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What is Wave Season and Why You Should Care

Emrys Thakkar
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What is Wave Season and Why You Should Care

Key Aspects:

  • Wave season takes place each year between January and March.
  • During wave season, many cruise lines offer their steepest discounts and best promotions of the year.
  • Beyond lower cruise fares, cruisers can also get lots of freebies and perks from wave season promotions, such as free drink packages or onboard credits.

Wave season is the annual period when cruise lines roll out lots of sales and promotions, and when many travelers book their cruises hoping to snag a deal. Here’s what you need to know about whether or not wave season will truly help you save, and how to get the most out of wave season.

In This Article:

What is Wave Season? 

Wave season refers to the annual time of year when most cruise lines offer a range of promotional deals and savings. Wave season occurs at the beginning of each year, starting in January and lasting for typically a few months, through March or April. 

Historically, travelers didn’t really book cruises right after the holidays, so wave season was a way for the industry to lure travelers in, when they otherwise wouldn’t think of booking. 

Now, wave season has become an expected, industry-wide tradition and it’s one of the overall busiest cruise-booking periods. Think of it as the Black Friday or Cyber Monday for cruising.

Cruise Ships at PortMiami, Florida
Cruise Ships at PortMiami, Florida (Photo Credit: 4kclips)

In fact, many cruise lines have broken booking records over the past few years, including Cunard, P&O Cruises and Virgin Voyages, due to the sheer number of people booking cruises during this timeframe. Cruisers eagerly await the promotions and it’s not uncommon for promoted sailings to sell out.  

Additionally, cruise lines are even trying to extend wave season beyond its normal January–April bounds, with some starting to promote their wave season deals as early as November. 

Who is Wave Season For?

Wave season is for absolutely everyone, but it’s especially ideal for newer cruisers who are booking their first cruise or are hesitant about booking a cruise. The lower price makes the perceived “risk” a little more palatable. 

Additionally, wave season will allow new cruisers to maybe enjoy experiences that they wouldn’t otherwise. 

For example, they might be normally reluctant to buy that drink package or spend a lot aboard the ship, in the name of cost. However, if they get a free or discounted drink package or lots of onboard credits to spend, they may have an overall better time — making it more likely for them to book a future cruise.

The Martini Bar, Atrium
The Martini Bar, Atrium (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)

Plus, wave season gives new cruisers access to some perks that may normally only be reserved to avid cruisers that have built up their loyalty status with a certain line. While top-tier loyalty members may be accustomed to receiving free drinks or onboard credits, wave season makes many of these perks accessible to everyone.

That said, wave season is still going to be a beloved occasion for those long-time, frequent cruisers as well. After all, if you can save money doing what you love, why wouldn’t you? 

What Kind of Deals Can You Expect During Wave Season? 

In addition to wave season being the best time for low fares, many cruise lines will also run promotions that throw in some freebies. 

For instance, you might be able to get some onboard credits that you can then redeem for dining, drinks and similar, you might get prepaid gratuity, or your kids might be able to cruise for free. You might be able to get a discount on a drink package or WiFi package. 

Types of Wave Season Discounts

  • A large percentage off your cruise fare (30–50%)
  • Discounted cruise deposits (as low as $25)
  • Kids sail free discounts
  • Free fare for third, fourth, fifth, or sixth passengers in a cabin

Types of Wave Season Freebies and Bonuses

  • Free drink packages
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Free gratuities 
  • Free shore excursions 
  • Free hotel stays before or after your cruise
  • Free airfare to your cruise port
  • On-board credits to pay for your on-board expenses
  • Cabin upgrades

Examples of Real Wave Season Promotions

Here are a few examples of past wave season promotions.

40% Off Cruise Fares from Princess Cruises

For 2026’s wave season, Princess Cruises launched a Come Aboard Sale that offered up to 40% off cruise fares, 50% off cruise deposits and free sailings for third and fourth guests. 

30% Savings from Explora Journeys

Also for 2026’s wave season, Explora Journeys offered its A Suite Invitation promotion, giving cruisers up to 30% savings, 10% savings on deposits and complimentary one-category suite upgrades.

EXPLORA I Miami Skyline
EXPLORA I Leaving Miami (Photo Credit: Explora Journeys)

$25 Deposits from Holland America

Holland America, meanwhile, offered multiple 2026 wave season promotions, several including $25 deposits, plus other perks ranging from free balcony upgrades to 50% off fares.

$159 Cruises from MSC Cruises

Similarly, MSC Cruises offered multiple deals for 2026’s wave season, with cruise fares starting at just $159, and perks including free sailings for kids and up to $500 in onboard credits.

Will You Always Get the Best Cruise Deals During Wave Season?

No, you won’t necessarily always get the best cruise deals during wave season, though booking during wave season does increase the likelihood of scoring a lower fare.

Cruise Ships Docked in St. Maarten, Caribbean
Cruise Ships Docked in St. Maarten, Caribbean (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)

Other factors influence your overall cruise travel cost, including:

  • How far in advance you’re booking your cruise
  • The time of year you’re cruising 
  • Itinerary (including destinations and length)
  • Chosen stateroom

The best way to know whether or not you’re truly getting a good wave season deal is to really do your research beforehand. Get a feel for what cruise pricing typically is, on your preferred line or on a preferred itinerary.

