered in a way that can be accepted.

A common way to give gifts to cabin attendants (also known as stateroom stewards), for example, is to simply leave such items – drinks, candy, a hat, or other small gifts – in the cabin at the end of the cruise.

One guest has reached out to Carnival Cruise Line’s official Brand Ambassador, John Heald, to be sure those gifts can indeed be kept by the crew members. The answer is a surprising one.

“[On] our last cruise we left our extra drinks and told our room steward that we left them for him. After someone told me they are not allowed to keep things left in the room, that we would have had to give it to him not just left in the room. Is this true?” the guest asked. “If we leave snacks or drinks and tell them are they allowed to keep them?”

Heald’s assistant, Jacinta – who helps Heald respond to hundreds of daily questions and special requests – offered some insight into the gift-giving process.

“Indeed the right way to go about this is to hand it to them if you wish them to have it,” she said.

Neither Jacinta nor Heald offer further details about why crew members can’t keep items left behind, even if verbally told they can keep them by the guests.

It is possible, however, that the cruise line’s policy about such gifts overlaps with the lost-and-found policies. It is quite likely that the default is for any items left behind must be assumed to be lost and therefore not able for crew members to keep.

Even a verbal “We left this for you!” confirmation of the gift intention may not be sufficient for a crew member to keep an item, just in case that intent could be misinterpreted.

Furthermore, Heald has noted that crew members are not permitted to accept any opened food items or homemade items. It is possible that individual cans or bottles might be interpreted as “opened” and cannot be accepted if left behind.

If guests want to offer crew members a special treat, it needs to be in the original, factory-sealed packaging. This is a safety measure in case of allergens that might be dangerous to crew members, as well as to ensure items have not been tampered with.

What Happens to Items Left Behind?

Heald has previously described the complex process when items are found left behind on a cruise ship. Those items must be sent to the cruise line’s Miami headquarters, where they are tagged and bagged according to ship and sailing date.

Then, shoreside team members attempt to match up items with lost-and-found reports filed by recent guests. If the items are confirmed, they are mailed back to the original owner.

If guests do want to offer a small gift to crew members – a dedicated cabin attendant, an energetic bartender, an enthusiastic Fun Squad member – handing the gift to them with a sincere “Thank You” is a great way to do it.

Carnival Cruise Line Crew Members
Carnival Cruise Line Crew Members (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)

Read Also: What a Cruise Ship Cabin Steward Really Does

Guests who do prefer to “leave an item behind” will want to attach a note or tag to the item with the crew member’s name to ensure they receive it and can keep it.

But what to give? Chocolate and similar treats are always favorites, and many crew members enjoy small trinkets from guests’ home cities – keychains, magnets, a hat, any sort of souvenir. These can be fun decorations for crew cabins, so long as they don’t take up much space!

Another fun option is to give crew members a special cruising duck. While the game can be controversial, many crew members enjoy looking for ducks and the silly figurines add a touch of joy to their cabins.

Of course, an extra gratuity is always a top choice for thanking any crew member who has made a guest’s cruise vacation more special and memorable. Offering a $2 bill as a thank you is a lucky and unique way to show gratitude and appreciation to team members.

Carnival Cruise Line Offers Special Lunch for Just One Day

Skyler Wolpert
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Carnival Cruise Line Offers Special Lunch for Just One Day

Who doesn’t love a Hallmark Holiday? Well, Carnival Cruise Line sure loves Valentine’s Day!

The cruise line has a one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Lunch hosted at its onboard specialty dining restaurant Steakhouse, featuring a special menu.

John Heald, a brand ambassador, shared the menu online, allowing fellow passengers and cruise fanatics to see the options.

“It really is a brilliant lunch, served as always by the wonderful Steakhouse crew,” said Heald.

It was also noted that the actual date of the lunch varied between February 13th and Valentine’s Day, as Heald added that the “special lunch which is booked and paid for on board and will be served today or on the 14th depending if the ship has a sea day or port day.”

Steakhouse is only open from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM daily, so this lunch is a rare option for mid-day fine dining.

Carnival’s popular Steakhouse is an upscaled dining experience, so it comes with no surprise that the ‘Valentine’s Lunch’ menu is impressive.

Staters include either Crab Cakes in a Cajun lobster butter cream sauce, or Bisque Our Way with garnishes such as crisped brioche and garlic chips.

The only salad options is Beet and Petit Greens, which includes peaches and toasted sunflower, topped with an oregano-caramelized shallot vinaigrette.

