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What Are the Main Differences Between Carnival and Royal Caribbean?

Emrys Thakkar
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What Are the Main Differences Between Carnival and Royal Caribbean?

Key Aspects:

  • Royal Caribbean boasts the largest, most advanced ships in the world.
  • Carnival Cruise Line fares can be markedly cheaper than Royal Caribbean’s.
  • Both lines are family-friendly, but Royal Caribbean caters to a more diverse crowd.

When it comes to booking your first cruise, many cruisers end up comparing and contrasting two of the largest cruise lines in the business: Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean.

While they have their similarities, these cruise lines also have major differences, such as ship size, demographic, pricing, and more, and thus choosing the right option of the two is key to having an enjoyable vacation. 

Carnival is ideal for an affordable getaway. Royal Caribbean has bigger ships. Carnival is low-key with plentiful complimentary dining options. Royal Caribbean may cost more, but you may find the quality of food and entertainment to be superior. 

Let’s dive into these differences and others, so if you’re deciding between Carnival and Royal Caribbean, you can feel confident booking your best fit.

In This Article:

Quick Comparison of Royal Caribbean vs Carnival Cruise Line

CategoryRoyal CaribbeanCarnival Cruise Line
Overall vibeModern, contemporary, and tech-forward, with lots of “first at sea” attractions and perksLow key, casual and, depending on the itinerary, party focused
Guests DemographicsLots of options, but fewer complementary options Families, budget travelers, young adults
FaresNot as high as what you’ll get with a luxury cruise line, but definitely higher, especially on new shipsSome of the most affordable fares in the industry
Fleet and ship sizeRoyal Caribbean boasts the largest ships in the world, with 29 ships in the fleetNot small, but not the largest ships in the world either, with 29 ships in the fleet
CabinsMore variety to choose from, and more unique optionsBasic and traditional
DiningLarge number of high-quality activities for all ages, from waterparks and zip lines to ice skating and ropes courses, plus theatrical and live music entertainment Modern, contemporary and tech-forward, with lots of “first at sea” attractions and perks
Entertainment and ActivitiesPerfect Day at CocoCay; Royal Beach Club, Paradise Island; Labadee, Haiti; and a future Mexico destinationLots of options, and many are complimentary and crowd favorites
Private destinationsWaterslides, deck parties, the first rollercoaster at sea, comedy shows and a lot of highly reviewed crew member-led activities Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key

Ship Size

When comparing Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean based on ship size, the clear winner is Royal Caribbean. The line boasts the biggest vessels in the biz, frequently outdoing itself with record-setting vessels often named the largest cruise ships in the world.

Currently, Royal Caribbean’s Icon class ships and the lead ship, Icon of the Seas, take this title, and they can carry more than 7,500 passengers each at max capacity. The rest of the fleet isn’t too tiny either (though, sure, you can find older, smaller Royal Caribbean ships).

Carnival and Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships
Carnival and Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock)

In contrast, Carnival Cruise Line’s ships are slightly smaller. Its biggest ships are Carnival Jubilee and Carnival Celebration, which carry just over 6,600 passengers at max capacity. Again, that’s hardly small, but it definitely drags behind Royal Caribbean. 

Does Ship Size Matter to You?

If you’re deciding between a Royal Caribbean cruise and a Carnival Cruise Line cruise, as a newbie, you might not even think about ship size initially. However, the size of the ship you cruise on will really impact your trip experience.

The bigger the ship, the more amenities (and often the newer the ship, with more innovation). However, on the flip side of that, you also get more crowds. 

You’ll want to weigh the pros and cons before deciding what’s best for you. 

Fleet Size

In terms of fleet size, or how many overall ships the brand has for you to choose from when booking, both Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line are very similar. 

Royal Caribbean has 29 ships, ranging from Star of the Seas, which first set sail in 2025, to Grandeur of the Seas, which dates back to 1996. Furthermore, Royal Caribbean will welcome more ships to its family in both 2026 and 2027, with the arrivals of Legend of the Seas and Hero of the Seas.

Carnival Jubilee Cruise Ship
Carnival Jubilee in Galveston, Texas

Carnival’s fleet, meanwhile, consists of 29 ships, ranging from the newest in the bunch, Carnival Jubilee, which debuted in 2023, to the oldest, Carnival Sunshine, which debuted in 1996. Carnival Cruise Line likewise will welcome new ships in the coming years, with Carnival Festivale in 2027 and Carnival Tropicale in 2028. 

Cruise Fares

One big deciding factor for a lot of people when booking a cruise? The cost. Cruising can be very economical, but some lines are more affordable than others.

In general, Carnival Cruise Line keeps up a reputation as being, if not the most affordable cruise line overall, definitely one of the top most affordable options for most, before you even consider any discounts or specials.

Cruise Ships in Miami, Florida
Cruise Ships in Miami, Florida (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)

Royal Caribbean’s fares are often higher, especially when you get into the newer, larger ships.

