Platinum VIFP benefits have been removed from three upcoming Carnival sailings.
The decision impacts upcoming March 2026 sailings for Carnival Spirit, Carnival Legend, and Carnival Dream.
Guests will miss out on perks like priority embarkation and debarkation and early stateroom access.
Thousands of Carnival guests have learned that they will be going without their favorite loyalty perks on their sailings just days before embarkation.
Platinum members booked on three quickly approaching sailings will be missing out on several coveted perks due to the number of elite members of the Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) loyalty program booked on these cruises.
“Due to the high number of Platinum guests joining us on this voyage, we will not be able to provide the following benefits,”Carnival wrote in a letter to impacted guests.
The first impacted sailing will be Carnival Spirit’s March 14 departure, which is an 8-night Caribbean cruise based out of Mobile, Alabama. Next up is Carnival Legend’s March 16 embarkation, which is a 10-night sailing to the Caribbean and Panama from Galveston, Texas.
Last but not least is Carnival Dream’s March 21 itinerary, which is a 15-night transatlantic crossing from Barcelona, Spain, to Galveston.
Two of these three sailings are Carnival Journeys cruises, which last for nine or more days. Cruise Hive has consistently seen a higher number of elite VIFP members on these longer sailings, which makes perks less practical.
What Perks Will be Missing?
As is usually the case when Carnival removes loyalty perks, front-of-line and early access benefits have been eliminated.
“These operational changes are consistent with other voyages where we have a very large number of Platinum guests. We apologize for any disappointment and thank you for your understanding,” Carnival wrote.
This means that Platinum guests will not get priority embarkation or debarkation at any of the ports of call. Additionally, early stateroom access will not be available, and guests will need to wait until 1:30 p.m. on embarkation day to access their cabins like everyone else.
Carnival’s Spirit-Class Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Carmen K. Sisson)
Furthermore, priority luggage drop off and delivery will not be possible given the number of Platinum guests and the quick turnaround time.
Lastly, these passengers may not be able to get priority assistance from guest services. Usually, Platinum guests get access to a priority line and faster phone assistance.
If guests would like to recoup some of these benefits, they’ll need to try to snag a Faster to the Fun package if any are still available for their sailing. This package comes with perks like priority boarding, check-in, and early stateroom access.
Which Loyalty Benefits Remain?
First, it’s important to note that Diamond guests, who are the very top tier and one step above Platinum guests in the VIFP program, are not missing out on any of their benefits this time.
For context, Platinum guests need to sail with Carnival for at least 75 nights to reach this status, while Diamond level passengers must have sailed on the Fun Ships for a minimum of 200 nights.
Of course, the Platinum guests aren’t entirely out of luck either. They will still be eligible for perks like complimentary beverages, a welcome treat (upon request), a VIFP logo gift, and free wash & fold laundry service.
Moving forward, it should become easier for Carnival to consistently offer its loyalty perks once the new Rewards Program takes effect on September 1, 2026.
Portland, Maine, will increase cruise passenger and infrastructure fees beginning in 2027.
The new port tariff was approved by the city council in February 2026.
The per-passenger fee will rise from $18 to $24 by 2030.
Passengers visiting Portland, Maine, will soon face higher fees as city officials move to adjust tariffs tied to the fast-growing cruise tourism sector.
The Portland City Council announced on February 19, 2026, that Tariff 11, the port’s updated fee schedule, will take effect January 1, 2027, gradually raising cruise ship charges through the end of the decade.
The changes raise both per-passenger fees and infrastructure tariffs for ships carrying more than 1,000 passengers.
Under the new schedule, the per-passenger fee will rise from $18 today to $24 by 2030, while the existing infrastructure fee will increase from $3 to $7 per passenger over the same period.
City officials say the changes are meant to balance Portland’s growing popularity as a cruise stop with concerns raised by residents about environmental impacts and harbor traffic.
The updated tariff system also includes an environmental incentive to encourage cruise lines to switch to cleaner fuels while visiting the port. Ships that use lower-sulfur fuels like marine gas oil while docked or anchored in Portland Harbor will receive a $2 per-passenger discount.
Portland does not currently offer shore power for cruise ships to plug into to shut down their engines while in port. This means ships calling in Portland must run engines or generators for onboard electricity.
District City Councilor Wes Pelletier said the changes, “will help fund our working waterfront while incentivizing cruise ships to keep Casco Bay clean.”
