Blog Page 493

Forget FOMO—Cruisers Are Choosing JOMO, Says Norwegian Cruise Line Survey

Donna Tunney
-
0
Forget FOMO—Cruisers Are Choosing JOMO, Says Norwegian Cruise Line Survey

Key Aspects:

  • A new survey from Norwegian Cruise Line points out how cruising matches the Joy of Missing Out (JOMO) philosophy, which embraces a slower, restorative vacation.
  • More than 70% of travelers surveyed said they are no longer as interested in vacations packed with sightseeing and nonstop activities.
  • The change in attitude follows the post-pandemic world of revenge travel, when pent-up demand sent vacationers on trips loaded with bucket-list events.

A new attitude about making the most of a vacation is emerging, and it is no longer about packing as many activities as possible into each day. Rather, it’s a move toward restoration and well-being, a new survey has found, and it points firmly in the direction of cruising.

Commissioned by Norwegian Cruise Line, the survey swaps out the former Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) vacation and replaces it with the Joy of Missing Out (JOMO).

The fear factor emerged soon after the pandemic, when would-be travelers booked trips loaded with so-called revenge-travel experiences, but that impulse appears to have waned in favor of slower experiences that can be savored.

In fact, the survey found that more than 70% of travelers are putting the kibosh on vacations packed with sightseeing and other activities. With JOMO, it’s all about doing less and appreciating more.

“We’re seeing a meaningful shift in how people want to travel moving away from rigid travel agendas and toward more intentional and restorative experiences,” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. 

“The Joy of Missing Out travel is about choosing what matters most, and at NCL, we make that easy,” Sommer added.  

According to the survey results, respondents say a JOMO vacation means:

  • A chance to unplug: 45%
  • Escape pressure to see and do everything: 40%
  • Take time for themselves: 38%
  • Embrace spontaneity: 34%
  • Experience nature: 32%

Moreover, 54% of respondents agreed that cruises offer “the ideal environment” for a JOMO vacation, along with spa retreats, and beach and nature-based trips. Also, the Caribbean was the leading region for JOMO travel, with 30% of those surveyed pointing to the destination.

Read Also: The Haven on Norwegian Cruise Line: Worth It or Not?

The results were based on online interviews with YouGov panel members, with 12,185 respondents surveyed in September 2025. Most were travelers who had traveled in the last five years and/or will travel within the next two years.

Cruise Line Points Out How It Embraces JOMO

Norwegian Cruise Line’s announcement of the survey findings includes several examples of how its vacation product matches JOMO perfectly.

With its year-round cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from ports in Florida and New York, the line offers multiple ships sailing to destinations such as Punta Cana (La Romana), Dominican Republic, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Norwegian Cruise Line Ship
Norwegian Cruise Line Ship (Photo Credit: Just dance)

With 4- to 14-day voyages, guests have a wide choice of timeframes that promise peace and relaxation.

The cruise line’s private islands, Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas and Harvest Caye in Belize, are the perfect answer to those seeking a beach or nature environment, with activities like snorkeling, sunbathing, and relaxing in the Vibe Shore Club adult-only areas.

Onboard Norwegian’s ships, the line points to the Mandara Spa and the many wellness treatments it offers to guests, plus the adult-only Vibe Beach Club and Spice H20, which are quiet retreat areas.

More From Cruise Hive

The cruise line also cites its various packages, which provide unlimited drinks and specialty dining, plus shore excursion credits and other benefits that enable guests to relax and enjoy their vacation without budget concerns.

Disney Cruise Line Takes Delivery of Hero-and-Villain-Themed Ship

Lissa Poirot
-
0
Disney Cruise Line Takes Delivery of Hero-and-Villain-Themed Ship

Key Aspects:

  • Disney Destiny was officially delivered to Disney Cruise Line during a ceremony in Eemshaven, Netherlands, on October 15, 2025.
  • The vessel will now prepare for its transatlantic crossing to Florida ahead of its November 20, 2025, maiden voyage from Port Everglades.
  • The delivery is the sixth ship built by Meyer Werft for Disney Cruise Line.

