Blog Page 591

Why 2026 Could Be the Biggest Year Ever for Vancouver’s Cruise Terminal

Lissa Poirot
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Why 2026 Could Be the Biggest Year Ever for Vancouver’s Cruise Terminal

Key Aspects:

  • Canada Place is celebrating 40 years of cruise operations in Vancouver.
  • About 1.4 million cruise passengers are expected in 2026.
  • The busiest day is expected on September 19, when nearly 20,000 passengers pass through the terminal.

Vancouver’s iconic Canada Place cruise terminal is celebrating 40 years of cruise operations, a milestone that arrives as the port prepares for one of its busiest seasons ever.

The first cruise ship to call at the terminal was Holland America Line’s Noordam on April 28, 1986. Since that first visit, more than 30 million cruise passengers have passed through the downtown Vancouver facility.

“Canada Place is without peer – for 40 years now our award-winning cruise terminal in picturesque downtown Vancouver has been a memorable part of countless cruise adventures to Alaska and beyond,” said Cliff Stewart, vice president of operations and supply chain at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority.

Stewart credits the “collaborative and pioneering spirit of so many” as the reason behind the cruise port’s 40 years of success.

The anniversary comes as the 2026 cruise season is expected to bring record passenger traffic, with port officials projecting more than 1.4 million passengers passing through the cruise terminal this year.

Port officials estimate each cruise ship visit contributes roughly $3 million to the local economy.

Alaska sailings have now returned to Vancouver, with ships scheduled to arrive nearly every day between early May and late September. During those peak months, passenger activity will surge with multiple ship arrivals and departures. 

Port officials estimate that between 40,000 and 50,000 passengers will move through the terminal between Friday and Monday on most peak-season weekends. Some days will be particularly busy.

Canada Place is scheduled to host its first five-ship day since 2019 on July 25, 2026, bringing thousands of embarking and disembarking passengers through the facility at once.

Cruise Ships in Vancouver, British Columbia
Cruise Ships in Vancouver, British Columbia (Photo Credit: Macklin Holloway)

Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas, carrying up to 4,182 passengers; Princess Cruises’ Grand Princess, with up to 2,610 guests; and Holland America Line’s Koningsdam, carrying up to 2,650 passengers will be the biggest ships arriving that day.

The 930-passenger Viking Ocean Cruise’s Viking Orion and Hurtigruten Expeditions’ Roald Amundsen, with up to 490 guests, will also be on deck.

“With the cruise terminal on track to experience five of its top 10 busiest weekends ever this summer, we look forward to working with our cruise partners to ensure Canada Place and Vancouver continue to play their part delivering unforgettable moments for visitors,” said Stewart.

Busy Weekends Expected

Officials say traffic is expected to peak later in the season, with the weekend of September 18 – 21, 2026, projected to become the busiest weekend in Canada Place history with about 56,000 passengers expected to pass through the terminal.

That weekend will see Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Solstice, Seabourne’s Encore, Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam, and Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas along with Saturday’s four-ship arrival.

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That day, September 19, 2026, will see nearly 20,000 passengers move through the facility in one day from Princess Cruises’ Discovery Princess and Grand Princess, Oceania Cruises’ Oceania Riviera, and Koningsdam. It will be the single busiest day of the season.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Encore will be the last ship of the 2026 season on October 13, 2026.

Charges Filed Against Cruise Charter Organizer Over Unpaid Refunds

Catie Kovelman
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Charges Filed Against Cruise Charter Organizer Over Unpaid Refunds

Key Aspects:

  • Maryland’s Attorney General is pursuing legal action against Capital Jazz and its owner for failing to provide refunds to cruise guests.
  • The company allegedly owes at least $642,240 to cruisers from a cancelled music-themed SuperCruise in March.
  • Capital Jazz has also stopped paying the penalties from a 2025 legal settlement over earlier unpaid refunds.

Maryland’s Attorney General Anthony G. Brown is pursuing charges against Capital Jazz and its owner, Clifford Hunte. This should be music to the ears of guests who are awaiting refunds from the cancelled Capital Jazz SuperCruise that should have set sail in March of 2026.

The music-themed cruise was supposed to sail to the Caribbean from March 22-29 onboard MSC Divina, but MSC Cruises cancelled the private charter in November of 2025 after the event organizer failed to pay the cruise line timely.