There are four stunning entrées, including Chilean Sea Bass, Surf and Turf, Grilled Filet Mignon, and Eggplant Schnitzel.

The Chilean Sea Bass features a sweet potato croissant, white asparagus, and a mushroom beurre blanc (which is a rich butter sauce).

Surf and Turf, a classic, comes with Maine lobster tail and beef sirloin.

The Grilled Filet Mignon is served with a roasted butternut puree and petit carrots, topped with béarnaise and red wine sauce.

Finally, the Eggplant Schnitzel, which is breaded and pan-fried and topped with a cherry tomato sauce, comes with tempura cauliflower, plantain chips, and tzatziki.

But wait, there’s more! The menu also has four sides to choose from, including Glazed Mushrooms, Grilled Asparagus, Potato Wedges, and a Macaroni, Bacon, and Pecorino Bake.

The Glazed Mushrooms are cooked in a pepper jus with herbs, and the Potato Wedges are served with crispy onions and a garlic-chive aioli.

The first dessert option is a Raspberry Velvet made with cream cheese, micro sponge, and a chocolate heart. The second option is Fresh Fruit, which is actually berries and mango sorbet.

Carnival's Valentine's Lunch menu
Carnival’s Valentine’s Lunch menu

Read Also: Free Carnival Cruise Dining Options You’ll Want to Know (With Menus!)

58,507 passengers had the chance to attend this lunch between the two dates available.

This lunch is available on any Carnival Cruise Line ship with a Steakhouse, and lucky for passengers, only 2 of the cruise line’s fleet of 27 ships do not have one.

Carnival Cruise Line’s Steakhouses

While all of Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet have multiple dining options on board, only 25 have the Steakhouse restaurant.

The two ships that do not have Steakhouse include the Carnival Elation and the Carnival Paradise, which are currently the second and third oldest ships in the fleet.

Carnival Paradise does have the option for passengers to order Steakhouse selections in the main dining room, making Carnival Elation the only ship with no Steakhouse dining options.

Carnival Cruise Line's Steakhouse
Carnival Cruise Line’s Steakhouse (Photo Credit: Jonathan C Wear)

The oldest ship in the fleet, the Carnival Sunshine, does have a Steakhouse. So why do Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise not have a dedicated Steakhouse restaurant?

Both ships are the cruise line’s only Fantasy-class ships that are still operating. These ships are the smallest active ships in the fleet, and neither were built to accommodate an additional dining location.

Most Carnival Cruise Line ship’s Steakhouse is called Fahrenheit 555, however some of the ships have a more generic Steakhouse, all offering the same menu.

The Steakhouse restaurants encourage reservations in advance, but it is possible to book while onboard. Since it is fine dining, there is a set cost of $52 per adult, not including drinks. Walk-ins are accepted based on availability.

Star of the Seas’ Youngest (and Cutest) Crew Member Has Arrived!

Melissa Mayntz
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Star of the Seas’ Youngest (and Cutest) Crew Member Has Arrived!

As cruising fans wait eagerly for the debut of Royal Caribbean’s second Icon-class ship, Star of the Seas, the youngest (and cutest, and furriest, with the most legs and the only tail) crew member has just arrived – Sailor has been born!

The news comes from a social media announcement made by Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean, sharing pictures of the adorable pup on Valentine’s Day.

“What a wonderful day! Look who arrived into the world. Sailor the family dog for Star of the Seas,” Bayley announced.

The first puppy photos of Sailor – who doesn’t want to boop that snoot? – confirm several previously unknown details about the dog.

The cruise line did announce Star of the Seas would have a “Chief Dog Officer” that would be a “sibling” to Rover on Icon of the Seas in April 2024, but did not confirm anything further about the dog’s breed, age, or gender.

Now we know that Sailor is indeed a girl and a golden retriever, the same as Rover, the Chief Dog Officer aboard Icon of the Seas. And of course, right now she’s just a very young pup! While Bayley did not confirm that she was indeed born on February 14, the happy day is certainly a great one for the pup’s debut.

This new girl is in for a very busy first few months, as the launch of Star of the Seas draws closer. Bayley offered some insights into how she will be prepared for her sea legs.

“She will spend a few months with her Mom, then to her trainer, then she will stay with me a little so I can get and give lots of hugs and love,” he said. “Then onto ICON to meet her sister Rover for some orientation before joining Star, her home.”