Cruise Ships Docked in Portland, Maine (Photo Credit: Andres Felipe Perez)
Under the new fee structure, Portland could see several million dollars more in annual port revenue. In 2025, the city hosted about 100 cruise ship visits, with larger vessels carrying upwards of more than 4,000 passengers.
Ships call in the New England port from spring through late fall, with vessels like MSC Cruises’ MSC Meraviglia, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Breakaway, and Princess Cruises’ Majestic Princess among the largest to visit.
These ships carry 4,488, 3,903, and 3,560 passengers at double capacity, respectively.
Rising Cruise Traffic and Coastal Tensions
Portland’s decision to raise cruise ship tariffs comes as cruise tourism continues to expand along Maine’s coast, bringing larger vessels and growing passenger volumes to ports across the state.
But the industry’s growth has drawn scrutiny from some residents and environmental advocates. Portland Cruise Control, for example, has been urging city leaders to strengthen environmental rules for cruise ships visiting the harbor.
The group is asking the city to ban scrubber wastewater discharge, arguing the contaminated wastewater could harm marine life in Casco Bay.
Environmentalists are also concerned with other coastal ports in Maine, where growing cruise traffic has become a concern. In Bar Harbor, voters approved a citizen initiative that limits cruise guest disembarkations to 1,000 people per day to protect the small town’s waterfront.
The rule has sparked a continuing legal dispute between the town and business groups that argue the restrictions could hurt tourism and local businesses.
Portland is also not the first American cruise port to adjust cruise fees as they look for ways to fund environmental initiatives. In Hawaii, lawmakers proposed a new “Green Fee” for visitors, including for cruise guests, in an effort to raise money for environmental protection and climate resilience projects.
In Juneau, Alaska, local officials also raised cruise passenger fees to help pay for environmental mitigation, infrastructure, and services needed to manage the city’s large number of cruise visitors each summer.
In cases of raised tariffs presented to cruise ships, cruise lines pass these on to guests with higher cruise fees.
Spring break crowds are about to turn one Florida port into one of the busiest cruise hubs in the US this month.
Port Tampa Bay says March 2026 will be its busiest cruise month on record, with 51 cruise ships scheduled to call during the spring break travel rush.
The surge is being driven by seasonal travel and comes on the heels of a harsh winter, with cruise lines scheduling additional departures to keep up with the demand.
“March is one of the busiest travel months of the year, and we’re thrilled to welcome more cruise ships and passengers than ever before,”said Port Tampa Bay Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Raul Alfonso.
Alfonso says the recordshows the popularity of Tampa as a cruise destination.
He added, “We look forward to providing an exceptional experience for travelers while responsibly planning for future growth.”
In March 2026, there are only seven days when a ship is not in port and 10 which will see three ships at port simultaneously, including March 28, when three different Royal Caribbean Vision-class vessels share the port together.
Grandeur of the Seas, with up to 1,992 passengers, will occupy Terminal 2; Enchantment of the Seas, carrying up to 2,252 guests, will occupy Terminal 3; and the 2,040-passenger Rhapsody of the Seas will take Terminal 6.
The busy month is part of a much larger year for the Gulf Coast port. Port Tampa Bay expects 394 cruise ship calls in 2026, with activity spread across its cruise terminals along the Channel District waterfront.
Officials say the port will see 53 three-ship days this year. That figure is more than double the roughly 20 such days recorded in previous years. The increase follows a record year for the port. In 2025, Port Tampa Bay handled 1.66 million cruise passengers, the highest annual total in its history.
Photo Credit: Port Tampa Bay
That number is already climbing again. The port is currently tracking toward about 1.8 million passengers in 2026 as cruise lines continue expanding their deployments in Tampa.
Cruise operations have also become a major economic driver for the Tampa Bay area. According to the port, cruise activity generates more than $648 million annually in economic impact.
Region Looks to the Future
Port Tampa Bay is currently home to five major cruise lines – Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, and Margaritaville at Sea – offering a mix of short and week-long itineraries across the Caribbean.
Ships departing Tampa typically operate 4- to 7-night itineraries to the Western Caribbean, with frequent stops in Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras, and Belize City, Belize.
The port has also recently welcomed a luxury vessel to its lineup. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ Oceania Cruises is making three calls this month to add a higher-end cruise option from the port.
Despite the growth, Tampa faces a limitation that many other Florida cruise ports do not. Cruise ships sailing from Tampa must sail beneath the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, which provides roughly 180 feet of vertical clearance at zero tide.