The countdown to Disney Destiny’s arrival has officially begun, and this time, heroes and villains are sharing the same stage.

On October 15, 2025, Disney Cruise Line took delivery of its newest ship from German shipbuilder Meyer Werft in Eemshaven, Netherlands, marking the next chapter in a long-running partnership that’s produced some of Disney’s most magical ships.

The handover marks the official transfer of the 144,000-gross-ton vessel, where light and dark will battle it out in true Disney fashion.

From dinner shows inspired by The Lion King to Broadway-style productions featuring Hercules, the ship will let guests sail between the forces of good and evil and decide which side they’re on before dessert.

“We are delighted to deliver the Disney Destiny to Disney Cruise Line today. It is the latest milestone in our long-standing partnership with Disney Cruise Line. I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone involved,” said Bernd Eikens, CEO of Meyer Werft, CEO of Meyer Werft.

Eikens signed the delivery documents alongside Joe Schott, president of Disney Signature Experiences.

The structural backbone of Disney Destiny was completed in late 2024, when the final blocks were joined, officially rendering the ship’s exterior structure complete.

In March 2025, the ship “floated up” from dry dock and then formally floated out on August 9, 2025. Sea trials for Disney Destiny began in mid-September 2025, after the ship navigated the Ems River out to sea under tug escort.

Disney Destiny delivered
Disney Destiny delivered by Meyer Werft (Photo Credit: Meyer Werft)

Disney Cruise Line and Meyer Werft have now delivered six ships together, beginning with Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy in 2010 and 2012, respectively, and continuing through Disney Wish in 2022.

Under Captain Andy McRonald, Disney Destiny will depart Eemshaven for a transatlantic crossing, arriving in Florida for final crew training and system checks.

The ship’s maiden voyage is set for November 20, 2025, from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

A New Chapter Begins

When Disney Destiny welcomes its first guests in November, the ship will blur the line between heroes and villains at every turn.

Carrying about 4,000 passengers and 1,500 crew members across 15 decks, design elements will nod to both good and evil from across Disney, Pixar, and Marvel stories.

Read Also: Disney Cruise Ships By Age: Newest to Oldest (2026-1998)

Inside, every detail ties to the ship’s theme, from corridor artwork featuring legendary characters to themed restaurants and entertainment highlighting the storytelling, such as Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King, centered on The Lion King.

The Walt Disney Theatre will debut Disney Hercules, a new stage show exclusive to Disney Destiny, alongside returning productions like Frozen, A Musical Spectacular.

Disney Destiny, River Ems
Disney Destiny, River Ems

Multiple pools and water play areas will be spread across the upper decks, while dedicated kids’ clubs and adult-only retreats divide the ship between lighthearted fun and quiet escape.

Following its maiden voyage, Disney Destiny will begin regular sailings through the Bahamas and Caribbean, including stops at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, and its new destination, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

A christening ceremony and preview sailings are expected in the weeks before the official debut, though Disney has not yet released dates.

More From Cruise Hive

With the ship’s delivery complete, Meyer Werft has already turned its attention to the next build.

Steel cutting for Disney Cruise Line’s seventh vessel in the Wish-class series has begun in Papenburg, Germany. Delivery is scheduled for fall 2027.

Carnival Clarifies Why One Cruise Will Have the Old-Style Muster Drill

Melissa Mayntz
-
0
Carnival Clarifies Why One Cruise Will Have the Old-Style Muster Drill

Key Aspects:

  • The upcoming October 18, 2025 departure of Carnival Sunshine will have the traditional, in-person muster drill before the ship sets sail from Norfolk, Virginia.
  • This is not a complete return to the old-style safety briefing, but rather is a necessary drill to comply with regulations from the US Coast Guard.
  • Every Carnival ship must complete an in-person muster drill twice a year. Guests on impacted sailings are notified by email prior to embarkation.

Carnival Cruise Line has clarified the upcoming “traditional” muster drill that will be held aboard Carnival Sunshine for the ship’s October 18, 2025 sailing from Norfolk, Virginia.