By the time news of the cancellation made its way to guests approximately four months later, many passengers had already paid thousands of dollars to secure their bookings and to book flights and hotels near PortMiami.

Allegedly, the Maryland-based company continued to accept new bookings, along with deposits and payments, until the very last minute.

And now, Capital Jazz has failed to pay refunds totaling at least $642,240 to the 103 cruise guests who have come forward thus far. Maryland’s Consumer Protection Division believes that the total of refunds owed is likely much higher.

Based on double occupancy numbers, MSC Divina can hold 3,502 guests, and a significant portion of the Fantasia-class ship was likely booked by the time the cancellation was announced.

Guests who were booked on the private charter also reported that the event organizer stopped communicating with them after they were notified of the cancellation and failed to respond to inquiries about refunds.

MSC Cruises did give impacted guests the option to book directly with the cruise line for the same dates, as the 139,072-gross ton ship was placed back into normal operations for the originally chartered dates.

However, many passengers could not afford to rebook without first securing a refund, with some having spent upwards of $7,000 or even over $8,000 on their original booking.

Charges Filed Against Capital Jazz

The Maryland Consumer Protection Division believes that Capital Jazz and its owner (Hunte) violated the Consumer Protection Act by cancelling the themed cruise at the last minute and failing to pay refunds in a timely manner.

“We filed charges against Capital Jazz after the company cancelled a 2026 SuperCruise and failed to issue refunds. According to the charges, more than 100 consumers are owed at least $642,000, and this follows an earlier case over similar conduct,” Attorney General Brown posted on X.

“My Office will use every legal tool available to hold the company accountable for failing to meet its obligations to consumers,” he continued.

MSC Divina in Palermo Italy
MSC Divina in Palermo, Italy (Photo Credit: BasPhoto / Shutterstock)

The Maryland-based company is scheduled to appear in front of the Office of Administrative Hearings to face the charges on July 21, 2026. The judge will decide the penalties and how to reimburse the impacted passengers.

In the meantime, cruisers who believe they are also entitled to a refund are encouraged to call the Attorney General’s Office in Maryland to make sure they are included in any potential repayment.

Not the First Offense

Believe it or not, this was the third Capital Jazz SuperCruise to be cancelled in five years. It’s also not the first time that the company has failed to uphold its financial obligations.

Cruise Hive learned that Capital Jazz was already under fire for failing to pay refunds from earlier cancellations, which resulted in a legal settlement in 2025.

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Per the Attorney General’s Office, Capital Jazz has also stopped paying the penalties they owed from the 2025 case.

“Capital Jazz made a commitment to Maryland consumers and broke it, and then they brazenly did it again,” Attorney General Brown said in a press release.

The charges levied against Capital Jazz account for the company’s inability to adhere to the terms of the 2025 settlement, as well as its failure to provide timely refunds to the guests impacted in 2026.

78-Year-Old Airlifted from Celebrity Cruise Ship in Daring Rescue Off Oahu

Lissa Poirot
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78-Year-Old Airlifted from Celebrity Cruise Ship in Daring Rescue Off Oahu

Key Aspects:

  • A 78-year-old passenger was medically evacuated from Celebrity Solstice.
  • The rescue took place about 58 miles offshore of Oahu by the US Coast Guard.
  • The evacuation occurred during the final days of the ship’s transpacific repositioning voyage.

A transpacific cruise sailing toward Hawaii turned into an emergency operation when the US Coast Guard and US Navy airlifted a passenger from a cruise ship off the coast of Oahu.

The Coast Guard confirmed that a 78-year-old man was medevaced from Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Solstice in the wee hours of the night on Thursday, April 23, 2026.

The evacuation took place roughly 58 miles offshore after authorities determined the passenger required urgent medical care that could not be provided onboard.

Joint Rescue Coordination Center Honolulu watchstanders first received the requests from Celebrity Solstice at approximately 3:19 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22.  The vessel’s crew reported that a passenger was experiencing a serious undisclosed medical condition.

At the time of the call, the 122,000-gross-ton ship was about 276 miles southwest of Oahu. Officials recommended a medical evacuation by helicopter rather than waiting for the ship to reach port, roughly at 7 a.m. the following day.