Like Rover, Sailor is from Eagleridge Goldens, a champion line golden retriever breeder located in Polk City, Florida. As an American Kennel Club (AKC) Bred with H.E.A.R.T. breeder, all of their breeding dogs undergo rigorous testing to ensure healthy puppies.

According to AKC, golden retrievers have been one of the top 5 most popular dog breeds since at least 2013, even before Royal Caribbean initially announced Project Icon. They are very friendly dogs, easily trained, and happy working with people – perfect for a cruise ship crew member!

Royal Caribbean's Sailor Mother
Royal Caribbean’s Sailor Mother

Sailing With Sailor

Sailor has to be ready for her official duties slightly earlier than anticipated. Star of the Seas will now be welcoming guests on two pre-inaugural “showcase” sailings in late August ahead of her official August 31 debut.

Just like her sister, it is likely that Sailor will board Star of the Seas several days before guests arrive. This will give the dog some time to acclimate to her new environment before it becomes even more chaotic with as many as 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew members aboard.

Star of the Seas will be homeported year-round from Port Canaveral, offering 7-night Western Caribbean and Eastern Caribbean itineraries. Each voyage will stop at Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Star of the Seas Sailor
Star of the Seas Sailor

Depending on the exact itinerary, the ship will be a regular visitor to top ports of call such as Costa Maya, Cozumel, Roatan, St. Thomas, St. Kitts, St. Maarten, and San Juan.

For the two early showcase cruises, the ship will only be visiting CocoCay, but will also include two full days at sea for guests to enjoy all her spectacular features.

Read Also: Star of the Seas – The Most Anticipated New Cruise Ship for 2025

Star of the Seas is currently under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in southern Finland. Still ahead for the enormous, 250,800-gross-ton vessel are her sea trials, final outfitting, and delivery to Royal Caribbean.

The next few months are sure to be busy ones for both Sailor and Star of the Seas!

Influencer Investigates if “World’s Worst Cruise” is Really so Bad

Catie Kovelman
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Influencer Investigates if “World’s Worst Cruise” is Really so Bad

Carnival has a very loyal following and is widely known as America’s Cruise Line – but not everyone is a fan.

Indeed, the Fun Ships can be divisive – with some going so far as to describe Carnival sailings as “ghetto,” “cheap,” or as YouTuber Jack Pembrook reports, “the world’s worst cruise” or “the cruise from Hell.”

Curious to find out if Carnival sailings were truly as terrible as some would insist, Pembrook headed to Florida’s PortMiami to embark on a $50 sailing onboard Carnival Conquest.

The ship is currently offering 3 and 4-night getaway sailings to the Bahamas, though it’s unclear which itinerary the influencer selected or when he was actually onboard.

Along the way, he rated Carnival on four key criteria that he saw come up the most in bad reviews: food, rooms, activities, and vibes – and found that the 2002-launched ship performed better than he expected. 

Starting with the cruise cabins, Pembrook was pleasantly surprised by his interior stateroom – noting that his room could still fit a big bed and that the bathroom was “spacious” and smelled “really good.”

“Yes, I did find some hairs and some stains on the bed, as well as plenty of signs of wear around the room. But for the reputation these rooms have online, honestly, it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be,” Pembrook said during a stateroom tour.

Moving onto the food, the vlogger sampled many of the selections onboard, including the Lido Marketplace buffet, Guy’s Burger Joint, and specialty dining at the Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse. 

The Steakhouse meal ultimately sealed the deal for Pembrook, who enjoyed his steak so much he shut his eyes as he savored a bite. 

And even after saying the 110,000-gross ton ship reminded him of a Cheesecake Factory Restaurant and trying the night club as someone who doesn’t normally enjoy them, Pembrook said both the activities and the vibes were up to par.

“Before I got on this ship, I really didn’t even want to step foot on this thing. But by the end of my trip, I’m surprisingly sad to leave,” Pembrook said.

“No, it’s not super luxurious or perfect in any way, but for me, I just come on a cruise to have fun, eat good food, and like my boy Steven said, meet cool people,” he continued, inserting a clip with another guest who is presumably Steven.

Watch Pembrook’s YouTube video, which has been viewed more than 545,000 times since it was posted on February 13, 2025, below:

Does Carnival Deserve a Bad Reputation? 

Over the years, things have gone wrong on Carnival ships that have led to its less than stellar reputation.

Likely not helping matters, Carnival Conquest has already made headlines this year due to malfunctions onboard. 