That particular cruise is an 8-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary, with visits to Celebration Key, Princess Cays, and Grand Turk.

Before Carnival Sunshine can set sail, however, all guests must participate in the mandatory safety briefing. For this one cruise, that will be a full, in-person muster drill rather than the simplified and faster e-muster that is used fleetwide.

Concerned guests reached out to John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador, for clarification on the drill. Because many guests prefer the far-faster e-muster, it can be disconcerting to receive the email notification of a full muster drill.

Heald notes that about 20 guests contacted him about the sailing, but in fact, Carnival is not returning to the traditional drill for all cruises.

“A lot of you wrote to me and said why are we going back to the old way of doing boat drill?” he noted. “Let me reiterate something that I have said 1,247 times – this is something that every single ship needs to do twice a year as per US Coast Guard, Australian Coast Guard, and other government agencies, and SOLAS, Safety of Life at Sea.”

He goes on to firmly state that Carnival Cruise Line is not “going back” to the old style of drill, but this is simply a compliance issue with maritime safety regulations.

“I know the crew will take great care of you and make sure that it done as quickly as possible,” he said.

Other guests chimed in to share their experiences with the old-style drill, noting that it’s a one-and-done experience.

“I had to do the full muster on Celebration in September and it wasn’t that bad, I survived,” one guest quipped.

Having done both the full muster as well as e-muster on numerous Carnival ships, I can say it’s not terrible either way. Do I prefer the shorter e-muster?

Sure. But spending a few minutes at the beginning of a cruise to ensure safety compliance is just a tiny inconvenience and no problem before several days of fun.

How Long Do Muster Drills Take?

In general, an in-person, full manifest muster drill with all guests participating and all necessary crew members fulfilling their safety duties can take as little as 15-20 minutes or as long as 30-45 minutes.

The size of the ship and the number of passengers aboard can impact how long a muster drill lasts.

Several issues often cause the most delays. Guests who don’t go to the proper muster station can hold up the process, as can too much conversation when everyone is asked to be quiet to listen to the safety lecture.

Carnival Sunshine Cruise Ship
Photo Credit: Ihor Koptilin / Shutterstock

On sailings with a lot of young cruisers, it can also take extra time to distribute wristbands that identify their muster stations, which are required for youngsters to wear.

More From Cruise Hive

All dining, bar service, and activities are halted a few minutes before the drill begins to encourage guests to get to their assigned muster station. Not sure where to go? Just ask a crew member, and they’re always happy to offer directions to the correct station.

It may be inconvenient, but the safety drill is an important means of conveying critical information so everyone knows what to do in case of emergency. This includes not only guests but also crew members, who regularly complete other safety trainings as well.

Royal Caribbean Will Open Its New Bahamas Beach Club Early

Catie Kovelman
-
0
Royal Caribbean Will Open Its New Bahamas Beach Club Early

Key Aspects: 

  • Royal Caribbean’s first beach club, which is the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau, will now open a few days early.
  • The 17-acre resort will officially open to paying guests on December 23, 2025, which is just in time for Christmas.
  • The beachfront retreat will offer desirable amenities like two private beaches and three temperature-controlled pools.

For some lucky Royal Caribbean guests, Christmas is coming early!

The first of Royal Caribbean’s private beach clubs, which is the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in the Bahamas, is going to officially open on December 23, 2025 – just two days before Christmas.

This is four days earlier than Royal Caribbean originally said their Nassau-based resort would open on December 27, 2025.

Two Royal Caribbean ships will be in port on opening day, including Utopia of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas.

The following day, which is Christmas Eve, will be even busier. Liberty of the Seas, Vision of the Seas, and Wonder of the Seas will bring thousands of guests to explore the new beachfront spot.

These will be the first official paying guests to visit Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, where day passes start at $109.99 for cruisers aged 4-12 and $129.99 for adults.

However, some lucky cruise fans will get an even earlier sneak peek.

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony that is scheduled for December 13, some lucky cruise guests have received an invitation to enjoy the resort early, which comes with a complimentary day pass with unlimited open bar and dining access.