An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point launched to meet the ship as it sailed toward Hawaii. Once the aircraft was overhead, the crew performed a hoist operation, lowering rescue equipment to life the passenger from the ship.

A second aircraft, an MH-60 Seahawk helicopter from Navy Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 37, supported the mission.

Officials said the passenger was transported to Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu and is reported to be in stable condition.

“This successful outcome is a direct result of the professionalism and close inter agency cooperation we share with our partners,” said Lt. Taylor Gibbons, command duty officer, Coast Guard Oceania District.

Lt. Gibbons said the distance offshore and nighttime conditions complicated the rescue, “but the US Navy helped us minimize that risk and safely complete our mission.”

Rescue at the End of a 16-Night Cruise

The medical emergency onboard Celebrity Solstice happened near the end of a long repositioning cruise across the South Pacific.

The 2,852-passenger ship had departed Sydney on April 9, 2026, for a 16-night transpacific sailing scheduled to arrive in Honolulu on April 23 for an overnight final call.

The itinerary included multiple island stops across the South Pacific before the ship crossed the Pacific toward Hawaii. Ports of call included Lifou in New Caledonia, Lautoka and Suva in Fiji, Apia in Samoa, and Pago Pago in American Samoa.

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Medical evacuations from cruise ships take place when health situations require more onboard medical care than onboard doctors can provide.

Celebrity Cruises has had its share of medevacs, including a rescue of a 65-year-old passenger from Celebrity Apex in December 2025.

The ship was sailing about 24 miles north of Arecibo, Puerto Rico, when a Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter performed the hoist rescue and transported the passenger to San Juan for treatment.

A similar incident took place in December 2024 aboard the same ship when a 64-year-old guests needed a Coast Guard airlift 130 miles northwest of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.

No further details about the passenger aboard Celebrity Solstice have been released. The ship is now sailing a 9-night cruise to transition to Vancouver for a season in Alaska. The vessel will arrive on May 3, 2026.

Why Guests on Three Carnival Ships Will Face Longer Safety Drills This Weekend

Melissa Mayntz
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Why Guests on Three Carnival Ships Will Face Longer Safety Drills This Weekend

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Radiance, Carnival Vista, and Carnival Venezia will all have full muster drills this weekend.
  • It is a requirement for all Carnival ships to have full, in-person safety drills twice each year.
  • All guests must participate in the drill before their ship can depart the homeport.

Every cruise sailing, whether it is a 3-night weekend getaway or an epic month-long repositioning cruise, must have a safety briefing before departure. These drills teach guests where their muster stations are located in case of an emergency, as well as how to properly put on a life jacket, what the emergency signal sounds like, and other critical information.

In recent years, the e-muster or self-mustering drill has been a streamlined and much faster option for thousands of guests, but some sailings still have the more traditional full drill.

Carnival Cruise Line has reached out to guests for this weekend’s sailings on Carnival Radiance, Carnival Vista, and Carnival Venezia to notify them that their briefings are to be the full, in-person safety briefing.

“Shortly before departure, a full safety drill will take place on your upcoming sailing. This is a mandatory procedure, and all guests will be required to participate in this brief but essential exercise,” the advisory confirmed.

Carnival Muster Letter
Carnival Muster Letter

Carnival Radiance held this full drill on Thursday, April 23, as she began her 4-night Baja Mexico cruise from Long Beach to Catalina and Ensenada.

Read Also: Cruise Ship Lifeboats – Are There Enough and What You Might Not Know

On Sunday, April 26, both Carnival Vista and Carnival Venezia will have their full safety briefings. This will be as Carnival Vista begins a 6-night Eastern Caribbean sailing from Miami to Celebration Key, Half Moon Cay, and Amber Cove.

Carnival Venezia will also be beginning an Eastern Caribbean sailing, but the 7-night cruise is visiting Amber Cove, San Juan, and St. Thomas. Originally, the cruise was to have visited Grand Turk, but Cruise Hive has already reported on that itinerary change.

What Does a Full Safety Briefing Mean for Guests?

While a self-muster or e-muster drill takes just a couple of minutes as guests visit their assigned muster stations, full safety briefings are significantly longer.