As with everything in travel, though, you get what you pay for. I love getting a great deal on a cruise, but I also definitely don’t mind splurging, especially if it means I’m going to enjoy a top tier cruising experience, whether that be because the ship is brand new, I’m staying in a luxury suite, etc.

Cabins and Suites

And on that note, how do the cabins and suites on Carnival Cruise Line vs. Royal Caribbean compare?

This is ultimately going to really come down to the actual ship that you’re on and which cabin you book. While, yes, often Royal Caribbean’s ships will offer more variety in terms of staterooms and cabins, as well as more unique options, such as the Ultimate Family Suite or staterooms with virtual balconies, a newer ship is just about always going to offer better cabins than an older one.

Royal Caribbean Stateroom
Royal Caribbean Stateroom (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)

You’ll also notice a difference in overall cabin aesthetic across the two brands. Carnival’s cabins are typically bright and cheery, and make you feel like you’re at, say, an all inclusive resort in the Caribbean. Royal Caribbean’s aesthetic is a little more subdued and leans toward an upscale hotel vibe.

Dining

Long time cruisers of Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean have established fan favorite dining venues across the lines. You definitely won’t go hungry on either. 

Carnival, though, typically delivers more in terms of complimentary dining, whereas Royal Caribbean offers a lot of truly amazing dining experiences (like the new supper club style eateries on its newer ships) … but for an extra cost if you’re branching too far away from the main dining room.

Carnival Guy's Burger
Carnival Guy’s Burger (Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line)

Honestly, if you’re a foodie traveler who doesn’t mind paying extra, I’d recommend you consider Royal Caribbean. If you just want good, but cheap, eats, go for Carnival and indulge in fast (free!) favorites like Guy’s Burger Joint.

Activities and Entertainment

Royal Caribbean really goes all out when it comes to entertainment, with tons of remarkable, first at sea attractions. 

There are the basic Royal Caribbean fun offerings, that you’ll see on the majority of the line’s ships, like FlowRider surfing simulators and rock climbing walls, but also features like the next generation SeaPlex, the largest indoor and outdoor activity space at sea, and the Category 6 waterpark with its six slides. 

Cat in the Hat Waterpark on Carnival Horizon
Cat in the Hat Waterpark on Carnival Horizon (Photo Credit: Khairil Azhar Junos)

Carnival Cruise Line, though, is none too shabby when it comes to the entertainment and activities arena. From ropes courses and a water park, to the SkyRide and the world’s first roller coaster at sea, dubbed BOLT, the line’s newest ships really deliver.

Just, again, keep in mind: The bigger and newer the ship, the more entertainment. It would be unfair to compare a 20 year old Royal Caribbean ship to a brand new Carnival ship and vice versa. 

Demographic

So who will you be sailing alongside, on these two lines? 

Both cruise lines are very family-friendly. Still, because Carnival Cruise Line is typically always cheaper, you may find the demographics skew younger. Especially on shorter itineraries, don’t be surprised to see college students and/or young adults looking for a fun time.

In contrast, the Royal Caribbean demographic is a little more diverse and spread out among age groups.

Private Destinations 

Both Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean have a handful of private destinations, where cruisers can enjoy branded experiences and everything from private beaches to zip lining, eco tours to beachside dining. 

Royal Caribbean has its Perfect Day at CocoCay, in the Bahamas, with its waterpark, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, and adults-only spaces. Then, there’s a Haitian private destination called Labadee with multiple beaches and zip lining; however, it is currently shut down due to security concerns.

Carnival's Celebration Key Private Destination
Carnival’s Celebration Key Private Destination (Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)

Another Bahamas private locale is the Royal Beach Club, Paradise Island, which opened in 2025 with even more to love, spread out over 17 acres, including multiple pools, beaches and the world’s largest swim up bar.

Royal Caribbean is expanding its lineup of private destinations, too, with Perfect Day Mexico coming in 2027. 

Carnival Cruise Line, meanwhile, has its Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas, with tons of tours, so that you can get active and go adventuring, whether that means snorkeling, visiting the stingrays, biking, etc. 

It likewise also opened up a new destination in 2025: Celebration Key. It features a huge freshwater lagoon, adults only areas and dining options. 

Itineraries

When it comes to itineraries, both Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line offer a truly astounding number of options, all across the world. Whether you want to cruise the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, etc., you can do it (and you can book that cruise on CruiseHive!).

Royal Caribbean Ships in the Bahamas
Royal Caribbean Ships in the Bahamas (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)

To be honest, unless you have your heart set on a very, very specific itinerary or on leaving out of a specific, small port, I wouldn’t let itineraries determine whether you sail on Royal Caribbean or Carnival Cruise Line. 

Unless you have something extremely specific in mind, chances are high that you’ll be able to find an itinerary that suits your needs with either of these lines.

Which is Best: Carnival Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean?

Ultimately, I can’t tell you if Carnival Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean is “the best,” out of the two. It’s all going to depend on who you are as a traveler and what kind of experience you’re looking for.