Unfortunately, these coveted invites cannot be bought or requested – it simply came down to the luck of the draw.

This soft opening will give Royal Caribbean a chance to ensure the island destination is fully functional, the crew members are fully trained, and to work out any last-minute kinks ahead of the grand opening.

What to Expect at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is the newest private destination that is meant for the exclusive use of guests sailing with Royal Caribbean and sister brands like Celebrity Cruises.

The beachfront property is located in the Capital of the Bahamas, only 10 minutes (or less!) from the busy cruise port.

To help guests really get into the beach day mood from the moment they arrive in Nassau, Royal Caribbean recently unveiled a fleet of five water ferries that will transport guests who secure a day pass directly to the new destination.

The ferries are decorated with the iconic crown-and-anchor logo and come in cheerful colors like bright pink, oceanic blue, energetic orange, bold green, and happy turquoise.

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island Fast Facts
Royal Beach Club Paradise Island Fast Facts

Once guests arrive at the 17-acre resort, they will get to enjoy three temperature-controlled pools, a variety of bars and dining options, beach games like cornhole and Jumbo Jenga, live music, and DJ sets.

To make sure every visitor gets to experience their perfect beach day, the destination has been divided into three zones, which are Chill Beach, Party Cove, and Family Beach.

Chill Beach, as the name suggests, will be all about relaxation. Conversely, Party Cove will be all about partying, having fun, and getting the energy pumping.

Family Beach will be geared toward families with kids. For example, this area will feature The Shallow End, which is a zero-entry pool appropriate for little ones.

More From Cruise Hive

Of course, cabana rentals and other VIP experiences are also available for purchase.

Admirably, the retreat was created with benefiting the Bahamas in mind, and Royal Caribbean has committed to promoting authentic Bahamian businesses. 49% of the equity will be reserved for Bahamian ownership and investment.

And after already waiting more than a year since the beach club’s groundbreaking ceremony on April 22, 2024, opening day can’t get here soon enough!

Carnival Guest Gets Hung Up on Stateroom Hangers

Melissa Mayntz
-
0
Carnival Guest Gets Hung Up on Stateroom Hangers

Key Aspects:

  • Storage is always a concern in a cruise ship stateroom, and one Carnival guest is anxious if they will have enough hangers for a family of four.
  • Brand ambassador John Heald shares a colorful description and tongue-in-cheek reasoning for the oft-maligned hangers in Carnival’s closets.
  • Guests offer their solutions to the hanger quandary and how to ensure you have enough room in your closet for all your clothes-hanging needs.

Storage space can be tight in a cruise ship cabin, especially for clothing that must be hung to avoid wrinkles. But are there enough hangers available in a typical stateroom? One soon-to-be Carnival guest is concerned that they won’t be able to hang all the clothing for their family.

To decide if they should pack along some slim hangers in their luggage (where space is also tight), the guest contacted John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador, to ask if it is possible to get extra hangers.

“Does anyone travel with their own hangars? I have been reading horror stories that there are never enough,” the guest explained. “This trip our teenage daughter and 10-year-old son will both be with us so my guess is closet space will be at a premium!”

By the guest’s language that their two children “will both be with us,” it is a fair guess that four guests may be in the same stateroom. They do not, however, identify what type of stateroom they will be in or how long the cruise will be, both of which can impact exactly how much closet space is necessary.

“I have some of those felt, skinny hangers and they weigh hardly anything. I thought maybe I would throw a dozen in. What do you think about this?” they asked Heald. “Can you arrange for my room to have extra hangers John?”

While this may not be the most “horrifying” cruise concern all guests have, Heald does have a humorously horrifying answer.

“I can tell you that sometimes there are not enough hangers in the closets because someone has stolen them on the previous cruise,” he explained.

Seriously? Stealing hangers? And these are the type that you can’t remove completely from the closet bar, so they’re of no use to someone at home.

Carnival Cruise Line Cabin and TV
Carnival Cruise Line Cabin and TV (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)

“I kid you not, people do steal them and I have to ask myself … Why?” he continued.

