Carnival Corporation, the world’s largest cruise operator, released its annual sustainability report today, showcasing the company’s efforts to achieve its goals for 2030 and 2050. 

Sustainability has become a big business in the cruise industry in recent years, and for a good reason. For many years the cruise lines took a liberal approach to environmental concerns. However, before 2050, the cruise industry has agreed to become fully carbon neutral, a goal that seems achievable for the cruise company.

Carnival’s Aggressive Roadmap

In Carnival Corporation’s annual sustainability report called ‘Sustainable from Ship to Shore,’ the cruise company reports it is well underway to achieve its 2030 goals, a part of the greater 2050 aspirations. In 2022, as almost 100% of Carnival Corporation’s full fleet returned to guest cruise operations, the company made sustainability a prime goal.

Carnival achieved a 50% single-use plastic item reduction in 2021, achieved a 30% food waste reduction per person in 2022. That same year, there was a 50% reduction in tiny particles released into the air compared to the amount released in 2015.

“As the global leader in the cruise industry, we are setting the pace with the industry’s smartest solutions for sustainable cruising that will help deliver on our aggressive roadmap to reduce our carbon impact, maximize our use of resources and further enhance our operations to be even more efficient by 2030,” said Josh Weinstein, CEO and chief climate officer for Carnival Corporation. 

“Our future depends on us being good corporate citizens and stewards of the environment, because without the incredible communities, healthy marine ecosystems, and scenic spaces we operate in, it would be impossible to deliver unforgettable happiness to our guests through extraordinary cruise vacations.”

Advancements in Decarbonization Pathway

Carnival has been adding new ships and guest capacity at breakneck speed since 2011. Yet, it has managed to create a situation where it now produces fewer greenhouse gases than in 2011. According to the sustainability report, the company is the only one to do so.

It means that Carnival Corporation is now well underway to achieve a 40% reduction in carbon intensity by 2030 versus the results achieved in 2008. There will even be a 20% reduction in 2023 compared to the emissions produced per unit in 2019.

Future Fuel: What Is an LNG-Powered Cruise Ship?

Those results come from various initiatives that Carnival has introduced in the last years, including fleet optimization, such as getting rid of older, polluting vessels; introducing energy efficiency; making itineraries more efficient; and introducing new technologies and alternative fuels.

Carnival also made significant investments into making ships more efficient and eco-friendly by introducing upgrades to HVAC automation, variable speed drives on pumps and fans, and smart LED lighting, which add up to an expected 5% fuel saving per ship and $100 million in annual savings.

57% of Carnival’s fleet is now capable of using shore power. At the same time, more ships are outfitted with the Air Lubrication System, which helps ships glide on a curtain of air bubbles with about 5% less friction, generating fuel consumption savings and reduced emissions. Five ships have ALS installed, six are in progress, and eight are on order.

It’s not just upgrades to ships, Carnival is actively participating in creating and trying out new technologies. 

Pioneering New Technologies & Alternative Fuels

To achieve their ambitious 2050 goals, cruise lines must explore innovative ways to power their ships. One such approach is using LNG, with Carnival leading the way with eight LNG-capable ships in service and three more on order.

Additionally, Carnival is piloting the world’s largest battery installation on a passenger ship, using a first-of-its-kind lithium-ion battery storage system on AIDAprima, and pioneering fuel cell technology that utilizes methanol-derived hydrogen on AIDAnova.

The company is also testing biofuels as an alternative to fossil fuels, with successful trials underway on AIDAprima and Holland America Line’s Volendam.

Reducing the Amount of Waste Generated by Cruise Ships

Of course, reducing the emissions from cruise ships is one thing. However, cruise ships remain a consumer paradise known for excessive consumption. Here as well, Carnival is making significant efforts to reduce the amount of waste that ships produce each day.

“Our approach to sustainability is backed by science and driven by data, which allows us to take decisive actions that make a truly meaningful impact and inspire real change,” said Weinstein. 

Carnival reduced food waste per person by more than 30% in 2022 compared to 2019 and set a new goal to reduce food waste by 40% per person by 2025. The cruise company installed over 600 food biodigesters on ships to break down and liquefy uneaten food and installed 25-plus food dehydrators across the fleet, which reduces waste volume by upwards of 90%.

The use of single-use plastics has also been reduced by more than 50%, removing over 500 million single-use items since 2018 and replacing them with eco-friendly alternatives. 

Weinstein: “It is a monumental undertaking that requires collective focus and tireless dedication of our entire organization. We are incredibly proud of the considerable progress we have made so far and look forward to continuing our collective work together toward a sustainable future for cruising and tourism.”