The restriction actually prevents many of today’s largest cruise ships from reaching the port, including Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class and Icon-class fleets.
Developers are exploring plans for a new cruise port south of the bridge in Manatee County, which would allow much larger ships to sail from the Tampa Bay region.
However, as Cruise Hive reported earlier this week, the proposed port faces a number of hurdles. Until then, Port Tampa Bay will continue to shatter its own records in 2026 and beyond.
Valiant Lady is getting a brand new Indian dining experience, called Ariya, in May.
The restaurant will be hosted inside Razzle Dazzle every evening, which will remain a breakfast and brunch spot during the day.
The menu for the kitchen and bar has been designed in partnership with Indian Celebrity Chef, Maneet Chauhan.
Future guests of Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady have something new to look forward to. Ariya, a bold new Indian dining experience, is coming to the 2,770-guest ship this summer.
The popular Razzle Dazzle restaurant, which will remain a breakfast and brunch spot by day, will transform into a 220-seat Indian culinary sanctuary by night. It’s meant to cultivate a shared connection among guests and offer a break from the hustle and bustle of reality.
Soft lighting, cozy, cuddlore-inspired booths, deliberate pacing, and an electric soundtrack of Indian classics will whisk guests away to another world, using smell, taste, and ambiance to signal that the next few hours will be an experience that demands attention.
Ariya Private Dining Room, Valliant Lady
At the center of the restaurant, guests will enjoy a semi-private dining space that is framed by decorative screens to make them feel like they are inside a traditional Indian jewelry box.
“Ariya is the next chapter in our food and beverage collection that we’ve been building with real intention since day one. Every restaurant we open is a statement about what we believe dining at sea can be, and Ariya says something we haven’t said before,”Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages, said in a press release.
“Indian cuisine, done with this level of craft and this much heart, belongs on Valiant Lady. Sailors who’ve sailed with us before will understand immediately why this belongs here. For those who haven’t, Ariya might be the reason they book,” Saverimuttu continued.
Even the name of the restaurant has a special meaning that helps to tell its story. Ariya was the name of founder Sir Richard Branson’s grandmother, who was a traveler from the coastal town of Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu.
An Exciting New Menu
The menu and bar for this exciting new addition has been carefully curated through a partnership with acclaimed celebrity chef, television personality, and cookbook author, Maneet Chauhan.
“Ariya presents Indian cuisine with range and precision, pairing saffron-kissed classics with coconut-rich coastal flavors and vibrant regional specialties,” Virgin Voyages stated in an email to Cruise Hive.
Guests who dine at Ariya can look forward to expertly crafted dishes like Lamb Shank Biryani, Goan Curried Mussels, Malabar Coconut Crab Cake, Puffed Rice & Avocado Chaat, and Tandoori Pistachio-Crusted Snapper.
Ariya Entrance
Chaat, which is a popular street food in India, will be at the heart of the carefully curated menu. It is known for being crispy, tangy, and deeply satisfying in a way that leaves diners wanting more.
The drinks at the bar have also been designed to complement the menu and draw upon the same regional influences as the kitchen.
Every experience will begin with a complimentary welcome sip of jaljeera, a chilled blend of zesty tamarind and cumin that serves as an excellent palate cleanser.
Afterwards, guests can order from an exciting array of exquisitely crafted cocktails and spirits, such as Saffron & Silk with scotch and toasted coconut smoke, Maharani Morning with rose, cardamom, and sparkling wine, and Bangalore Old Fashioned with jaggery and cardamom.
For those who don’t drink alcohol, the Seventh Leaf, a botanical zero-proof creation, is a standout option.
How to Experience Ariya
Ariya will debut exclusively onboard Valiant Lady at the end of May, after the 2022-launched ship completes its upcoming dry dock. The ship will undergo a month-long “glow up” from May 9-25, 2026.
When the 110,000-gross ton ship reenters service on May 25, she will begin her European season with the new dining experience open for business.
She will first homeport in Barcelona, Spain, from where she will offer 6- to 8-night sailings to destinations through Italy, Spain, and France.
The adults-only ship will then briefly homeport in Portsmouth, UK, operating 7- to 15-night sailings to destinations throughout England, Scotland, Ireland, Iceland, and the Netherlands.
Guests who would like to be among the first to experience Ariya can still secure bookings on these sailings directly through the cruise line or by booking through a reputable travel professional,including Cruise Hive.
Royal Caribbean is creating a new public beach as part of the development of Royal Beach Club Cozumel.