If you want something really budget-friendly, and money is your main concern, then sure, go with Carnival. If you want to sail on some of the biggest, newest, most advanced ships in the world, Royal Caribbean’s new megaships may be for you. Looking for a party atmosphere? Try Carnival.

More From Cruise Hive

Booking a multigenerational trip and want a cruise line that offers a little bit of something for everyone, regardless of age? Royal Caribbean delivers.

Don’t just take my word for it, though. If there’s any group of travelers that’s outspoken about their experiences, no punches pulled, it’s cruisers. You can find tons of people comparing and contrasting Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean on forums like Reddit

For example, a recent Reddit post contrasted the two after the original poster sailed on both three times. Their verdict? The food is comparable, but Carnival wins thanks to poolside options, while Royal Caribbean’s entertainment is of a higher quality. 

Another Reddit thread succinctly summed up the difference as “Carnival is Walmart and Royal Caribbean is Target.” That’s a viewpoint that I can definitely agree with. 

Survivor’s Life Jacket From the Night Titanic Sank Auctioned for $900,000

Melissa Mayntz
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Survivor’s Life Jacket From the Night Titanic Sank Auctioned for $900,000

Key Aspects:

  • An authentic life jacket from Titanic and signed by survivors has sold at auction in the UK for more than $900,000.
  • No other life jackets from the tragic sinking have ever been available through public auctions.
  • Henry Aldridge & Son handled the auction and has sold other Titanic artifacts and memorabilia over the years.

It’s been 114 years since that cold April night when the RMS Titanic slipped beneath the waves of the North Atlantic, but public fascination with the “unsinkable” ship has only grown even bigger through the years.

This week, that fascination swelled to proportions nearly as rich as the celebrities onboard the famous vessel with a first-ever auction of a specific Titanic item: a life jacket worn by a survivor of that spectacular sinking.

According to the BBC, the life jacket was auctioned by Henry Aldridge & Son in Devizes, UK. The rare and outstanding piece garnered amazing interest from collectors and ultimately sold for £670,000 ($905,000 USD) on April 18, 2026.

“It reflects the ongoing interest and passion for the story of the Titanic, and its passengers and crew,” said auctioneer Andrew Aldridge of the spectacular outcome.

Initially, the jacket was expected to sell for £250,000-£350,000 ($338,000-$473,000). Auctions are unpredictable, however, and it all depends on who is interested in any particular piece of memorabilia.

The vest was worn by Laura Mabel Francatelli, a first-class woman who was 31 years old at the time of the sinking. She was employed as a secretary and assistant to Lady Duff-Gordon, a famed dressmaker who also survived that tragic night. Both women were rescued in Lifeboat 1, the fifth launched from the doomed ship, but with only 12 people onboard.

Read Also: Titanic vs. Modern Cruise Ships – How Do They Compare?

Francatelli and seven other survivors had signed the life jacket in the years since the sinking, adding even more interest to its collectability.

Titanic Lifeboat
Titanic Lifeboat

Henry Aldridge & Son noted that the life jacket remained in Francatelli’s family for decades, but was “acquired by a private collector” roughly 20 years ago. It has previously been displayed at museums in the US and Europe as part of various Titanic exhibitions.

Very few Titanic life jackets are known to exist and this is the first which has ever been offered at auction. Bids were taken in the room, online, by phone, and through commission bids. Multiple viewing dates were offered ahead of the auction.

The buyer has not been identified, as is standard procedure with high-profile auctions, in order to preserve the privacy of collectors.

The same auction house has handled other memorable artifacts from Titanic. Most notably was the Rostron Gold Tiffany Pocket Watch sold in October 2024 for $1.97 million, the most expensive piece of Titanic memorabilia ever sold.

The Rostron watch was presented to Captain Arthur Rostron of the RMS Carpathia, the first ship to arrive at the site of the disaster on April 15, 1912. The gift was given to the vessel’s master in 1913 by three survivors who had all lost their husbands in the sinking: Mrs. John B. Thayer, Mrs. John Jacob Astor, and Mrs. George D. Widener.

More From Cruise Hive

In November 2025, different commemorative items related to Titanic were auctioned, including stunning artwork, postcards of Titanic in the Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast, passenger photographs, pieces of coal, cutaway brochures, the Isador Straus pocket watch, and more.

Other Titanic items Henry Aldridge & Son has handled over the years include menus, lifeboat plaques, deck chairs, and keys.

Titanic may have sunk more than a century ago, but the ship remains very much alive for many fans.

Carnival Cruise Line Clarifies Wagon Policy and Updates List of Prohibited Items

Lissa Poirot
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Carnival Cruise Line Clarifies Wagon Policy and Updates List of Prohibited Items

Key Aspects:

  • While wagons are allowed on Carnival Cruise Line ships, there are stipulations.
  • They must be folded and carried onboard and only used when off the ship.
  • The company also updated its Prohibited Item list with more clarity around electronics and illegal drugs.