Carnival Corporation has indeed set a course toward a much more sustainable future. However, there is still a long way to go before we can start calling the cruise industry a green industry. 

Carnival Cruise Line has quietly increased prices for several food items guests can purchase prior to setting sail, making these popular treats more expensive but without any corresponding changes to the size or quantity of the items.

Among the now-more-costly treats are celebration cakes, chocolate-covered strawberries, freshly baked cookies, and assorted party trays.

Online Shopping Price Increases

Carnival Cruise Line offers a variety of decadent sweets and treats available for pre-cruise purchase through the online Fun Shops, but guests are noticing prices that aren’t quite as much fun as several items have become more expensive in recent weeks.

For example, the popular 6-inch cake – available in “Happy Anniversary,” “Bon Voyage,” “Happy Birthday,” and other celebratory sentiments, is now priced at $12.50, compared to a price of $10 as recently as January 2023. The very similar 9-inch cake is now available for $17.50, whereas it used to be priced at just $14.

Freshly baked cookies, available in chocolate chip, chocolate chunk, honey oatmeal raisin, and macadamia nut are now $10 for four cookies, compared to the previous pricing of $6 for the same cookies.

The fruit and cheese party tray, an assortment of small bites great for snacking or as a delicious appetizer before dinner, now starts at $30 for the small tray, but used to be $26 in February 2023.

Read More: Carnival Cruise Line Addresses Another Recent Price Increase

Orders of chocolate-covered strawberries, popular for formal nights or to celebrate special moments onboard, have also increased in price, from $15 to $18 for a small tray (six decorated berries) and from $27 to $30 for a large tray (12 decorated berries).

Pastry trays and other party trays have also increased along similar lines, as have many other food items. Beverages, including soda and bottles of alcohol, have not increased at this time.

Why Price Increases?

There has been no official announcement or explanation for these increases, but they are likely related to overall economic concerns and the impact of inflation on foodstuffs, including the ingredients necessary to make many of the treats.

Cruisers and non-cruisers alike are most definitely noticing the rise of grocery and restaurant prices, and continued shortages in different regions may make it difficult to get proper ingredients for some items.

Delivery of ingredients to cruise ports, the labor to create fresh-made gourmet treats, and arranging delivery of the items to individual staterooms also impacts overall costs.

Other Recent Price Increases

These shopping increases come just as Carnival Cruise Line guests are also noticing other cost increases, such as dramatic increases for private beach rentals at Half Moon Cay in The Bahamas as well as at Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic.

Carnival Cruise Line has also recently increased the costs for Wi-Fi access and gratuities for all guests, changes that took effect on April 1, 2023.

The frequency of the price increases and how many items are being increased is of concern to cruise guests who may feel the Carnival is not necessarily offering the best value for their vacation dollars.

Yet, with the cruise line recently reaching the monumental milestone of 100 million guests, it is clear that Carnival continues to dominate the cruise market, and will likely keep that momentum as additional ships join the Fun Ship fleet in the coming months, with Carnival Venezia debuting in May 2023, followed by Carnival Jubilee in December 2023 and Carnival Firenze in May 2024.

Carnival Cruise Line recently increased the cost for private beachside rentals at Half Moon Cay in The Bahamas, and similar price hikes have now been noted at the cruise line’s other semi-private destination, Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic. The increases at Amber Cove are not quite as drastic, but are significant nonetheless.

Price Increases at Amber Cove

Amber Cove, which opened in 2015, has a gorgeous beach ready and waiting for cruise ship guests, and private beach retreats are a popular rental for visitors. Now, those retreats are coming with a much higher price tag than just a few months ago.

This comes right after significant price increases – roughly 50% more – have been noted at Half Moon Cay in The Bahamas. Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic has similar beach rentals, though the costs are different.

Guests have four choices of private cabana rentals at Amber Cove, each one offering a unique and luxurious experience, but at high prices.

The “Hillside Cabana” is the least expensive, and the only option without direct water access. Tucked high on the hillside with exceptional views, these air-conditioned cabanas include private hot tubs, snacks, lounge chairs, water, soda, and other amenities, including an hour’s rental of two water sports (kayak, stand up paddle board, or aqua cycle). Up to 8 guests can enjoy the cabana for one excursion cost.

Both the “Poolside Cabana” and the “Ocean Cabana” can also accommodate up to 8 guests and offer similar amenities, snacks, and nearby servers for food and drink orders. Neither one has a hot tub, but the Poolside Cabanas are directly alongside Amber Cove’s 300,000-gallon pool, while the Ocean Cabanas are build directly over Maimon Bay.