“Our coat hangers are Satan’s work. They are designed to be useless, a headless slab of wood that you have to shove into the ring thing but can’t and then all your clothes fall off. This is our cunning plan though because you will get so fed up with these wooden wankers that, when your elegant night clothes do fall on the floor, you will have to send them for pressing, thus making revenue for Carnival.”

Okay, maybe Heald is exaggerating a bit, but experienced Carnival cruisers are probably nodding their heads, very familiar with just how frustrating the hangers can occasionally be.

Getting More Hangers on a Carnival Cruise

He does go on to ask if guests had enough hangers on their last cruise, and the answers range from “plenty” to “I asked for more” to “I brought some with me” with no one expressing any real hanger-related horror stories.

I have asked for extra hangers on a couple of longer Carnival sailings. This is typically when I might have more clothing with hanging needs, such as for multiple formal nights or visits to specialty restaurants where I prefer to dress a bit more elegantly.

Many guests also note that overpacking is a real concern (I’m guilty of that for sure!), which tends to use up valuable hanger real estate.

More From Cruise Hive

A good solution is for guests to bring along inexpensive hangers of their own. The super-thin wire kind you might get from a dry cleaner or the plastic ones from discount stores are perfect, just in case you need a few extra.

Even better? Save room in your luggage going home and leave those cheap hangers behind so they can be used by the next guests!

Three Carnival Ships Losing Loyalty Benefits for Longer Sailings

Melissa Mayntz
-
0
Three Carnival Ships Losing Loyalty Benefits for Longer Sailings

Key Aspects:

  • Three Carnival Journeys cruises departing October 18, 2025 have had several high-level loyalty benefits removed due to the numbers of Diamond and Platinum guests onboard.
  • The impacted ships are Carnival Dream from Galveston, Carnival Radiance from Long Beach, and Carnival Venezia from New York.
  • It is not uncommon for Carnival to be unable to provide select benefits onboard very popular cruises, which has been a strong impetus for changing the loyalty program in the months to come.

Carnival Cruise Line has sent alerts to their most loyal guests booked on three upcoming sailings that several of the most coveted Diamond and Platinum benefits will not be available.

The impacted cruises are Carnival Dream, Carnival Radiance, and Carnival Venezia, all of which are departing on Saturday, October 18, for the affected sailings.

Carnival Dream is setting sail from Galveston for a 14-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary, while Carnival Radiance is sailing from Long Beach for a 14-night Hawaii cruise. Carnival Venezia‘s impacted sailing is a 12-night voyage from New York to the Southern Caribbean.

The same notification was sent to Diamond and Platinum guests on all three cruises, and the same benefits are being removed on all three ships.

“Due to the high number of Diamond and Platinum guests joining us on this voyage, we will not be able to provide the following benefits,” the notification explained.

The benefits no longer available are:

  • Priority embarkation and debarkation at the homeport as well as all ports of call
  • Early stateroom access for dropping off luggage
  • Priority luggage delivery to individual staterooms
  • Priority guest line at the Guest Services desk
  • Priority phone assistance from Guest Services representatives
  • Guaranteed main dining room seating requests for Diamond guests

The email does note that these benefits are often removed on any sailing where there are “a very large number” of Diamond and Platinum guests.

Other loyalty benefits, including VIFP logo gifts, ship-specific pins, priority spa reservations, and complimentary laundry services are still being offered.

Many experienced guests note that this is why it has become necessary for Carnival Cruise Line to change the VIFP loyalty program, since it is impossible to continue offering all benefits on all sailings.

Full details of the new Carnival Rewards program have not yet been released, but it has been hinted that new benefits and flexibility for guests to customize their loyalty experience will be part of the program.

How Many Loyal Carnival Guests Are Sailing?

The cruise line has not revealed exactly how many high-level loyalty guests are booked on Carnival Dream, Carnival Radiance, and Carnival Venezia, but it is likely there are hundreds, if not thousands, of very experienced cruisers on each sailing.