Wagons are a frequent topic among cruise passengers who want to use them to transport luggage, beach gear, or supplies for families traveling with children.

But Carnival Cruise Line’s longtime brand ambassador John Heald says passengers should reconsider packing them for their next cruise.

In his regular three-minute update to guests on April 21, 2026, Heald addressed several questions from passengers, including whether wagons can be brought onboard ships.

Heald explained that while wagons may still be brought on a cruise, they cannot be used onboard and must remain folded during embarkation and debarkation.

“A lot of people were asking me about wagons,” Heald said during the video. “If you are going to bring them onboard, they must be folded. You have to carry them. The only time you can use a wagon is when you are off the ship in ports of call.”

He also noted that even when guests take wagons ashore, they cannot be used when leaving the vessel.

“If you want to use a wagon to carry things onto the ship, you can’t. If you want to take it off the ship, you can’t use it – you have to carry it,” Heald said. “It’s not really worth the hassle of bringing them.”

Foldable Travel Wagon
Foldable Travel Wagon (Photo Credit: sockagphoto)

Carnival Cruise Line’s policy states, “Wagons must be collapsed during embarkation and debarkation and may not be used on board (where allowed, wagons may be used in ports other than Carnival’s private destinations).”

Heald says the restriction is tied to safety and maintenance concerns onboard the ships, explaining that they damage the deck and are a safety hazard to other guests.

The wagon clarification comes as part of Carnival Cruise Line’s updated items policy, which outlines items that are banned or restricted onboard its fleet.

Carnival Prohibited Item Changes

The updated prohibited items policy includes several clarifications covering substances, electronics, and certain personal items.

One of the most notable additions is clearer language banning cannabis products and derivatives. The policy now specifically states that marijuana, cannabis, and cannabidiol (CBD) products are prohibited.

This includes CBD gummies, oils, creams, and vapes.

Another update addresses portable speakers. The revised policy now specifically lists boom boxes, radios, and portable speakers, including Bluetooth speakers, as prohibited items. 

Restrictions on communications and network equipment has also been expanded. Items such as satellite phones, routers, communication scanners, wideband receivers, and satellite dishes are now clearly identified as prohibited.

Read Also: What Can You Not Bring on a Cruise?

The company also restricts appliances that contain heating elements, such as clothes irons, steamers, coffee makers, and hot plates. The new rules include electric heating pads.

Carnival Cruise Line’s revised policy also adds more detailed guidance about items that guests may bring on board but can only use while the ship is in port.

These items must remain stored in a passenger’s stateroom while the ship is sailing and includes equipment such as drones, fishing rods, golf clubs, skateboards, metal detectors, snorkel gear, and portable folding bicycles.

Drones are subject to additional restrictions. Guests must declare the device during embarkation, after which it will be held by the ships’ chief security officer. Passengers may check the drone in and out for use only when the ship is docked in approved ports.

The updated policy also introduces a new section outlining items that cannot be used at the cruise line’s private destinations, including Celebration Key in the Bahamas. These include beach chairs, kites, golf clubs, pool floats, metal detectors, and wagons.

Any prohibited item brought on board may be confiscated during security screening.

Carnival Warns Australian Cruisers of Surprise Terminal Switch for Six Sailings

Emrys Thakkar
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Carnival Warns Australian Cruisers of Surprise Terminal Switch for Six Sailings

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Cruise Line sends an advisory out to guests regarding Carnival Adventure cruises from Sydney.
  • A total of six departures will have homeport cruise terminal changes due to facility upgrades.
  • Cruisers will be using the Overseas Passenger Terminal and the White Bay Cruise Terminal.

Carnival Cruise Line has sent an advisory to guests booked down under on the 2,636-passenger Carnival Adventure, which could have an impact on how passengers embark and disembark the vessel.

The notice sent out on April 21 details a total of six sailings from Sydney, Australia, that are impacted, including four departures in July 2026 and two in August 2026 due to upgrade works taking place at the terminal.

The Carnival ship will be changing between the usual Overseas Passenger Terminal (OPT) and the slightly further away White Bay Cruise Terminal (WBCT).

“Due to upgrade works taking place at Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal, we have had to move to Sydney’s White Bay Cruise Terminal for selected sailings in July and August 2026,” Carnival’s advisory says.

Getting to White Bay Cruise Terminal

So this means the Carnival Adventure will shift to the White Bay Cruise terminal on those sailings. The terminal is approximately four miles west (roughly 6 km) of the cruise line’s usual terminal location in the downtown area of Sydney, known as Circular Quay.

Carnival’s notice did not specify the scope of the upgrade works at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, referring only to them in general terms. However, the Port Authority of NSW has an ongoing berthing project that was detailed in a Management Plan that could be a possibility for the changes.