The site of the new beach will be in the Zona Hotelera Sur area, with the new location promoting safety and accessibility.
The construction of a new beach aligns with Royal Caribbean’s commitment to bettering the local community and the environment.
Royal Beach Club Cozumel, which is a private resort for Royal Caribbean guests, is expected to open later in 2026 – but not everyone has been excited about it.
The resort, which will be located around 6.5 miles from the cruise terminal, will span 42 acres and will feature roughly a third of a mile of coveted white-sand beach.
Some locals and cruise guests who prioritize other brands have expressed concerns that the paid resort will take over the beach, but Cruise Hive has confirmed that this won’t be the case.
In a March 12 press release, the cruise line confirmed that a new public beach will be created in the Zona Hotelera Sur area as part of Royal Caribbean’s development. The new location of the public beach should also provide greater accessibility, improved safety, and enhanced facilities.
“We are excited to bring the Royal Beach Club experience to Cozumel while ensuring that beach access, a right guaranteed under Mexican law, is available to all,” said Ari Adler Brotman, president, Royal Caribbean Mexico.
This area will be enjoyed, free of charge, and is available to all cruise passengers and locals – not just Royal Caribbean guests.
Construction will begin shortly and is just pending the completion of all necessary regulatory and environmental permits. But while the new beach is completed, the current public beach will remain open so that access is never interrupted.
Promoting Sustainability & Community Wellbeing
Even though beach access is required by law, Royal Caribbean’s willingness to create a new and better public beach access speaks to the company’s commitment to the community’s well-being within Cozumel and cultivating sustainable tourism.
“This initiative reflects our dedication to creating shared value by improving safety, accessibility and infrastructure for the community,” Adler Brotman continued.
This is in line with other community-forward steps that Royal Caribbean has taken with the development of its third beach club, and aligns with Royal Caribbean’s SEA the Future Initiative, which is all about bettering the brand’s portfolio while reducing environmental harm.
Royal Caribbean Cozumel Beach Club
For example, Royal Caribbean has set four economic pillars to guide its new resort, which include creating more than 180 jobs and $30 million in salaries for locals during the construction of the beach club, and adding 700 jobs for locals to work in the finished beach club.
There is also a goal to bring an additional 1 million guests to Cozumel by 2031, which would be a major boost to the important tourism sector on the island, and for the resort to contribute over $350 million to the MX GDP over the next five years.
Meanwhile, six environmental pillars were put in place to confirm the new resort is as environmentally friendly as possible. These include a wastewater treatment plan, habitat protection and restoration, and working to only use products that will not end up in a landfill.
Royal Caribbean will also partner with local organizations for regular beach cleanups, and for accountability, the environmental progress will be publicly monitored by an independent Mexican firm.
What Can Guests Expect at Royal Beach Club Cozumel?
Royal Beach Club Cozumel will be a premium experience that is expected to cost around $150-$200+ per person, including drinks, food, and amenities.
It will feature luxury experiences and relaxation opportunities, including two main pools, private beach access, unlimited food and drinks, and six bars (including two swim-up bars). There will also be water activities, such as snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and a splash pad for kids.
For those looking for more of an authentic Mexican experience, cooking classes, tequila tastings, and even a Cacao Museum dedicated to the history of chocolate in Mexico will be available.
Guests who would like to visit the new resort when it opens later this year will be able to secure their spot by booking access in Royal Caribbean’s shore excursions.
Get the inside scoop on cruise news with Cruise Hive’s weekly recap, your go-to source for industry developments across the globe. In our latest edition, top stories include Virgin Voyages deciding to relocate its New York homeport from Manhattan to Brooklyn; P&O Cruises increasing its final payment requirement to 120 days before departure; and Carnival Cruise Line unveiling an Express Dining option fleetwide.
Get your daily cruise news fix by signing up for Cruise Hive’s Daily Update, delivered to your inbox each morning.
Cost to Ship Princess Medallions Rises Sharply
Shipping costs have risen everywhere, even at Princess Cruises, which has quietly raised the cost of shipping its Medallions to booked guests before embarkation day.
Medallions have been used by the line since 2017 as an alternative to the traditional plastic guest ID card. Like those cards, Medallions are presented by guests to buy goods onboard the ship, like drinks, and are used as identification when leaving and returning to the ship.
Guests hailing from the US, Puerto Rico, and Canada have the option of receiving their Medallions before leaving home, but now that convenience will cost more. For passengers in the US and Puerto Rico, the shipping cost has doubled, from $10 to $20. In Canada, the cost jumped from $15 to $25.