During the drill, all guests (including children) will check in to their muster station at the announced time, then must remain there while the safety instructions are relayed and life vests demonstrated. The ship’s emergency signal will be sounded, and there will be explanations about what to do if that signal is heard during the cruise.

“Ship-wide announcements will provide guidance on the process, which will include collective gathering at your assigned muster station to familiarize yourself with the necessary steps to take in the unlikely event of an emergency,” the email explained.

In total, a full drill can take 20-40 minutes, depending on how attentive guests may be. If guests fail to find the correct muster station, do not check in properly, or do not listen to the instructions, the drill can be on the longer side.

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Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald has repeatedly clarified that full muster drills are required for all ships twice each year.

“This is something that every single ship needs to do twice a year as per US Coast Guard, Australian Coast Guard, and other government agencies, and SOLAS, Safety of Life at Sea,” he has explained.

Contrary to online rumors, this is not a permanent return to the full safety drill procedure for every sailing. Whenever full drills are required, Carnival notifies guests so they know what to expect on embarkation afternoon.

These full drills also provide essential training for crew members, so if an emergency were to occur, they are familiar with the process and how to react when directing hundreds or thousands of guests to the right muster locations and ensuring everyone is safe.

Norwegian Breakaway Launches Rescue Boats After Overboard Incident Off Cape Cod

Melissa Mayntz
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Norwegian Breakaway Launches Rescue Boats After Overboard Incident Off Cape Cod

Key Aspects:

  • Norwegian Breakaway is late returning to Boston following an overboard incident near midnight on Sunday, April 26.
  • Embarkation will also be delayed by several hours and guests should stay in contact with the cruise line for updates.
  • No information is yet available about if the visit to Bermuda will need to be adjusted because of the late embarkation.

Norwegian Breakaway is now delayed several hours in returning to Boston due to an overboard alert and search operations late on the last night of the 7-night sailing.

Guests onboard the vessel reported a “Code Oscar, port side” alarm shortly after midnight on Sunday, April 26, 2026, and the ship immediately turned to begin searching the area. Flood lights were activated and rescue boats deployed as part of the operation, while parts of Decks 7 and 8 were closed to guests to facilitate the emergency response.

Satellite tracking data confirms the ship was searching in an area just east of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. US Coast Guard assets were also involved in the search.

Norwegian Cruise Line has confirmed with Cruise Hive that it was indeed a crew member who went overboard:

“Late in the evening on April 25, 2026, a crew member went overboard east of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Upon confirming the incident, the vessel immediately informed the United States Coast Guard Marine Rescue Coordination Center and a coordinated search and rescue operation was initiated,” a spokesperson for the cruise line stated.

After several hours of searching, the 145,655-gross-ton cruise ship resumed course toward Boston. Initial reports are that the search operation was not successful, though investigations are sure to continue.

“The United States Coast Guard has taken over the search and rescue operation and released the vessel to continue the voyage. The safety, security, and well-being of our crew is our highest priority. Our thoughts are with the crewmember’s family during this difficult time,” NCL added.

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

According to guests currently onboard, Norwegian Breakaway is now scheduled to dock at approximately 11:30 a.m. The time is an estimate only, as exact timing will depend on other traffic into Boston Harbor. Originally, the ship was to have been docked by 8 a.m.

Onboard the ship, internet access has been opened for everyone in order to adjust post-cruise travel plans if necessary. The ship is now close enough to Boston, however that guests may be able to use their cell service carriers without difficulty.

Next Cruise Delayed

Because of Norwegian Breakaway‘s delayed arrival back to Boston, the next embarkation will also be delayed by several hours.

Guests received an email noting that check-in at the cruise terminal will now be from 2-6 p.m. It will be necessary for guests already onboard the ship to debark, claim luggage, process through customs, and leave the terminal and parking areas before there will be sufficient space to accommodate incoming travelers, so embarking guests should not arrive before 2 p.m.

If guests do arrive to the cruise terminal early, they can drop off luggage but cannot remain in the terminal area and will be asked to return after 2 p.m.

The ship is one of the largest in Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet, with a double-occupancy capacity of 3,963 travelers. On a turnaround day, more than 9,000 guests may be moving back and forth through the cruise terminal, along with crew members who could be finishing or starting contract assignments.

Norwegian Breakaway is the only ship in Boston on Sunday morning, which should help ease the congestion even with this delay.