White Bay Cruise Terminal
White Bay Cruise Terminal (Photo Credit: Kevin Hellon)

Carnival has confirmed that the terminal changes will not affect departure or arrival times, but guests will still need to travel between the two terminals. The cruise line has also made it clear that there are no public transport options in or near the White Bay Cruise Terminal.

Drop-off and pick-up options are available as the terminal offers short-term parking. Guests will also be able to use taxis, rideshares, and private transport at that location, as also confirmed by the Port Authority of NSW. The port also makes it clear that access to the terminal is only available via the James Craig Road from The Crescent.

Travel times between the terminal and Sydney’s city center can vary significantly depending on traffic, with taxi and rideshare journeys typically taking 15 to 25 minutes. Guests staying near Circular Quay may find the detour adds meaningful transfer time on embarkation and disembarkation days compared to the usual downtown terminal.

Which Carnival Adventure Cruises Are Impacted?

There are four sailings in July impacted by the terminal change. Starting with the 9-night July 6 sailing that will be heading to Vanuatu and New Caledonia. The ship will depart from its usual Overseas Passenger Terminal, but the return to Sydney on July 15 will be at the White Bay Cruise Terminal.

As a result, the July 15 departure will also leave from WBCT rather than the OPT. That sailing will also end back at White Bay on July 19.

The 10-night July 19 sailing will also be departing from White Bay, and when Carnival Adventure arrives back in Sydney on July 29, it will still be WBCT.

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The final sailing impacted in July will be the July 29 departure, which will be from the White Bay terminal rather than the Overseas Passenger Terminal downtown. That 9-night voyage will also return to WBCT on August 7.

When it comes to the two sailings in August, the August 10 departure will be departing from the OPT, but will return to the White Bay facility on August 19. And that results in the following August 19 cruise departing from WBCT, with the vessel finally returning to its main Overseas Passenger Terminal on August 29 as normal.

The 108,865-gross-ton Carnival Adventure, which was previously part of the now-defunct P&O Australia fleet, is based in Australia year-round. The vessel is sailing a range of itineraries to Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and Moreton Island out of Sydney through to the end of February 2027.

All Four Cunard Queens to Unite in Liverpool for First Time Ever

Lissa Poirot
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All Four Cunard Queens to Unite in Liverpool for First Time Ever

Key Aspects:

  • Cunard will bring all four of its ships together for the first time in Liverpool on May 16, 2028.
  • Queen Mary 2 will sail from New York to Liverpool for the event, marking Cunard’s first eastbound transatlantic arrival to the city in more than 60 years.
  • The gathering takes place during Liverpool’s 2028 celebrations, marking 20 years since the city was named European Capital of Culture.

Cunard is planning a rare moment in its modern history by assembling all four ships in its fleet in Liverpool, England.

On May 16, 2028, Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria, and Queen Anne are scheduled to gather on the River Mersey, marking the first time the cruise line’s four-ship fleet has come together in one place.

The event will take place in Liverpool, where Cunard was founded in 1840, and which the company considers its spiritual home.

“Bringing our four Queens together on the Mersey for the first time will be a rare and incredibly special moment for Cunard,” said Katie McAlister, president of Cunard. “Liverpool is where our story began, and returning with the full fleet is a powerful celebration of that bond.”

The occasion follows a similar gathering in 2015 when Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Victoria met on the Mersey to mark Cunard’s 175th anniversary. This new assembly will be the first since the addition of Queen Anne in May 2024.

The gathering will coincide with celebrations marking 20 years since Liverpool was named European Capital of Culture.

Cunard Queens
Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria came together in 2015 to celebrate Cunard’s 175th anniversary. (Photo Credit: Chris Ison)

“Welcoming the four Cunard Queens at the same time will be an extraordinary occasion for our city, our residents, and our visitors,” said Liam Robinson, leader of Liverpool City Council. “We are incredibly proud of our rich maritime heritage, and this promises to be a really special moment here in Liverpool.”

City officials are planning a year-long calendar of cultural and sporting events in 2028, and the arrival of the Cunard fleet is expected to be one of the centerpiece maritime moments.

In addition to the cultural anniversary celebrations, Liverpool is also scheduled to host matches during the UEFA Euro 2028 football tournament.

Voyages to the Mersey Gathering

Cunard plans to structure several sailings in 2028 so that each ship in the fleet arrives in Liverpool as part of the Four Queens event.

Queen Mary 2, which is currently enjoying its first-ever season in the Caribbean, will make a transatlantic crossing from New York to Liverpool with up to 2,691 guests, arriving in the city on May 16.

The voyage will be the ship’s first transatlantic sailing directly from New York to Liverpool.

The arrival will also mark Cunard’s first eastbound transatlantic arrival from New York to Liverpool in more than six decades. The last such arrival occurred on November 18, 1966, when RMS Sylvania berthed at Princes Landing Stage.

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After the Liverpool event, Queen Mary 2 is expected to continue with its scheduled transatlantic crossings along with voyages to Canada and New England and longer Caribbean sailings.