More than one Medallion can be included in an order, and guests are charged just once for a shipment of up to 4 Medallions. However, if guests on the same booking have different home addresses, each shipment incurs the charge.
Previously, guests who bought the line’s Plus or Premier inclusive packages did not pay for shipping, but under the new policy, which began on February 27, 2026, they are subject to the cost.
The option exists, of course, to simply pick up Medallions at the time of embarkation, and that alternative is free.
Entry Fee to Adult Show Revealed on Norwegian Luna
A risqué adult-only show aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Luna has an admission cost of $45 per person, a fee that has taken some booked guests by surprise.
Norwegian Luna, a 3,571-guest new-build currently sailing her inaugural transatlantic cruise, will arrive at her new homeport, PortMiami, on March 23, 2026.
Some guests booked to sail on the ship have discovered the $44.99 fee to attend “LunaTique: Pop Circus,” which is limited to guests 21 and older and is described as having mature themes.
Norwegian Luna Cruise Ship
However, there are some perks to paying the fee: Each guest receives four specialty cocktails (or mocktails) and a souvenir glass to take home. A $10 fee will be charged if guests cancel their reservations within two hours of showtime.
Other, free, entertainment options are featured aboard Norwegian Luna, including “ELTON: A Celebration of Elton John.” It’s a musical review of his greatest hits. And then there’s “HIKO: Innovation Meets Wonder,” a high-tech dance and acrobatic show — also included in passengers’ cruise fares.
Norwegian Luna is the line’s second Prima Plus-class ship, following Norwegian Aqua, which launched in March 2025.
Virgin Voyages Opts for Brooklyn Terminal Over Manhattan
Virgin Voyages is shifting Valiant Lady’s homeport from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal to the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal due to infrastructure issues that have affected Manhattan’s Pier 90.
The change is effective on April 6, 2026, and impacts all of the ship’s cruises in April, and then again in September and October. Valiant Lady, a 2,770-guest ship, is scheduled to operate Bermuda cruises in April before heading to Europe for the summer season.
Valiant Lady Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Just dance)
Following her Europe deployment, Valiant Lady will return to the US — to the Brooklyn terminal, in September and October, for New England and Bermuda voyages. In late October, the ship will reposition to Puerto Rico for winter cruising in the Caribbean.
All told, 10 cruises from New York are affected, ranging from a 5-night Bermuda sailing in April to an 8-night fall foliage sailing in September, and the 12-night voyage to Puerto Rico in October.
Valiant Lady typically has been based at Pier 90, however, that facility is in disrepair, and a major redevelopment is planned. Currently, Pier 88 is the Manhattan terminal’s only operating berth for cruise ships.
P&O Cruises Tells Guests to Pay Up Sooner
P&O Cruises, the Carnival Corporation brand that caters to the UK market, changed its final payment requirement to 120 days before embarkation day.
The new policy is effective on new bookings made on and after March 10, 2026, for voyages departing on and after December 1, 2026.
Its previous policy required payment 90 days prior to departure, meaning that guests sailing after December 1 will have to fork over their final balance payment roughly a month earlier.
P&O Cruises Ship (Photo Credit: TTL Deez)
Existing bookings are not affected, nor are bookings made after March 10 if the cruise departure date is prior to December 1. P&O Cruises offered no reason for the change, but it is likely that the line is looking to lower the number of last-minute cancellations while posting more revenue on its books sooner.
The 120-day rule is not uncommon among the Carnival brands, although it has been mostly applied to luxury brands such as Cunard and Seabourn, which both require final payment at that time. Some of their longer voyages demand full payment even earlier, at 150 days prior to departure.
But other premium lines, including Princess Cruises and Holland America Line, implement the 90-day rule, with the exception of world cruise segments and lengthy itineraries, which follow the 120-day requirement.
Princess Cruises Hikes Service Fee Charge to 20%
The service charge applied to food-and-beverage purchases onboard Princess Cruises’ ships is on the rise, from 18% to 20%, and is taking effect almost immediately fleetwide.
Princess Cruises will implement the higher fee as each ship begins a new voyage in March 2026, meaning that guests sailing mid-cruise are not subject to the increase.
The new 20% charge applies to purchases of drinks, cover charges for specialty dining, and other services and amenities. As is the case currently, the fee is automatically added to such purchases and is nonrefundable.