Carnival Journeys cruises, longer and more immersive sailings with more unique itineraries, are very popular with frequent cruisers. Because the itineraries are not offered as often, they tend to sell out quickly to travelers who have the budget and schedule to accommodate the longer cruises.

John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador, is occasionally able to share how many loyal guests are onboard different sailings.

For example, Mardi Gras has just finished her very first dry dock update and is departing Barcelona for a 14-night westbound transatlantic cruise to Port Canaveral on Thursday, October 16.

Carnival Dream Cruise Ship
Carnival Dream Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: venuswix)

Onboard are 1,953 Platinum guests and 1,035 Diamond guests. Together, this is 59% of the overall 5,106 guests onboard the completely sold-out ship.

Clearly, it would be impossible to offer priority benefits for this very special sailing. Most guests are understanding about those operational difficulties, as removing such benefits has become common for unique sailings.

Read Also: Which Cruise Lines Match Loyalty Programs?

Recently, Heald shared some guest numbers for “regular” cruises while he was visiting ships in Miami. For example, onboard Carnival Horizon’s 8-night Southern Caribbean sailing that departed October 11, there are 794 Platinum guests and 90 Diamond guests, a total of 21% of the 4,306 guests onboard.

More From Cruise Hive

In comparison, for the 3-night Carnival Conquest sailing that departed October 10, there were just 112 Platinum guests and only 20 Diamond guests onboard, together representing 4% of the 3,265 guests sailing.

Hopefully, future cruises under the new loyalty program will be able to offer exclusive benefits more consistently, giving all Carnival guests a great time to enjoy their vacations no matter what their loyalty level.

Ports in French Riviera Move to Regulate Cruise Ship Calls

Donna Tunney
-
0
Ports in French Riviera Move to Regulate Cruise Ship Calls

Key Aspects:

    It appears that the glamorous ports of Cannes and Villefranche-sur-Mer (Nice), France, among others in the captivating Côte d’Azur region, will soon become more difficult to reach via large cruise ships.

    Following months of discussion among port officials in popular destinations along the French Riviera, cruise ships will soon face new restrictions designed to protect the environment and quality of life among the local populations.

    The Prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes, which includes Villefranche-sur-Mer, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, and Cannes, is poised to set guest debarkation limits and restrictions tied to the number of large cruise ships that can call at the destinations’ ports.

    Specifically, the new rules, announced on October 10, 2025 and expected to be implemented gradually starting in 2026, would limit calls by cruise ships carrying more than 1,300 passengers to one per day, per port.

    The cap does not apply to ships that dock, but rather to those that anchor offshore, which is the case for virtually all large ships.

    The limit becomes more strict in the high season months of July and August, when a maximum of 15 cruise ships per month will be allowed to drop anchor in the ports’ harbors.

    The proposed rules also target the numbers of disembarking guests. Under the plan, there would be an annual average of 2,000 passengers allowed to debark per port call, per port, while the maximum number of guests would top out at 3,000 per call, per port.

    That debarkation limit would impact many ships that call at the Nice port, including Holland America Line’s 2,429-guest Oosterdam, for instance, which happens to be slated to call at the destination in late October 2025 as part of a 21-night “Adriatic Traversing: Dalmatian Coast & Italy” cruise.

    In 2026, larger ships are slated to call, including Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic, which accommodates 4,070 guests, and Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Equinox, which carries 2,852 guests.

    Cruise Ship in Villefranche-sur-Mer
    Cruise Ship in Villefranche-sur-Mer (Photo Credit: arentis)

    However, while the implementation of the new rules is slated to start in 2026, it appears that cruise ships whose port calls were scheduled two years in advance will be grandfathered, and allowed to proceed with their visits.

    The new restrictions were originally presented to local officials in July 2025 and are expected to be formally adopted after a 21-day public consultation.

    Government Decree Also Targets Cruise Ship Pollution

    The agreement between the Prefect of the Alpes-Maritime, the mayors of the cities involved, and representatives of the Cruise Lines International Association also addresses cruise ship pollution issues.

    If local authorities detect “unusual smoke emissions,” the local harbormaster’s office can force the ship to begin certain emissions reduction measures, details of which were not revealed in the prefect’s announcement.

