Anyone planning a Carnival cruise, whether they are a regular cruiser, first-time Carnival guest, or have never been sailing before, should take note that the planned increases to gratuity and Wi-Fi rates are set to increase from April 1, 2023, making March 31 the last day to lock in significant savings.

Gratuity Increases to Take Effect

It’s no April Fool’s Joke that as of April 1, Carnival Cruise Line’s gratuity rates will increase.

For all embarkations on or after Saturday, April 1, the automatic gratuity rate for standard staterooms – interior cabins, ocean views, and balconies – will increase to $16 per guest, per day, up from $14.50, an increase of roughly 10% per day. The rate for suite guests will become $18 per person, per day rather than $16.50.

Particularly for families, this can be a significant charge, adding up to $448 ($462 in suites) for a family of four for a 7-night sailing. Prior to the increase, the automatic gratuities would have been $406 for the same family ($504 in suites). It should be noted, however, that guests under the age of 2 are not assessed automatic gratuities.

Compare the April 1 rates to gratuity rates of just a year ago, and the difference is even more significant. Carnival Cruise Line also raised gratuity rates in May 2022. Prior to that first increase, the cost was $13.99 per person, per day for standard staterooms, and $15.99 for suites.

This means, in just one year, the twice-raised rates have increased by approximately 14% for standard staterooms, and 12% for suites.

This is particularly troubling at a time when inflation rates remain high, while wages are not necessarily keeping pace with day-to-day living expense increases.

Still Time to Save

Guests can still lock in the lower gratuity rates for Carnival cruises if they pre-pay for automatic gratuities prior to April 1, 2023. This applies even if the cruise sets sail weeks or months after the rate increase takes effect.

Read Also: Carnival Cruise Line Gratuities (Tipping) Explained

Booked guests can contact Carnival Cruise Line or log in to the cruise line’s website to make such a payment, or reach out to their travel agent to make an immediate payment and save significantly for their upcoming cruise.

Guests who may be ready to book could also secure their reservations and pre-payment before the deadline – such savings are nothing to laugh at.

Comparing Gratuities Across Cruise Lines

While no service charge increase is ever welcome, the gratuity rates Carnival will begin on April 1 are comparable to other cruise lines and their own increases in the past year.

For example, Norwegian Cruise Line raised gratuities from January 1, with a new rate of $25 per person, per day for guests in The Haven and suites, and $20 per person, per day Club Balcony Suites and other stateroom types.

Holland America Line’s gratuity rates, just raised on February 1, are now $17.50 per person per day in suites, and $16 per person, per day in other stateroom categories.

Princess Cruises’ rates are $18 per person per day in suites, $17 in mini-suites or Club Class staterooms, and $16 per person, per day in other stateroom types. Princess Cruises raised gratuities to the current level in mid-December 2022.

Disney Cruise Line’s gratuity rates, which have not been raised since July 2022, are $14.50 per person (including children and infants) in all staterooms except Concierge and Suite staterooms, which are $15.50 per person, per day.

Carnival Cruise Line is introducing a new, coordinated set of gifts for its most loyal guests – the Very Important Fun Persons, or VIFPs – and the first of the new items will be available beginning in early April. However, not all ships will have the new loyalty gifts due to delivery issues.

New VIFP Gift Ready to Debut

Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald announced today that the first of the new VIFP Diamond and Platinum gifts is ready to be offered, but not quite on all ships.

“I am pleased to say that we will be changing the VIFP Diamond and Platinum gift over to Fanny Packs (Bum Bags) for voyages starting after 4/6 for all ships other than Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Splendor, which will continue to give the koozies until the new gifts arrive Down Under,” Heald said.

The new fanny pack is navy blue, with a red zipper, adjustable belt strap, and “Carnival VIFP Club” on a patch on the front pocket.

Additional gifts in the matching set will be brought aboard ships in the weeks to come. The two other items in the coordinated collection are a beach or poolside tote bag and a smaller toiletry or small items bag. Both share the same color scheme and the simple VIFP logo patch.

“Next up after this will be the Tote Bag with the same Logo,” Heald said. In time, loyalty guests may have the ability to choose which of the gifts they receive on each sailing, though this has not been confirmed.

For now, Carnival Cruise Line will be offering the new gifts more quickly than how gifts have been changed in the past. Many frequent cruisers, for example, have received the snap koozie gift several times, as it is has been available for some time.

“We’ll start off with one, then we’ll go move very quickly a couple of months later exchanging for something else, then exchanging for the third one,” Heald explained when the new gifts were first announced.

While Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Splendor will not be receiving the new loyalty gifts yet, the items should arrive soon for cruisers setting sail from Australia.