The 2,980-guest ship experienced engine trouble that limited her speed and delayed her return to Miami, Florida, on January 6, 2025 – with multiple Carnival cruise ships also suffering from propulsion issues in the past year.

Additionally, there’s no denying that mishaps across the fleet have left a bad impression for some. For example, Carnival Freedom losing her funnel to fires on more than one occasion (in 2022 and 2024) still feel top-of-mind. 

That said, things can go wrong on all cruise lines – even the most luxurious brands. Cruise ships operate on a 24/7 basis, and although the cruise lines work hard to maintain their ships, malfunctions are sometimes inevitable. 

Jack Pembrook Carnival Conquest Cruise
Jack Pembrook Carnival Conquest Cruise (Credit: Jack Pembrook)

Read Also: From Mishaps to Maydays – Cruise Ship Accidents

In response to Pembrook’s YouTube video, many of his subscribers were also quick to defend Carnival in the comments. 

“Honestly Carnival gave me one of the best experiences of my life and I will never forget the memories and people I met,” one person shared.

“After 30 cruises, of which Conquest was my 2nd cruise, I really had fun. As long as you know what you are getting with Carnival, you can’t go wrong,” another cruiser chimed in. 

Indeed, a lot of the experience does come down to mindset and what guests are hoping to get from their sailing. 

Someone looking for a luxury experience might not love Carnival, but someone looking for a budget-friendly option can certainly have a blast.

One More Delay for Aging Ocean Liner After First Small Move

Melissa Mayntz
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One More Delay for Aging Ocean Liner After First Small Move

While the SS United States finally made her initial move from Pier 82 to Pier 80 in Philadelphia on Valentine’s Day after multiple delays, the ship will not be making her way down the Delaware River as planned on Monday, February 17, 2025.

A high wind warning has forced yet another delay for the ocean liner’s departure from Philadelphia following a protracted legal battle, eventual pier eviction, and search for a new home.

“After completing additional due diligence involving further testing and safety protocols for the U.S. Coast Guard and safely moving the SS United States from her decades-long berth at Pier 82 to Pier 80, Okaloosa County has announced that a high wind warning issued for Monday, February 17, has delayed the anticipated departure of the SS United States from Philadelphia by a day,” the SS United States Conservancy reported.

While this latest delay is sure to be frustrating for those eager to see the ship once more set sail, it is only a one-day change from the most recent plan for the ship’s departure.

“The SS United States is now expected to begin her tow down the Delaware River at approximately 12:00 PM ET on Tuesday, February 18,” the Conservancy confirmed.

Low tide on Tuesday is at 12:29 p.m., which is when the ship will begin to get underway. This is critical timing to ensure the vessel – which measures 153 feet from keel to funnel – can safely pass beneath various bridges on her way to the Atlantic Ocean.

The SS United States must past beneath the Walt Whitman Bridge (150-foot clearance), the Commodore Barry Bridge (192-foot clearance), and the Delaware Memorial Bridge (174-foot clearance) before reaching the eastern seaboard.

While it may seem that the elderly ocean liner will be unable to pass below the Walt Whitman Bridge, bridge clearance is measured from the surface of the water to the underside of the span. The SS United States has a 31-foot draft – the distance from the waterline to the bottom of the hull beneath the surface.

This means that the height of the ship from the waterline to her tallest point above water is roughly 144 feet. This leaves just a 6-foot clearance to pass below the Walt Whitman Bridge.

Walt Whitman Bridge
Walt Whitman Bridge (Photo Credit: Elliot)

This small space requires very precise timing for the liner to move down the Delaware River and safely pass beneath the bridge. This is most particularly on many people’s minds less than a year after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, after it was struck by the container ship Dali.

A Very Controversial Move

The ship’s continual delays have stirred both jokes and controversy over the plans for her disposition.

The initial plan was for the SS United States to begin her final voyage in mid-November 2024, but that was not possible due to the development of late-season tropical storms.

She was then scheduled to begin her trip on February 6, 2025, but that was delayed at the last minute for even more due diligence.

Now, this third delay for a high wind warning really demonstrates just how precarious the ship’s repositioning can be.

Some fans of the ship have commented that perhaps she doesn’t want to move after all, and fate might be intervening to provide more time for a plan to surface for her salvation.

Unfortunately, that will not be the case, as the deal with Okaloosa County, Florida to convert the hull into the world’s largest coral reef is moving forward, just not on the initially anticipated schedule.