Read Also: What Happens When Someone Goes Overboard on a Cruise Ship?

At this time, there has been no announcement of any itinerary adjustment to the next cruise, also a 7-night Bermuda sailing. It is possible that Norwegian Breakaway will be able to adjust her speed or route on the way to Bermuda to make up for the delayed embarkation and departure, and the extended port visit to Kings Wharf will not be impacted.

If any port adjustment is necessary, guests will likely be notified onboard as soon as alternative port times or plans are confirmed.

Cruise Hive’s thoughts are with all Norwegian Breakaway‘s crew members and guests impacted by this tragedy.

Could Cruise Lines Offer Day Passes to Visit Sister Ships? Guests Are Asking

Melissa Mayntz
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Could Cruise Lines Offer Day Passes to Visit Sister Ships? Guests Are Asking

Key Aspects:

  • A Celebrity Cruises guest has proposed the idea of a day pass to visit Royal Caribbean ships to enjoy waterslides.
  • This could help promote the differences between cruise lines, which might appeal to curious travelers.
  • Security and logistical concerns, however, make such excursions or passes to different ships unlikely.

It can be a very interesting part of cruising to dock in popular ports of call, such as Nassau or Cozumel, and see what different ships and cruise lines may be your neighbors for the day. But would you like to go to your neighbor’s house, or in this case, a ship, for an afternoon visit?

In a Celebrity Cruises Reddit thread, some guests are suggesting exactly that: day passes to other vessels.

“I wish that Celebrity could provide an excursion that lets us use the water slides on Royal Caribbean ships when we are sharing a dock,” one guest commented.

Other suggestions for similar visits to other ships could include guided tours and restaurant experiences to show off what one ship or cruise line has in comparison to another.

This could be a great idea for guests who may be nervous about what one line offers in comparison to what they are more familiar with experiencing onboard.

“We say this EVERY time we’ve been to CocoCay. We want to tour the Icon of the Seas before we ever decide to give [Royal Caribbean] a try,” one guest replied. “I’m spoiled by Celebrity but I’d consider RC if we could see what the amenities were actually like.”

Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean are sister lines, both owned by Royal Caribbean Group, which also owns Silversea Cruises.

The idea of visiting another ship while in port can be tempting, and could potentially be an interesting way for cruise lines to promote one another.

This could be especially valuable as different cruise guests’ preferences change over the years, or if they are shopping around for a different type of cruise experience.

Cruise Hive has already reported on the “Points Choice” program that permits guests sailing on one Royal Caribbean Group cruise line to opt to have points from a cruise sailing credited to a sister line, customizing how guests develop their loyalty on the different lines.

If travelers have the opportunity to visit other ships, it could inspire even more choice between the lines and foster greater overall loyalty across all three brands.

Do Other Guests Agree?

The original poster’s suggestion did not get as much support as they might have expected. Many commenters pointed out that Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean have very different vibes with respect to how family-friendly they may be, what amenities are offered for what age groups, and the overall type of experience.

Some saw that such a plan might become nothing more than a money grab for the company.

“Icon Class Day Pass $799 per person, per hour,” one guest quipped, followed quickly by another commentor’s follow up of “Plus 18% gratuity.”

Star of the Seas and Celebrity Xcel
Star of the Seas and Celebrity Xcel (Photo Credit: Todamo)

It simply must be pointed out that the waterslides on Icon-class ships are currently experiencing a variety of maintenance and repair issues, and many of them have been extensively closed.

Hundreds of internet videos and cruise reviews are available to give guests an idea of what another line offers or what a specific ship may be like without a specialized day pass to visit while in port.

Many guests also noted that they research their cruises before booking and deliberately choose Celebrity Cruises for its more upscale, polished experience with fewer teens and young cruisers aboard.

Cross-Ship Tours Are Tough to Do

In reality, such tours or day pass options are difficult to do. There are strict security protocols in place that limit guests’ access to only their cruise ship, and local customs regulations may also impact who can access what vessel.

One commenter posted that Royal Caribbean’s president, Michael Bayley, was even asked if this was possible during a President’s Cruise.