Receiving the Loyalty Gifts

Loyalty gifts are offered to Platinum- and Diamond-level returning guests. Cruisers earn points for every day they sail with Carnival Cruise Line, and reach Platinum status once they have 75 points. The Diamond loyalty level begins at 200 points, and is the highest level in Carnival’s loyalty program.

There is no difference in the gifts offered to either Platinum or Diamond guests, though each level does have other unique benefits.

Loyalty gifts must be picked up at the Pixels Photo Gallery onboard each ship, where guests’ names will be checked off a list to confirm that they received their item.

In previous years, gifts were hand-delivered to guests’ staterooms, either awaiting them on embarkation day or as a nice surprise during the sailing. The switch to having guests pick up gifts was made as part of health and safety protocols as cruising resumed after the industry shutdown, in order to minimize how many people entered different staterooms in case of illness.

Heald has reached out to the cruise line’s leadership team to request that stateroom delivery of the gifts resume, as many guests appreciate that extra touch. As yet, there is no confirmation of whether or not the delivery will return or if guests will need to continue picking up their rewards at Pixels.

In addition to the logo gifts, all Platinum and Diamond-level VIFP guests also receive collectible pins with the ship’s name and year on every cruise. Gold-level cruisers (25-74 points) receive Gold VIFP pins as well. All pins must also be collected at the Pixels Photo Gallery onboard.

Australia has a distinctive tradition of celebrating a second Christmas in July as a way to enjoy the holiday festivities in a more seasonally appropriate setting. 

Carnival Cruise Line offers guests an alternative to the usual Christmas in July celebrations in Sydney Harbour this year. Guests can immerse themselves in the holiday spirit aboard the Carnival Splendor for the ‘Grinchmas in July’ sailings while exploring some of Australia’s most beautiful destinations.

Grinchmas in July Sailings Offer a Festive Cruise Experience

Australia has a rich cultural history that includes many traditions from its British roots. One such tradition is the concept of a “perfect Christmas,” characterized by cold weather, warm fires, hearty meals, and festive songs. 

However, due to Australia’s location in the southern hemisphere, snow in December is a rarity, and the typical Christmas weather is better suited for beach celebrations rather than fireside gatherings.

Carnival Cruise Line’s Grinchmas in July sailings offer a fresh and exciting way to embrace this unique Australian tradition. Guests can indulge in the holiday spirit while exploring some of the most beautiful destinations in the region, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Carnival Splendor will be transformed into a magical winter wonderland, complete with a giant Christmas tree, glittering lights, baubles, and even winter ‘snow.’ Guests can indulge in festive food and beverage offerings, including Christmas-themed beverages and specialty dining options. 

Carnival’s usual array of over 45 onboard activities will complement the holiday atmosphere during the Grinchmas in July sailings, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience for all guests. Guests can participate in various holiday activities, including partaking in festive caroling and competing in the ugly sweater competition.

Enjoying a New Take on the Christmas in July Tradition

Carnival’s Grinchmas in July sailings provide a diverse selection of cruise itineraries, each offering unique experiences for guests. Departing from Sydney starting June 30, 2023, the five different departures ensure a memorable Christmas in July celebration for everyone.

The nine-night South Pacific Cruise, sailing from June 30 to July 9, 2023, takes guests through the picturesque South Pacific region. This cruise stops at Noumea in New Caledonia, Mystery Island in Vanuatu, and Lifou in New Caledonia. 

From July 9 to July 13, 2023, the 4-night Tangalooma – Moreton Island Cruise offers an escape to one of Australia’s best-kept secrets. This cruise sails from Sydney to Moreton Island, allowing guests ample time to explore its pristine beaches.

For those looking for a quick getaway, the 3-night Getaway Cruise sets sail on July 13 and returns to Sydney on July 16, 2023. This sampler cruise allows guests to experience the best of Sydney’s famous landmarks while enjoying the festive atmosphere and onboard activities that Carnival is known for.

Guests seeking a longer and more immersive experience can embark on the 12-night South Pacific Cruise from July 16 to July 28, 2023. This longer itinerary includes stops at Noumea, Mystery Island, Port Denarau, and Dravuni in Fiji. Finally, a second 3-night Getaway Cruise departs from Sydney on July 28 and returns on July 31, 2023.

Each of these Grinchmas in July sailings onboard the 113,000 gross tons, 3,012-guest, Carnival Splendor promises a memorable and festive holiday experience, allowing guests to celebrate the unique Australian tradition of Christmas in July while exploring various destinations.

For guests who may not be particularly fond of Christmas celebrations, they can rest assured that Carnival Splendor will continue to operate in Australia until at least 2025, offering a variety of cruises.