SS United States Docked in Philadelphia
SS United States Docked in Philadelphia (Photo Credit: Patty Ballay)

The ship did take her first cautious steps on February 14, with tugboats slowly easing the vessel from Pier 82 to Pier 80. The small lateral move was nevertheless significant for a ship that has remained firmly docked since 1996.

Many supporters of the vessel are dismayed at the plans to scuttle the ship, though this will help preserve her legacy – albeit below the waves rather than above them. A land-based museum near her sinking location will also contain artifacts, memorabilia, and other material to share her legacy with future generations.

Read Also: What Does SS Stand for on Ships?

Once she moves down the river, it will take approximately two weeks for the ship to complete her tug-driven voyage to Mobile, Alabama. The ship’s course will be closely monitored en route, with adjustments every six hours as needed for weather, currents, and other factors.

Name Change Leads to Booking Problems for Newlyweds

Catie Kovelman
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Name Change Leads to Booking Problems for Newlyweds

Even for experienced cruisers, getting the correct travel documentation together ahead of their sailing can be complicated – as different cruise lines and destinations can have different requirements. 

But one universal rule is that the name on each guest’s identification needs to match their booking confirmation due to strict security and immigration regulations.

Neglecting to do so could lead to delays at the cruise port, or worse, cause the guest to be denied boarding and miss their cruise without any refund or compensation. 

So, what happens if you change your name after booking your cruise but before embarkation day? This is exactly what is leading to issues for a travel agent who has booked a Royal Caribbean cruise and airfare package for a recently married couple. 

“Long story short, they were planning on getting married, but didn’t know exact timing. Cruise + Airfare was booked in August, final payment was in December. Cruise is sailing mid-March. Passport just came in this week with her new name,” the unidentified travel advisor explained on Reddit.

Now that she has her new passport, the agent has to update her booking with the newlywed’s new last name – which he says comes with a more than $200 fee. 

“I call Royal Caribbean to request a name change due to marriage. They said my only option is to cancel and rebook her. Oh, btw, that’s a $215 cancellation fee,” he wrote.

“So does my client seriously have to go through all this trouble just to go from ‘Smith’ to ‘Jones’ on her reservation? This is such a horrible situation for all women who get married and change their last name.”

Most likely, the fee is related to changing the airfare portion of the Air2Sea package – as Royal Caribbean does not typically charge a fee for updating names ahead of their cruises.

Per Royal Caribbean’s website, updating a person’s name for the sailing is usually free, but guests who booked airfare through the Miami-based cruise line may also be subject to change fees if their airfare has already been assigned to an airline – which seems to be the case here.

“Changes may be subject to additional charges if you booked airfare through our Air2Sea program and your airfare has been assigned,” says the policy.

Considering the travel agent posting on Reddit did not know these policies, it makes one wonder how experienced and reputable he really is.

How and When to Update Your Name

With cruises often booked months – or even years – in advance, sometimes changes are inevitable. 

In addition to getting married, circumstances could also arise in which an original guest can no longer be part of the voyage and someone else takes their spot. 

Cruise Check-In
Cruise Check-In (Photo Credit: Mystic Stock Photography / Shutterstock)

According to Royal Caribbean’s website, name changes and substitutions can be made by calling the cruise line directly or through the travel agent who made the booking until the final electronic manifest is sent to the ship. 

Typically, the final manifest is submitted one hour before sailing after check-in concludes and all guests are required to be onboard. 

“Name changes (first or last) or substitutions can be made to all but one of the original names on your booking. These changes must be made before the final electronic manifest is sent to the ship,” Royal Caribbean’s website reads.

Groups have slightly different rules, where name charges are only allowed until the final option date when the payment is due in full – which will be at 180 days or 120 days before the cruise depending on the length of the itinerary. 

Read Also: Can You Actually Get Married on a Cruise Ship?

If a guest legally changes their name prior to their sailing and is not able to make it match their documents in time, guests will need to be prepared with another supporting document to verify their identity when they arrive at the cruise port. 

“If your name has changed since your document was issued, you will either need to update the name on that document, or bring an additional, official supporting document to help explain why the name is different,” the website states.

Acceptable supporting documents include a state, county, or province-issued marriage license, a divorce decree, government-issued name change documents, and official adoption papers. 

As a disclaimer, these are Royal Caribbean’s current posted policies and are subject to change.

If a name change or substitution applies to your booking, make sure to confirm documentation requirements with your cruise line as soon as possible to avoid any mishaps or missed cruises.

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