Guests who have pre-paid for an all-inclusive package will not be impacted by the new fee. Also, the charge does not affect crew gratuities at all.
Sister brand Carnival Cruise Line implemented the same service fee hike from 18% to 20% in December 2025. Both lines are Carnival Corporation brands.
However, other Carnival-owned lines have lower service charges. Holland America Line maintains an 18% fee, at the moment, and Cunard, a luxury brand, charges just 15%. Rates are subject to change at any time.
Carnival Cruise Line Rolls Out Express Dining
Some cruisers embrace an unhurried and leisurely dinner, while others prefer to order, eat, and move onto the next activity. It’s for those folks that Carnival Cruise Line has introduced Express Dining.
Designed to provide a complete, multi-course experience within an hour, Express Dining offers guests a less comprehensive menu, but one that still features high-quality choices.
Carnival Cruise Dining
According to cruise line president Christine Duffy, a recent pilot program was a hit with guests, so the brand is rolling out the option fleetwide by the end of May 2026.
It enables guests to enjoy their dinner and not have to rush to evening performances and other events. Express Dining is already offered on 15 ships, including Mardi Gras, Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Firenze, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Breeze, among others.
Passengers who wish to participate in Express Dining can simply tell their servers in the dining room or, if they have signed up for Your Time Dining, guests can select the option through Carnival’s Hub App.
A Slew of Carnival Firenze Voyages Are Cancelled
Guests booked to sail aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Firenze on 11 getaway voyages from Long Beach, California, in the fall of 2026 got some bad news: Their cruise is cancelled.
Without offering a reason for the change, the cruise line has nixed the sailings — five 3-night and six 4-night Baja Mexico cruises departing between October 12 and November 16.
Carnival Firenze, accommodating 4,126 guests, sails to Ensenada on the shorter itinerary and adds Catalina Island on the longer cruises.
Carnival Firenze Docked in Long Beach (Photo Credit: blestkater)
Passengers are invited to rebook another sailing, and those who wish to do so must contact Carnival Cruise Line no later than March 25, 2026. They can apply their cruise fare to a new reservation and receive a $50 onboard credit per person.
Guests who do not rebook will have their reservations automatically cancelled after March 25, and receive a refund of their cruise fare and any pre-paid packages.
Carnival Firenze began sailing from Long Beach in April 2024. The ship is one of the line’s two Carnival Fun Italian Style ships transferred from sister brand Costa Cruises. The other vessel is Carnival Venezia, based in Port Canaveral.
More Cruise Headlines
Let’s keep going with even more news from Cruise Hive, including Princess Cruises rolling out its 2028 world cruise aboard Coral Princess; Florida lawmakers taking action to prevent development of a larger cruise port in Tampa; and an overboard scare on an MSC Cruises’ ship turning out to be a false alarm.
Also, Port Canaveral makes headway on the construction of a huge parking garage for cruise guests, and the first passenger reviews of Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Adventure indicate a few frustrations with the ship.
A group was caught filming a fake pier runner video in Nassau, Bahamas, on Monday, March 2.
They attempted multiple takes of “missing” Carnival Freedom, but were never sailing on that ship at all.
The group was likely aboard MSC Seashore, which was also in port but stayed later than Carnival Freedom.
With more and more AI-generated videos taking over social media, it can be hard to tell what’s real and what’s not. But what about when “real” videos aren’t real at all?
One content creator has been caught red-handed (red-camera-ed?) faking a video as a pier runner toward a Carnival cruise ship. The original video was posted on March 2, 2026, and shows three women running alongside a Carnival ship as it pulls away from the pier.
One woman shouts “Nooooooo!” as the ship is leaving, while another says “I told you 5:30!”
The video is titled “Missed Our Cruise in the Bahamas.” While the exact ship is not identified and its hull name cannot be seen, it is clearly a Carnival cruise ship, and a brief glimpse at the beginning of the roughly 10-second clip shows the iconic funnel without its signature whale tail wings.
Cruise Hive reported extensively on how the Conquest-Class Carnival Freedom experienced one fire in May 2022 that damaged her funnel, then how a second fire in March 2024 again damaged the funnel just five months after it had been replaced during dry dock.
No other ships in the Carnival fleet have the same tapered funnel base without the whale tail wings. Furthermore, Carnival Freedom was the only Carnival ship visiting Nassau, Bahamas on Monday, March 2.