The “Grand Cabana” is the most luxurious option, and can welcome up to 20 guests for a single excursion cost. These 1,000-square-foot bungalows are built over the ocean and include two water sport rentals for two full hours, as well as a personal hot tub and a dedicated server to take food and drink orders.

All four types of cabanas are all-day rentals and guests can come and go at their leisure throughout the day. The Hillside Cabana rents for $479.99, the Poolside and Ocean Cabanas for $499.99, and the Grand Cabanas commanding a grand price tag at $1,999.99.

These prices are significantly higher than the costs in January 2022, when the Hillside Cabana rented for $309.99, the Poolside Cabana for $324.99, the Ocean Cabana for $344.99, and the Grand Cabana for $1,169.99.

The price differences between January 2022 and April 2023 – just 15 months – equate to increases of 35% for both the Hillside and Poolside Cabanas, 31% for the Ocean Cabana, and a whopping 42% for the Grand Cabana.

These increases are similar to the price hikes for beachside rentals at Half Moon Cay. While the destinations are different, the amenities offered at the private retreats are similar in both locations.

More Choices at Amber Cove

Guests who want to enjoy Amber Cove do not need to pay for the exclusive retreats – like all shore excursions, they are entirely optional and there are many other choices to enjoy.

Lounge chairs, hammocks, and beach access are free for all guests, and the crystal clear waters are always amazing for swimming, water sports, snorkeling, and other aquatastic fun. Pool access is also free, along with the waterslides and lazy river.

Read Also: Cruise Line Private Islands You Must Escape To

If guests do want to try out other shore tours, popular options at Amber Cove include swimming with dolphins, exploring local waterfalls, catamaran sailing trips, deep sea fishing, horseback riding, ATV adventures, ziplines, and much more.

Carnival Cruise Line has quietly increased prices for cabana and beach villa rentals on its private island in The Bahamas, Half Moon Cay. Guests booked on upcoming cruises who are planning their time ashore have noted dramatic increases in recent months for both types of private beachside retreats.

Beach Rental Prices Increase

The rentals in question include both “beach villa” and “cabana” rentals on Half Moon Cay, Carnival Corporation’s private island destination in The Bahamas.

The “beach villa” is a 2-story beachside retreat, with unobstructed ocean views and a private sun deck. The air-conditioned rental has a 5-person hot tub, refrigerator, mist shower, and dining area. Snacks, water, and soda are included in the rental price, as well as water floating mats and snorkel gear. Up to 8 guests can share the villa for one excursion price.

In comparison, the “cabana” rental is a smaller option, able to accommodate only 4 guests for a single excursion fee, and only one story rather than two. Cabanas are still air-conditioned and come with the same amenities – snacks, water, soda, water mats, and snorkel gear. Cabanas do not have any hot tubs.

Currently, the price for a beach villa is listed as beginning at $999.99 (USD), while cabanas rent for $699.99. Both types of rentals are for the whole day, and guests can come and go as they please.

Previously, prices for both the villas and the cabanas were dramatically lower. Villa prices in late November 2022, for example, were just $649.99, while cabana prices were $449.99. Looking even further back, villas were priced at $599.99 in January 2022, while cabanas were $359.99 in January 2022.

By these prices, both villas and cabanas have increased by 50% in just over a year’s time, an incredible rate change that may be startling to many cruisers who enjoyed the rentals last year but may find them too pricey this year.

A third private option, the “Private Oasis” that can accommodate up to 12 guests and includes such luxuries as an 8-person hot tub, personal chef, private butler, and more in a 1,620-square-foot cabana perched partially over the water is even pricier at $1,999,99. In January 2022, the private oasis was priced at $1,595,99 – still a dramatic price increase, but not as substantial as the other increases.

Why Such Increases?

Carnival Cruise Line can increase prices on such private rentals however they choose, and there has been no announcement about why the rates have changed so dramatically.

This follows with other recent price increases, such as upping the price of bottled water in November 2022, and price increases for gratuities and Wi-Fi service jumping as of April 1, 2023.

Many cruise travelers enjoy the private luxury of villa and cabana rentals, and the popularity of the rentals, as well as how limited they are, can easily drive the price up.

Carnival may be seeing the price increases as an opportunity to capitalize on exclusivity and appeal to travelers with bigger budgets who are willing to pay for even more privacy on the private island.

Improved amenities may also be part of the pricing strategy, if the cruise line opts to upgrade the services and benefits provided to those who rent the retreats. There is no evidence that this has been done, however, but it may be a possibility for justifying the price.