“Someone brought up a similar question to Michael Bayley on the Royal Caribbean President’s Cruise last year and he said the logistics would tough but they might look into something like this.“

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Furthermore, to permit such a tour, whether a general guided tour, an access pass to onboard amenities, a dining experience, or a chance to see a show, extra crew members would be necessary to ensure everything happens smoothly. Depending on a ship’s crew complement, this may simply not be possible.

Cruise ships often use times when a vessel is in port to conduct drills, crew training, or maintenance operations when there are fewer guests aboard. Bringing on additional guests for a tour experience would be exceedingly difficult.

It could also be logistically challenging if such a tour were planned in advance, but one of the ships had to delay or cancel the port visit due to a medical evacuation, poor weather, or mechanical difficulties.

Fortunately, Celebrity Cruises guests do get some of the “Royal Caribbean experience” with port visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay, where the Thrill Waterpark and its 14 waterslides are waiting to welcome them.

Five Cruise Lines Have Pushed Through Gratuity Hikes Early in 2026

Melissa Mayntz
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Five Cruise Lines Have Pushed Through Gratuity Hikes Early in 2026

Tipping and gratuities can be a controversial topic for cruise guests. While no one denies that crew members work exceptionally hard and do their very best to ensure everyone has a great cruise vacation, higher and higher gratuity rates can really damage a cruise vacation budget.

So far in 2026, Cruise Hive has reported that five major cruise lines have already increased gratuities. Such increases make budgeting for these lines more challenging, but understanding the rate increases and when they take effect can help guests be prepared, as can online calculators that can total up gratuities for more informed budget planning.

Cruise Gratuity Increase Chart
Cruise Gratuity Increase Chart (Cruise Hive)

Margaritaville at Sea

The boutique but growing cruise line Margaritaville at Sea was the first to raise gratuities this year, and certainly raised the most eyebrows when they did it.

Changes took effect from February 1 with a $2 per person, per day increase for all standard staterooms and a $1 per person, per day increase for suites. This made the rates the highest in the cruise industry at $22 for standard stateroom and $25 for suites.

Margaritaville at Sea does not permit guests to adjust or remove gratuities at their discretion. Guests can, of course, choose to tip above that required amount if they want to reward exceptional service.

It must be noted that Virgin Voyages also charges $22 per person, per day, but has a lower pre-paid rate booked guests can take advantage of. That option is not available aboard Margaritaville at Sea ships.

Carnival Cruise Line

One of the largest and most popular cruise lines in the world, Carnival Cruise Line made its gratuity charges just a little bit larger from April 2, 2026.

Rates for both standard suites and staterooms went up by $1 per person, per day, making the new rates $17 for standard staterooms and $19 for suites.

The change was announced in early February, giving guests the option to pre-pay at the previous lower rate in order to lock in savings, regardless of their cruise departure date.

At the same time of the gratuity increase, Carnival also raised prices on its Bottomless Bubbles unlimited soda drink package, but only for adults. The price went from $9.50 per adult per day to $11.99 per day, but guests could still pre-purchase for the lower rate until the increase took effect.

MSC Cruises

The rapid growth of MSC Cruises in the North American market isn’t the only thing catching attention. From May 11, 2026, the cruise line will also be increasing the gratuity rates for all guests.

Called a “hotel service charge” by the cruise line, the rate will be increasing by $1 per person, per night for standard staterooms. Guests staying in the exclusive MSC Yacht Club will see a range increase of $3 per person, per night.

MSC Magnifica Open Deck
MSC Magnifica Open Deck (Photo Credit: venuswix)

This will make the new rates $17 for standard staterooms and $23 for MSC Yacht Club suites. While this does “beat” the rate for Margaritaville at Sea gratuities, the highest rate is only for the elite staterooms of the Yacht Club, not for all guests.

It is also important to note that this increase is only for cruises in the Caribbean and Alaska, and is not being implemented for European sailings or other cruise regions.

Holland America Line

From June 1, 2026, guests onboard all Holland America Line ships will pay higher gratuities as well as higher overall service charges for a wide range of extra amenities.

The gratuity increase is just $1 per person, per day, but applies to all stateroom types. This will make the gratuities for standard staterooms $18 per day, while the rates for suites are going up to $20 per day.

At the same time, onboard service fees for specialty dining and beverages are increasing from 18% to 20%. Carnival Cruise Line, which is a sister line under Carnival Corporation & plc, made the same service fee increase in December 2025.