Queen Anne, the newest vessel in Cunard’s fleet that carries 2,996 passengers, will begin its 2028 season sailing itineraries in Scandinavia and Northern Europe. The ship will include an overnight call in Liverpool timed with the Four Queens gathering.

Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth, which is soon launching its Alaska season from Seattle, will sail from Southampton, England, to Le Havre, France, with its 2,081 guests before heading toward Liverpool for the gathering. 

Queen Victoria will arrive following a cruise around the British Isles with up to 2,061 passengers that includes calls in Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Wales.

Cunard says additional details about the 2028 voyages connected to the event will be announced later.

Alleged War Criminal Caught Working as Cruise Ship Security Guard

Melissa Mayntz
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Alleged War Criminal Caught Working as Cruise Ship Security Guard

Key Aspects:

  • A cruise ship crew member was arrested in Civitavecchia following a routine check on background documents.
  • The crew member is accused of war crimes from the early 1990s, including violence, deportations, and killings.
  • Routine background checks of guests and crew members are standard procedure as part of border protection.

When guests set sail, they expect the crew members on a cruise ship to be highly qualified experts in their respective fields, able to offer exceptional service and fulfill their duties responsibly.

Guests would be shocked, then, to learn that an onboard security guard has been accused as an international war criminal who may have participated in ethnic cleansing operations decades earlier.

The 58-year-old man was arrested by the Civitavecchia border police following investigations of paramilitary organizations that performed ethnic cleansing during the Serbo-Croatian War in the early 1990s. The international arrest warrant that was issued earlier in 2026 identified this individual as having committed violent acts, deportations, and killings during the conflict.

According to a statement from the Rome police, at the time of his arrest, the man was “carrying out security duties” onboard a cruise ship, and “trying to evade searches by Croatian authorities.”

The man does hold dual Serbian-Croatian citizenship and was a member of the Sao Kraijina militias that operated in Serbia during the conflict, at which time the region was part of Yugoslavia. No further details of his identity have been released.

Civitavecchia Police
Civitavecchia Police

While the arrest took place at the port of Civitavecchia near Rome, the exact date of the arrest was not disclosed. Similarly, the cruise line or individual ship was also not identified.

Read Also: Do Cruise Ships Have Jails? Here’s the Truth

Different cruise ships from TUI Cruises, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises, MSC Cruises, P&O Cruises, AIDA Cruises, and several smaller lines have all been in Civitavecchia just this week.

Following his arrest, the man was incarcerated in Aurelia prison, near the cruise port. He was later transferred to another undisclosed prison facility and is currently awaiting judicial authorization for his extradition to Croatia to face formal charges.

Background Checks Catch Both Crew Members and Guest Criminals

This unusual arrest is not the first time background checks of crew members and even of guests have resulted in arrests onboard cruise ships or at cruise ports.

Every nation’s customs and border patrol organization has the authority to review the records of anyone who may enter or leave the country, even on such a temporary occasion as a cruise ship visit.

Cruise Hive has previously reported on various arrests resulting from such background checks. For example, in January 2026, a crew member onboard Disney Adventure was arrested for robbery in Bremerhaven, Germany, before the new ship departed to head for her homeport in Singapore.

Crew members have also been arrested from different ships and different cruise lines for crimes committed onboard, including placing hidden cameras in restrooms or staterooms, theft, and violent assaults.

Guests are not protected against such arrests, either. Regular reviews of guests coming and going on cruise ships has led to arrests related to robberies, missing child support, identity theft, credit card fraud, embezzlement, and other charges.

Reckless behavior onboard can also get guests arrested, such as jumping off the ship, throwing furniture overboard, or engaging in other prohibited and unsafe behaviors.

While border patrol agents are not actively seeking individuals from cruise ships, the background screenings for both guests and crew members is a routine procedure. When discrepancies or active warrants are found, the agents will act appropriately to detain the individual and follow the due process of law.

Cruise Line Makes Major Bar Change That Shrinks Every Spirit Order

Lissa Poirot
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Cruise Line Makes Major Bar Change That Shrinks Every Spirit Order

Key Aspects:

  • Ambassador Cruise Line reduced its standard spirit measure from 40ml to 25ml.
  • The 15-drink daily cap was removed, and double measures are now allowed.
  • Passengers complain the smaller pours reduce the value of their drink packages.

Passengers sailing with Ambassador Cruise Line may notice a change at the bar. The cruise line confirmed it has reduced the size of a standard spirit serving on its ships.

The changes apply to the company’s two vessels, Ambience and Ambition, which operate the brand’s “no-fly” itineraries primarily from the United Kingdom.

The update surfaced after passengers discussed the change online, with some saying they expected larger drinks based on information they were shown when they purchased beverage packages.

In response to questions on social media, the cruise line confirmed that the measure for a single spirit has been reduced from 40 milliliters to 25 milliliters, a 37.5% reduction.