The video, which has amassed more than 27 million views, 51,500 shares, and 10,900 comments, has a variety of hashtags such as #cruiseleaving, #missedthecruise, and #familymissesthecruise. Not one hashtag, however, notes that the video is fake.
The brief video does have one clue to its lack of authenticity. The three women running to “catch” the ship are not carrying any large bags or beach towels. Of course, such items could have been dropped in the mad dash or might not have been needed, depending on how they spent the day ashore.
Caught by a Guest Onboard
What really sinks the video as fake, however, is the fact that these women (and one man not seen in the original) were filmed by another guest, this one onboard Carnival Freedom, showing them making multiple takes of missing “their” ship.
It’s a popular (though occasionally controversial) activity to stake out a good view of the pier close to sailaway time and watch for pier runners, guests who are late returning to the ship.
In this case, it allowed someone to capture this attempt to craft a “missing the ship” video when they weren’t even guests aboard Carnival Freedom at all.
In the first take, three women are running after the ship. After filming the clip, they quickly review the video, but then do another take with two women and the man running after the ship.
It is not confirmed which cruise ship the group was actually sailing with at the time. Because they were alongside Carnival Freedom, they had to have been cruise guests because the pier is inside the secure area and other tourists and visitors are not permitted.
However, another video the creator posted the day before, on March 1, 2026, shows them embarking a cruise ship and is tagged for MSC Cruises. MSC Seashore departed Port Canaveral on March 1 for a 4-night sailing to the Bahamas, with a visit to Nassau from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. the next day.
As Carnival Freedom was docked from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., the group would have had ample time to film their “missing the ship” video while still returning to MSC Seashore for the all-aboard time.
Too bad. Wouldn’t missing their own ship after these shenanigans have been beautifully ironic? Pier runners indeed.
Norwegian Cruise Line has begun issuing letters to spring break cruisers with conduct reminders.
The letters cover policies on drinking and casino ages, stateroom occupancy, and onboard behavior.
The policies are not new, but serve as reminders during a busy and often rowdy time for cruising.
With the hectic spring break season just getting underway, Norwegian Cruise Line is issuing reminders to embarking guests about stateroom occupancy, drinking ages, and casino participation, as well as general onboard behavior.
Guests boarding Norwegian Joy have received such a letter, and while it’s not dated to a specific sailing, it’s likely that similar letters will be issued throughout the fleet during the next few weeks. The spring break period, generally in March and April, is often seen as both a busier time to sail as well as one that may be rowdier with more outrageous behavior.
“We’re so glad you’ve chosen to spend your spring break with us. This voyage is all about sun soaked days, easy nights, and making the most of every moment at sea,”the letter begins.“To help keep the experience smooth, safe, and enjoyable for everyone on board, here are a few helpful reminders as you settle in.”
Up first is the note that every stateroom must have at least one guest age 21 or older. This means that two teens or even two 20-year-olds cannot room together with an older adult in the same stateroom.
College groups traveling together will want to be aware of the age policy and plan who is in which stateroom accordingly.
The letter also covers the legal drinking age, including how guests 18-20 years old can still get beer and wine with the appropriate parental consent. Parental consent forms can be completed at the Guest Services desk.
Norwegian Joy Departing Miami (Photo Credit: Just dance)
Casino gaming ages and onboard conduct, such as noisy hallways, running in public areas, jumping and diving into pools, and the ever-infamous deck chair saving (aka “chair hogs”) are other policies covered in the letter.
The letter concludes with a gentle reminder to “dress comfortably and appropriately” for the various dining rooms and specialty restaurants onboard. Cruise Hive has recently reported on several updates Norwegian Cruise Line has made to the dress code for different restaurants in an effort to preserve the desired atmosphere.
But what do these reminders really mean for guests onboard Norwegian Joy and other NCL ships? Because the cruise line is highlighting these policies at embarkation, it is likely that crew members and onboard security may be watching more closely for violations to ensure a safe, smooth cruise for everyone aboard.
Interestingly, the letter does not mention prohibited items of any kind. Guests should always review their cruise line’s policies to be sure they aren’t packing something that might be confiscated or even cause bigger problems.
Norwegian Joy is currently homeported from Port Canaveral, offering 7-night Caribbean sailings (the perfect spring break cruise length!). In mid-April, the ship will move to Miami for three short sailings before repositioning to Seattle for the Alaska season.
The 167,725-gross-ton, Breakaway-Plus Class ship can welcome 3,883 guests aboard and is also home to roughly 1,800 international crew members.
Are These Rules New for Spring Break?