While gratuities on Holland America Line can be adjusted at guests’ discretion, the service fee cannot be changed.

Princess Cruises

A third Carnival-owned line, Princess Cruises, has also increased the gratuity rate as well as upped the service charges onboard.

The gratuities increased by $1 per person, per day, making standard staterooms $18, mini-suites and select other exclusive staterooms $19, and suites $20.

The change rolled out fleetwide in early March 2026, though the exact date of the change varied for different vessels in the Princess fleet.

Similarly, the service charge was increased from 18% to 20% for drink purchases, specialty dining, and similar purchases. This charge is not adjustable and may not be removed.

Which Cruise Lines May Be Next?

So far in 2026, there are no announced or confirmed gratuity rate increases for Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, and other lines.

Booked guests should keep a close watch on such charges, however, because it is not unusual for multiple cruise lines to make similar adjustments once one cruise line confirms an increase.

Gratuity rate increases are not always announced in advance, nor do guests always have the opportunity to prepay at a lower rate.

Norwegian Cruise Line Opens Haven Restaurant to Non-Suite Guests With One Catch

Melissa Mayntz
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Norwegian Cruise Line Opens Haven Restaurant to Non-Suite Guests With One Catch

Key Aspects:

  • Guests in select non-Haven staterooms will now be able to dine in the exclusive The Haven Restaurant.
  • The free perk is only being extended to Haven-connected staterooms with related travel parties.
  • Non-Haven guests will not have any access to other areas of The Haven or its specialized amenities and services.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s The Haven is well-known for its exclusivity, private amenities, superior service, and the elevated experience it provides. But what if that experience is not just for guests of The Haven?

On April 23, 2026, the cruise line opened access to one particular amenity to non-Haven guests, with some important distinctions. Now, guests in select connecting staterooms will be able to dine at The Haven Restaurant without any fees or charges, and no limitations on the number of visits.

“Guests staying in a non-Haven stateroom (such as a balcony) that physically connects to a Haven stateroom AND they are traveling with the guests in the Have stateroom may dine at The Haven Restaurant,” the update sent to booked guests and travel agents explains.

Previously, The Haven Restaurant has been limited to only those guests who are themselves guests in The Haven staterooms. Even if a larger family group was traveling together, those guests booked in the non-Haven connecting room would not be able to visit the restaurant.

There is a key limitation, however. If the non-Haven guests want to dine in The Haven Restaurant, they must be accompanied by at least one of the travelers booked in the connecting Haven stateroom.

This offer does not apply to groups that are traveling in separate staterooms that are not connected to a suite in The Haven. Only those guests in a physically connecting stateroom can be accommodated in The Haven Restaurant.

No other benefits of The Haven are being extended to those non-Haven guests in connecting staterooms. They do not get to take advantage of the concierge service, visit the private sundeck, enjoy expedited laundry services, or attend the private cocktail party with the ship’s officers.

It appears that guests must make arrangements to take advantage of this unique exception to The Haven’s exclusivity before they set sail by contacting the Pre-Cruise Concierge Desk. It is unclear whether or not such arrangements could be made onboard.

Good News for Families and Groups

This is a great policy change for families and groups that book more than one stateroom. While the non-Haven guests will not be able to take advantage of every amenity, the traveling group can still enjoy dining together if they choose to go to The Haven Restaurant.

The elite restaurant offers a more elevated experience with curated menus that include delicious dishes such as steak tartare, porcini risotto, a green goddess salad, surf and turf, roasted prime rib, and a selection of decadent desserts.

Norwegian Viva Cruise Ship
Norwegian Viva Cruise Ship (Photo: Cruise Hive)

Menus are subject to change and are often adapted for regional flair and seasonal availability.

Guests at the restaurant will still be expected to abide by its dress code, which Cruise Hive reported on recently, with some confusion about dress code changes and where they apply. In The Haven Restaurant, flip-flops and shorts are not permitted at dinner, and attire should be appropriate for the venue.

Could This Backfire?

Guest reactions to the new access extension are mixed. Some travelers are eager to be able to dine with their friends and family who share the appropriate adjoining stateroom, while others are concerned about the possible slippery slope this could create.