    More From Cruise Hive

    However, if a pollution issue arises, the port call can be cancelled, or the ship must undertake a reduction of emissions three miles offshore.

    Environmental concerns have been top of mind for some French Riviera officials for a long time.

    In January 2025, Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi said the city planned to ban all large-capacity cruise ships from the destination starting in July 2025. After he issued the order in July, an administrative court struck it down, ruling that the mayor did not have legal authority to limit the cruise industry.

    The order would have sharply limited calls by ships carrying more than 2,500 passengers.

    Carnival’s Mardi Gras Returns to Service After Major Dry Dock

    Lissa Poirot
    -
    0
    Carnival’s Mardi Gras Returns to Service After Major Dry Dock

    Key Aspects:

    • Mardi Gras emerged from a one-month dry dock at Chantier Naval de Marseille in France on October 16, 2025.
    • One hundred staterooms were modified with new connecting doors to provide more offerings for families and groups.
    • Renovations also included accessibility improvements, retail refurbishments, and a casino expansion.

    It’s party time once again on Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras, which is back at sea following a month-long dry dock at Chantier Naval de Marseille in France.

    The first in the cruise line’s Excel class received a host of upgrades and enhancements across its public spaces, staterooms, and onboard facilities and departed on October 16, 2025, on a 15-day transatlantic cruise back to Port Canaveral, Florida.

    The repositioning cruise includes stops in Málaga and Cádiz, Spain; a visit to Carnival Cruise Line’s private destination, Celebration Key, in the Bahamas, and a call in Tenerife in the Canary Islands, where she made a maiden call en route to dry dock on September 22, 2025.

    After concluding her repositioning on October 30 in Port Canaveral, Mardi Gras will resume year-round Caribbean sailings, with more room for groups and modern updates.

    “Mardi Gras was a game-changer when she debuted as our first Excel-class ship, and now she’s setting the pace again as the first in her class to complete a dry dock,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

    Duffy said the updates to the ship that debuted in 2021 not only enhance the onboard experience for passengers but “signal the exciting direction we’re heading in with future fleet enhancements,” teasing that more is to come.

    The 180,800-gross-ton vessel’s dry dock focused heavily on accessibility, modernization, and group travel. In fact, 100 staterooms were modified with connecting doors to better accommodate multi-generational families and larger parties.

    Public walkways and guest areas were also redesigned with improved accessibility, while guest cabins received upgraded features.

    The ship’s casino was also expanded with new slot machines, while retail spaces were updated with refreshed interiors, including Tag Heur, Breitling, Pandora, and Swarovski.

    Expanded casino aboard Mardi Gras
    Expanded casino aboard Mardi Gras. (Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line)

    Even the Carnival Adventures deck has a new layout and look to help make shore excursions more streamlined for Mardi Gras’ 5,270 passengers (at double capacity).

    But Carnival Cruise Line said the dry dock was less about reinvention and more on refinement, bringing Mardi Gras in line with evolving fleet standards and matching the look and feel of the company’s more modern vessels.

    Modernized and Ready to Sail

    Once Mardi Gras returns to homeport in Florida, she will relaunch with a 9-night Eastern Caribbean cruise to the US Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and Celebration Key from October 30 to November 8, 2025.

    After which, the vessel will resume 7-night roundtrip voyages with a choice of Eastern or Western Caribbean itineraries.

    Read Also: Carnival Ships By Age: Newest to Oldest (2028-1996)

    Eastern routes will take guests to Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos, Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic, and Nassau, Bahamas, while western journeys will sail to Roatan, Honduras, and Cozumel, Mexico. Both options will include a full day at Celebration Key.

    Carnival Cruise Line is continuing to modernize its fleet. Mardi Gras’ dry dock followed Carnival Liberty’s recent dry dock, which was extended when strikes at the Spain facility forced the vessel to relocate to France to complete.

    Carnival Conquest, which was originally scheduled to dry dock before Mardi Gras, will be the next ship heading to dry dock in February 2026. 

    Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth Makes Miami Debut for First-Ever Caribbean Season

    Lissa Poirot
    -
    0
    Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth Makes Miami Debut for First-Ever Caribbean Season

    Key Aspects:

    • Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth made history with its first-ever arrival at PortMiami on October 16, 2025.
    • The milestone event launches a two-season Caribbean schedule featuring itineraries across the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
    • Port officials presented a ceremonial plaque to Cunard’s captain and officers.

    For the first time in its storied 185-year history, Cunard is bringing one of its famed Queens to Miami.

    On October 16, 2025, the recently refreshed Queen Elizabeth arrived at PortMiami to begin a two-season residency of Caribbean sailings, marking the luxury line’s debut homeport in the region.

    PortMiami Director and CEO Hydi Webb welcomed the ship, noting that Cunard’s presence adds a new layer of elegance to the port’s lineup of cruise offerings.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth to PortMiami,” said Webb, who went on to commend the cruise line’s investment in Miami.

    “With the addition of Cunard to Miami’s roster of cruise line offerings, passengers will be able to sail aboard ships with a legacy of elegance and comfort,” Webb added. “We are grateful for this new partnership and continued growth at the Cruise Capital of the World.”

    The arrival was marked with a ceremonial plaque exchange and dockside celebration attended by port officials, cruise executives, and special guests.

    Among those aboard was Patricia Altschul, author, philanthropist, and television personality from Bravo’s “Southern Charm,” who joined the inaugural sailing.

    “To me, Queen Elizabeth is a kindred spirit,” said Altschul as she welcomed the vessel to Miami. 

    Her remarks echoed the celebratory tone of the day, as Liz Fettes, senior vice president of commercial for North America at Cunard, shared in the cruise line’s excitement.

    “We are redefining luxury cruising in the Caribbean with our gracious service, sumptuous Art Deco design, and new, heart-stirring entertainment,” said Fettes.

    Following the celebrations, the 90,900-gross-ton vessel carrying up to 2,000 passengers embarked on a 12-night Eastern Caribbean voyage.

    The roundtrip itinerary will call in Puerto Rico, Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Maarten, and the British Virgin Islands before returning to Miami on October 28, 2025.

    The inaugural season will feature 9- to 21-night voyages to destinations across the Eastern and Western Caribbean through April 2026.

    At that time, Queen Elizabeth will reposition to Seattle for her second summer season in Alaska, which she just wrapped up on September 25.

    Miami Receives a Modernized Queen

    Before arriving in Miami, Queen Elizabeth completed an extensive refresh in March 2025 designed to enhance its signature spaces and guest experience.

    The ship’s Royal Court Theatre has been upgraded with advanced sound and lighting systems for major productions, while the Queens Room, a centerpiece for Cunard’s formal Gala Evenings, has been redesigned to better accommodate live music and dancing.

    Queens Room Queen Elizabeth
    Queens Room Queen Elizabeth (Photo Credit: Cunard)

    The Lido Pool Club now features upgraded cabanas, new poolside furnishings, and expanded shaded areas to reflect its Caribbean deployment.

    Staterooms and suites across all categories have also been refurbished with updated décor and enhanced amenities, while the line’s top-tier Grills Suites now offer butler service and access to exclusive dining venues.

    Dining has also evolved with new concepts introduced for the Caribbean season. For example, Karibe brings Caribbean coastal cuisine and local ingredients to the menu.

    Read Also: Miami Cruise Port Guide: Terminals, Transportation and More

    The ship’s Commodore Club has also been transformed into the Abbey Road Listening Lounge, featuring curated music sessions and signature drinks inspired by classic British recording studios.

    Onboard entertainment will include nearly 120 live performances during the Caribbean run, highlighted by the first-ever at-sea production of “Come From Away” and guest performances by Broadway and West End talent, including Tony Award-winner Sutton Foster.

    For wellness, Queen Elizabeth debuted the Pavilion Wellness Café and the Harper’s Bazaar Wellness at Sea program, rounding out the new look and offerings.

    1...492493494...603Page 493 of 603