It should be noted that none of the guidelines highlighted to guests in these welcome letters are special restrictions for spring break sailings.
In fact, these are all standard policies for Norwegian Cruise Line and can be readily found on the cruise line’s website or in the official guest ticket contract, which all travelers agree to when booking their cruise.
Special attention is simply being drawn to the most commonly asked questions, such as drinking age or casino gambling age, for the spring break season, as well as ensuring that everyone is aware of conduct policies onboard.
Cruise Hive has regularly reported on unpleasant incidents onboard cruise ships or even in cruise terminals, including individual fights and all-out brawls, none of which are tolerated at any time of year.
As spring break season heats up, it is likely that other cruise lines will take similar steps to ensure good behavior and comfortable sailing onboard for all guests, whether by issuing letters, intercom announcements, pre-cruise emails, or other reminders.
Norwegian Breakaway is juggling port visit days and times for her August 30, 2026 departure.
No ports are cancelled, but the visit to Portland will be a day earlier than originally scheduled.
Port availability is cited as the reason for the shift and will ensure a better visit experience for everyone.
There are many reasons cruise ships may have itinerary adjustments, from storms to civil unrest to overall port availability. For guests setting sail on Norwegian Breakway at the end of August, the latter is causing an itinerary shakeup.
Norwegian Cruise Line has reached out to booked guests for the ship’s August 30, 2026 departure to let them know of the changes, which impact two of the four ports on the schedule.
“Although we work closely with port authorities to lock in every detail well in advance, circumstances can still shift, and sometimes we’re informed that space is no longer available,”the cruise line said.“These changes are often beyond our control, and as passionate cruisers ourselves, we truly understand how disappointing they can be.”
Guests shouldn’t be too disappointed in the changes for this 7-night Canada and New England sailing, however. Norwegian Breakaway will still be visiting all the originally planned destinations, just with slight tweaks to two ports.
The ship’s departure from Boston, Massachusetts on Sunday, August 30 is not impacted. Instead of spending the first day at sea, however, the ship will arrive in Portland, Maine at 8 a.m. on Monday and will remain there until 5 p.m. This is still the original timing, but a day earlier than initially scheduled.
Tuesday will then be a day at sea, and the Wednesday visit to Bar Harbor from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. is unchanged.
The visit to Saint John on Thursday, September 3 is slightly extended, as Norwegian Getaway will be arriving at 7:15 a.m. instead of 8 a.m. Departure is still planned for 4 p.m.
Friday’s visit to Halifax is unchanged, as is the day at sea on Saturday, while the ship makes her way back to Boston for debarkation on Sunday, September 6.
Norwegian Breakaway Letter
Cruise Hive regularly reports on itinerary adjustments that often involve changes in port times and cancelled ports. In comparison, the changes for Norwegian Breakaway are relatively mild.
Nevertheless, guests will want to be aware of the shift, particularly the change in day for visiting Portland. If guests have arranged any independent shore tours they will need to contact their tour operators for adjustments or cancellation options.
It is standard procedure for a cruise line to automatically adjust any pre-booked tour reservations made through the cruise line, and it is likely Norwegian Cruise Line will do so as needed.
Why the Change?
Other than “due to newly updated port availability,” Norwegian Cruise Line has not elaborated on why the itinerary has been changed.
On Tuesday, September 1, when Norwegian Breakaway was originally scheduled for Portland, two other ships are also scheduled: Norwegian Escape, along with American Cruise Lines’ American Independence.
On Monday, August 31, however, only American Independence will be alongside as Norwegian Breakaway visits. This can help keep the port less crowded for a more enjoyable experience for all guests.
Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Escape are both sister ships in the Breakaway Class. At double occupancy, Norwegian Breakaway can host 3,903 guests, while Norwegian Escape is slightly larger with 4,218 guests.
Cruise Hive has previously reported on passenger caps and cruise ship limits impacting Bar Harbor, but Portland has not yet implemented any such changes. Nevertheless, two large ships bringing 8,000 guests or more to a port in a single day can be a less pleasant visit for everyone.
While Portland is the most populous city in Maine with a population of roughly 70,000, too many visitors at once could mean fewer tours, overcrowded shopping, and other poor experiences.
It is also possible that the visit change might be related to pier maintenance, construction, dredging, or other port operations that can impact the number of ships that can be easily accommodated.
Whatever the reason, guests aboard Norwegian Breakaway are sure to still enjoy their visit to Portland even if it is on a different day than originally planned.