For example, at what point will guests in these exclusive groups with the non-Haven connecting stateroom be allowed to stretch their “connection” to more amenities in the exclusive area?

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Could day passes or other arrangements be on the way to open up The Haven to other travelers who pay the price?

While there is no indication that Norwegian Cruise Line is considering such further extensions of The Haven benefits to other travelers, guests are understandably concerned. This could be a test period for future and possibly more widespread changes to come.

Fortunately, very few staterooms actually qualify for this type of benefit, and therefore, the immediate impact on other guests in The Haven should be minimal.

The Icon Class Keeps Growing as Royal Caribbean Signs Off on Two More Ships

Melissa Mayntz
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The Icon Class Keeps Growing as Royal Caribbean Signs Off on Two More Ships

Key Aspects:

  • Royal Caribbean Group has confirmed the orders for the sixth and seventh Icon-class ships.
  • The vessels will be built at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland and will debut in 2029 and 2030.
  • This announcement comes as the third Icon-class ship, Legend of the Seas, is currently undergoing sea trials.

There is no doubt among the loyal to Royal crowd that Icon-class ships are overwhelmingly popular. Cruise fans can now rejoice as two more sister ships will be joining the class in the years to come.

On Monday, April 27, 2026, Royal Caribbean Group confirmed the order for two more Icon-class vessels from Meyer Turku, adding the sixth and seventh ships of the largest class in the world to their future cruise lineup.

The two ships are slated for delivery in 2029 and 2030, respectively, following the upcoming delivery of Legend of the Seas before her debut in July 2026, Hero of the Seas in late 2027, and the as-yet unnamed fifth ship in the Icon class in mid-2028.

“The Icon Class reflects our bold creativity and engineering excellence that continues to define what a vacation can be,” said Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group.

Both Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas have pushed boundaries and offered unique and innovative experiences to as many as 7,600 guests per sailing. The sister ships were built at the Meyer Turku shipyard in southwestern Finland, which is also where Legend of the Seas is under construction.

In fact, Cruise Hive just recently reported that the third Icon-class ship is now undergoing her first set of sea trials, having departed Meyer Turku on April 20 for the 10-day testing period.

“The order of sixth and seventh Icon Class vessels is a significant recognition of Meyer Turku and the Finnish maritime industry’s talent and expertise. This milestone represents an important step forward in our partnership with Royal Caribbean Group to develop the shipbuilding sector over the next decade and beyond,” said Casimir Lindholm, CEO of Meyer Turku.

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, World's Largest Cruise Ship
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, World’s Largest Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Deutschlandreform)

The orders for the new ships are subject to appropriate financing, which is standard in the cruise industry. By securing these orders so far in advance, however, Royal Caribbean Group ensures itself ongoing fleet expansion for years.

Meyer Turku has built 25 ships for Royal Caribbean over more than 30 years. The Icon-class ships, when under construction, are the largest industrial projects in Finland and contribute a significant investment to the economy.

“Through our long-standing partnership with Meyer Turku, the Finnish government, and the strong Finnish maritime cluster, we are reimagining the industry for decades to come while also delivering meaningful economic impact for Finland,” said Liberty.

What Will Newer Icon-Class Ships Offer?

Little is known about the evolution of the Icon-class vessels at this point, but each new ship, even within the same class, generally has some tweaks and refinements from her predecessors.

Royal Caribbean has a long history of bigger and better with its innovative new ships, and the newer Icon designs are sure to reflect that.

One tweak that may be made could be changes to the Category 6 waterpark and its collection of six different waterslides. The cruise line has been subject to numerous complaints in recent weeks over extended closures of multiple slides and whether or not the promised thrills are being delivered.

In August 2025, one of those waterslides dramatically broke onboard Icon of the Seas as a guest was descending a nearly vertical portion of the slide. The guest sustained some injuries, and the slide (as well as the identical slide on Star of the Seas) was closed for refurbishment for several weeks.

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Different restaurants, such as the elite Supper Clubs and the innovative Royal Railway immersive dining journeys, are also likely to be rethemed for each new ship, continuing the experience but in a new way aboard each vessel.

Spectacular shows, themed neighborhoods, and all-new features are sure to be a part of each Icon-class ship to come, ensuring fantastic cruise vacation experiences for generations.

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