Guests noting the dramatic price increase are also speculating that the company’s debt burden as it recovers from the pandemic-related industry shutdown could be a cause behind the high prices. So long as guests are willing to pay the higher prices and the villas and cabanas are still selling out, prices will undoubtedly remain high and provide a nice profit margin for the cruise line.

Other Options on Half Moon Cay

Ships from both Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line visit Half Moon Cay, which is located 100 miles (161 kilometers) east-southeast of Nassau, the capital city of The Bahamas and another popular port of call.

The destination is widely popular among cruise guests because the private island is not as crowded as other tourist ports that may have multiple ships from different lines visiting at once.

At Half Moon Cay, both Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line plan their visits carefully so only one ship is docked at once, ensuring a true private island experience.

Guests can enjoy many of the island’s amenities, including beach lounge chairs, island games and activities, beachside lunches, and more without any extra fees. Snorkeling and watersport equipment is available for rental, and a variety of shore tours are offered, such as kayaking, horseback riding, tram tours, and bike tours.

Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald has acknowledged the need for an overhaul of the line’s loyalty program, and asked for guest feedback about options.

While no immediate changes are forthcoming, there are a variety of choices the cruise line might make to reward returning guests.

Loyalty Program Changes Coming?

Loyalty programs are a great attraction for frequent cruisers as they build up points, days, or other means of tracking their specific level of loyalty to earn exclusive benefits. Carnival Cruise Line’s “Very Important Fun Person” (VIFP) loyalty program is based on days, with every day aboard earning guests more credit to advance to higher loyalty levels more quickly.

The line’s official ambassador, John Heald, recently acknowledged the possibility of changes coming to how loyalty credit may be accrued, after being asked why only days – and not type of stateroom or onboard spending – earns loyalty.

“The whole loyalty program is being looked at by very smart people and while I have zero news to share on what will or will not happen I know that the program needs a massive refresh so we can do a better job in thanking people for their loyalty and to keep that loyalty alive,” Heald said.

Heald went on to ask whether or not the guests feel the money spent onboard should help advance loyalty levels.

Guest response was mixed, with many guests believing Carnival Cruise Line should stick with just the number of days cruised to determine loyalty, while others agree that onboard spending should have some influence on VIFP levels.

Days of Loyalty

Right now, Carnival’s VIFP program operates on a days cruised basis, with each day equal to one point in the program. All guests are automatically enrolled in the “Blue” level from their very first cruise, receiving members-only offers and an emailed newsletter.

From a guest’s second sailing and through 24 points earned, guests are “Red” level, while 25-75 points is “Gold,” 75-199 points is “Platinum” and 200+ points qualify the most loyal guests as “Diamond” status.

At each successive tier, benefits increase and ultimately include such premium perks as priority embarkation and debarkation, free logo gifts, priority spa and restaurant reservations, complimentary laundry service, and more.

While this method of loyalty – counting days cruised – is a fair method that rewards guests for the more time they spend onboard Carnival cruise ships, it does not account for other factors, such as their spending patterns onboard.

It should be noted, however, that counting days is a distinct improvement over Carnival’s former policy, which counted cruises only. For example, guests would not reach “Gold” status until they had sailed five times, no matter what the length of cruise – a guest who had sailed only four week-long cruises (28 days total) would have a lower loyalty status than a guest who had sailed five weekend cruises (15 days total).

The change from individual cruises to total days counted for loyalty was implemented in 2012. After more than a decade, is another change overdue?

Spending Influencing Loyalty

To add an onboard spending component to guest loyalty status would permit guests to advance through Carnival’s VIFP tiers more quickly based on certain purchases.

For example, the stateroom category may factor into loyalty points earned. Guests booking more expensive cabins, such as suites, might earn extra points on top of the days of the cruise.

Money spent in the ship’s casino could also influence loyalty, with high rollers earning more loyalty points and benefits more quickly than casual casino guests or passengers who do not gamble at all.

It is not typically possible to use all onboard spending to influence cruise line loyalty status, however. Retail purchases, spa treatments, and shore tours will not usually be applicable, for example, as that spending is for retail partners and not directly to the cruise line.

Other Loyalty Options

There are other options Carnival Cruise Line might consider to help determine guest loyalty status. It could be possible, for example, to offer guests additional loyalty points for more frequent cruises, such as bonus points for cruising multiple times in one year.

Specific destinations might also be used for extra loyalty points, such as rewarding guests for booking a cruise to Alaska or for sailing a longer Journeys cruise.

Carnival might also use even more creative options for encouraging loyalty, such as bonus points for sailing on a brand new ship, or special sailings – such as the popular “FFS” cruises with John Heald – qualifying for extra points.

How do you think Carnival could revamp the VIFP program? Share your thoughts on the Cruise Hive boards!