“We can confirm that Ambassador has recently implemented revised spirit measures across our no-fly ships. Effective immediately, the standard single spirit measure served on board Ambience and Ambition is 25ml, replacing the previous 40ml serving,” said the cruise line.

Some passengers argued that the smaller drink sizes reduce the value of their drink packages, with one saying, “People are not happy because they paid for what was shown at the time of booking.”

However, Ambassador Cruise Line also revealed that it has removed its 15-beverage cap and is also allowing passengers to request double spirit measures, which had previously been prohibited. 

“This [change] has been accompanied by a change in process that sees the 15 drinks per day individual limit on alcohol consumption removed and a new service standard introduced whereby guests can request double spirit measures of 50ml total,” it shared.

Pour sizes apply to all guests ordering spirits, whether individually or as part of a drinks package, which actually means guests most affected by the change are those who do not purchase the cruise line’s drink packages.

Ambassador’s Drinks Packages

Ambassador Cruise Line offers several drink packages that bundle beverages into a daily price, with different tiers depending on whether guests want alcohol, premium drinks, or non-alcoholic options. The packages do not mention any pour sizes.

The Ambassador Experience Package, which covers non-alcoholic beverages, is the lowest-priced option. For voyages lasting between 5 and 29 nights, the package costs £20.95 per person per night if purchased before the cruise, or £22.95 per person per night onboard.

Pouring Drinks
Pouring Drinks (Photo Credit: Maor Attias)

It includes unlimited soft drinks, juices, bottled water, mocktails, and other alcohol-free beverages served throughout the ship.

For guests who want alcoholic drinks, the Ambassador Explorer Package is a standard offering. On most sailings of 5 to 29 nights, it costs £42.95 per person per night when purchased in advance and £47.95 per person per night if purchased onboard.

The Explorer package includes house wines by the glass, draft beers, spirits, cocktails, and the same non-alcoholic drinks included in the Experience package.

The most inclusive option is the Ambassador Expedition Package, which adds premium spirits, higher-tier wines, and cocktails to the selection. For typical sailings of 5 to 29 nights, it costs £49.95 per person per night in advance or £55.95 per person per night onboard.

This package also includes premium teas and specialty coffees, which are not included in the lower-tier packages.

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Ambassador also sells Adventurers drinks packages for younger passengers, priced at £14 per night for children ages 3 to 11 and £17 per night for teenagers ages 12 to 17 when purchased in advance.

The onboard price rises to £16 and £19 per night, respectively. These packages cover soft drinks, juices, and other alcohol-free beverages for younger guests.

Passengers must purchase drinks packages for the entire duration of the cruise, and all adults sharing the same cabin typically must buy the same package if one person chooses to add it.

For shorter sailings of 2 to 4 nights, the cruise line charges a per-cruise price rather than a nightly rate, with packages starting around £65 for the non-alcoholic option and reaching £129 for the premium package if purchased before sailing.

Worried About Your Guarantee Cabin? Royal Caribbean Has a New $30 Fix

Melissa Mayntz
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Worried About Your Guarantee Cabin? Royal Caribbean Has a New $30 Fix

Key Aspects:

  • Royal Caribbean has introduced an extra fee for guarantee stateroom guests to learn their room assignments early.
  • The optional $30 fee per stateroom will release guarantee cabin assignments within 24 hours.
  • There are no additional perks with the extra fee and it is non-refundable, even if the booking is cancelled.

Selecting a guaranteed cruise ship stateroom can often be the most budget-friendly choice for savvy cruisers, but when will you really learn what stateroom you will be sleeping in? Assignments might be made anytime, but often aren’t confirmed until just a day or two before embarkation or even on the day of sailing.

Royal Caribbean has now introduced a new option for travelers who have booked guaranteed staterooms but want to learn their cabin assignments ahead of time instead of potentially waiting until the last minute.

The “Early Assign” upgrade is a $30 (USD) fee that will reveal guests’ stateroom assignments sooner. Even more important to guests who might have preferences for where their room is located, the upgrade also permits cruisers to fine-tune their assignment before sailing.

Only one fee is required per stateroom, regardless of how many guests are booked in the room. Should guests want to change their assignment once it is revealed, there is no additional cost to shift within the same stateroom category.

Changes will be subject to availability and may not apply to all requests.

Early Assign is currently only available on select sailings and for select stateroom categories, including at least a few options in all the main category types: interior, oceanview, balcony, and suites. If popular and successful, the option is likely to be expanded fleetwide in the coming months.

The option is not available on casino fares and may be limited on specialty sailings or in conjunction with other promotional fares.

Royal Caribbean Stateroom
Royal Caribbean Stateroom (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)

Guests may select Early Assign within certain windows based on the individual sailing length. For sailings of 6+ nights, the offer window is open 50-80 days before embarkation, while for sailings of 5 nights or less, the offer window is 30-60 days before sailing.

Within those windows, when guests choose Early Assign, their stateroom assignment will be shown within 24 hours.

Read Also: Royal Caribbean Suite Perks – Is It Worth Upgrading?

If travelers do select Early Assign, they should be aware that the $30 fee is non-refundable if a booking is cancelled, regardless of when the reservation may be cancelled.

To be clear, no additional perks related to boarding time, accessing their staterooms on embarkation day, tendering, or other onboard operations are included with Early Assign.

Guests who choose the option can, however, change their room location within the same category if there are alternatives available, with no additional charge.

Why Is Royal Caribbean Offering This Option?

Many cruise guests enjoy a good bargain with their cruise fare, but the anxiety of waiting for a cabin assignment can be maddening, especially if there is fear of overbooking situations.

Cruise Hive has frequently reported on oversold cruises, often from Royal Caribbean, with guests receiving what seem to be spectacular offers to entice them to be flexible with their travel plans just days before embarkation.

While the offers are generally outstanding enough to convince adequate numbers of travelers to adjust their plans, it is conceivable that some guests might be denied embarkation if there simply isn’t room for them onboard.

This would be most likely to happen to guarantee stateroom bookings, as they are not connected to any specific stateroom. Furthermore, because guarantee staterooms are the least expensive, the cruise line will lose the least amount of revenue if left-behind guests must be refunded.

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It is possible that if guarantee stateroom guests have selected Early Assign, they would be much less likely to be in that unfortunate position, yet they will still be able to take advantage of the lower guarantee fares.

But is the fee worthwhile? For guests who truly don’t care where their stateroom is, the extra $30 for an earlier assignment may not be helpful.

Guests who are more nervous about their assignment and prefer to learn the details right away, however, the fee may be well spent.

As a matter of interest, guarantee stateroom rates can be several hundred dollars less than selecting a specific stateroom assignment. The extra $30 to get an assignment early and have the time to shift within the same category can be very well spent for guests eager for that early confirmation.

Child Taken to Hospital Following Cruise Ship Fall in Madeira

Lissa Poirot
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Child Taken to Hospital Following Cruise Ship Fall in Madeira

Key Aspects:

  • A toddler was hospitalized for observation after falling about 10 feet aboard Mein Schiff 7.
  • The incident took place while the ship was docked in Funchal, Madeira.
  • Authorities say the circumstances of the fall are still under investigation.

A 2-year-old child was taken to the hospital after suffering a fall aboard the TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 7 while the vessel was docked in Funchal, the capital of Portugal’s Madeira region.

According to local reports from a Portuguese media outlet, the incident took place on April 22, 2026, while the ship was alongside the port, prompting an emergency response from regional medical teams. Authorities told the media outlet the child fell from a height estimated to be about 6 to 10 feet. 

When emergency responders arrived on board the ship, the child was reportedly conscious and receiving attention from the ship’s medical staff. He was accompanied by his mother.

Madeira’s Integrated Medical Emergency System activated the Rapid Intervention Medical Team (EMIR), which responded directly to the vessel along with an ambulance. After being assessed onboard, the child was transported ashore to Dr. Nélio Mendonça Hospital in Funchal.

TUI Cruises later confirmed the incident with Cruise Hive and said the child is doing okay.

“We can confirm an incident on Mein Schiff 7 in Madeira involving a child. However, the child was never in a critical condition, nor did it have life-threatening injuries. It was in hospital for routine observation, though the child is in good condition and with family members,” the cruise line stated.

Mein Schiff 7
Mein Schiff 7 (Photo Credit: Janet Worg)

In a statement cited by another Portuguese news agency, the Administration of the Ports of the Autonomous Region of Madeira (APRAM) confirmed the incident occurred while the ship was docked but noted that the event took place within the vessel itself.

Investigators are still working to determine how the fall occurred, although there is unverified speculation that the child may have fallen from a balcony.

Previous Incidents

Mein Schiff 7, one of TUI Cruises’ newest members of the fleet that debuted in June 2024, was sailing a 7-night cruise from Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands, which departed on April 20, 2026.

After a day at sea, the 3,984-passenger vessel arrived at 7 a.m. on April 22 for an overnight call. The incident took place sometime during its port call, but as the ship is not departing Funchal until April 23, the child’s injury did not hinder the ship’s schedule.

It is not the first time TUI Cruises has experienced a medical emergency. On October 14, 2022, a passenger died after falling from a balcony cabin aboard Mein Schiff 6. 

The person reportedly fell several decks from Deck 10 and landed on a lifeboat deck below during a voyage in the Aegean Sea.

In November 2025, a 76-year-old passenger was reported missing after falling overboard from the TUI-operated Marella Explorer 2 near the Canary Islands. A search was launched by the Spanish coast guard, but the passenger was never recovered.

Cruise Hive extends its best wishes to the family and is hopeful the child fully recovers.

Mein Schiff 7 will sail to St. Cruz de la Palma and Tenerife in the Canary Islands, as well as Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura, before returning to Gran Canaria on April 27, 2026.

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