How to Get the Best Wave Season Deals

There are a few things that you can do to get the best wave season deals, including booking in advance, booking earlier in wave season, thinking about your individual travel needs, being flexible and staying up to date on available deals.

Book as Far in Advance as Possible

While it’s not always easy to know your travel plans a year or more in advance, if you can book a cruise for next year, during this year’s wave season, you’ll likely see some bigger savings.

Cruise Booking
Cruise Booking

When booking any cruise vacation, booking further out is typically better, not only give you potentially a lower fare, but also more choice in terms of cabins and itineraries.

But what if you book your next vacation well in advance, and then the cruise fare drops after you’ve booked? Keep in mind that you can sometimes contact the cruise line and get a refund in this instance, or they may reimburse you through some on-board credits.

Book Earlier Rather Than Later During Wave Season

Remember how I mentioned that wave season has become one of the busiest cruise-booking times of the year? And how, as such, promoted sailings can sell out?

Well, because of this, you really want to try to book earlier rather than later during wave season. You don’t necessarily need to be ready to book on January 1, but don’t push off booking until the end of March or April, either. 

What’s Going to Be Most Valuable to You?

Then, keep in mind that the best deal for you isn’t going to necessarily be just the cheapest fare. As cruise wave season promotions really vary in terms of what they offer, think about your individual travel needs and what will ultimately give you the best value, beyond the price tag.

For example, if you’re not going to use those onboard credits, a promotion that gives you a lot of them probably isn’t a good fit. However, if you spend a lot while aboard the ship (and onboard spending can really add up fast!), then the credits could come in handy.

Arendelle Dining Room, Disney Wish
Arendelle Dining Room, Disney Wish (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)

Similarly, if you’re sailing with multiple people, you might want to specifically look for special offers that allow for a second or more guests to sail for free.

Additionally, some cruisers use wave season as an excuse to splurge. If you can save in certain pricey areas of your cruise — like on shore excursions or beverage packages — you might find that you have extra in your budget to spend on nice-to-haves like specialty dining.

Ultimately, you might not technically save money if you go this route, but you’ll get more bang for your buck.

Be Flexible

There are so many wave season sales out there. You really want to explore all of your options, if your goal is to get a great value.

Sure, you might have your heart set on a certain itinerary or destination, but if you can save significantly by adjusting your plans, and, say, cruising the Mediterranean instead of to Alaska… it might just be worth it.

Stay Up to Date on Deals

Don’t wait until you’re ready to book to sit down and start researching all of the available wave season deals. Let those deals come to you.

If you know you’re going to be likely booking a wave season cruise, then, in the preceding fall, go ahead and sign up for a few of your favorite cruise lines’ email lists.

Carnival Cruise Passengers With Luggage
Carnival Cruise Passengers With Luggage (Photo Credit: denbaim)

Already missed the boat? Cruise lines are still pushing out promotions throughout the entirety of wave season, so go ahead and still sign up, so that you’re getting those special promotions right in your inbox.

Travel Agent or No Travel Agent?

One question that newbie cruisers might be asking is if they should work with a travel agent to book their wave season cruise. Will they get even better deals if they book through a professional versus going it on their own?

There are pros and cons to working with a travel agent. We actually asked this very question on Cruise Hive’s Facebook page here.

Cruise Ships in Miami, Florida
Cruise Ships in Miami, Florida (Photo Credit: YES Market Media)

On one hand, if you’re a complete cruise newbie, and you don’t want to do any research whatsoever, just want to say, “here’s my budget, here’s where I want to go, please book it for me,” then a travel agent might be able to help you out.

On the other hand, if you’re booking during wave season specifically, you may find that the deals and perks that a travel agent might be able to get you are readily available to the public during this timeframe anyway. You don’t necessarily need their connections to get those during wave season.

Should You Get Travel Insurance for a Wave Season Cruise?

Whether or not you should buy travel insurance for the cruise you’re booking during wave season all depends on how risk-averse you are.

Some travelers never purchase travel insurance policies and are fine with risking it and maybe losing a little money if something unexpected happens. Other travelers don’t like to chance it.

Cruise in Miami
Cruise in Miami (Photo Credit: Just dance)

It’s important, though, to consider that, if you’re booking a wave season cruise, you may be booking a cruise that’s a year-plus out. A lot can happen over the course of a year and you may very well need to cancel the cruise due to unforeseen circumstances. Travel insurance can reimburse your lost deposits.

Otherwise, travel insurance comes in handy in a few key cruise-related situations:

  • If the cruise itself is interrupted
  • If you miss your embarkation
  • You have medical needs during the cruise

Do note, though, that most travel insurance policies won’t cover pandemics and you need to purchase your coverage well in advance for full protection.

Always Read the Fine Print

Lastly, before booking any wave season cruise, make sure that you read the deal’s fine print.

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Are there exclusions? If you’re getting $500 of on-board credits, are you only able to use them in certain situations, on certain things? If you get a free shore excursion, is it limited to shore excursions you actually don’t want to take?

Taking the time to read all of the fine print before you buy can ensure you actually book the amazing wave season cruise that you wanted, for a price that you feel good about.

Carnival Guest Upset After Long-Carried Item Is Suddenly Confiscated

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Guest Upset After Long-Carried Item Is Suddenly Confiscated

Key Aspects:

  • One Carnival guest is unhappy about a confiscated item they claim to have been sailing with for a decade.
  • More guests share dozens of examples of items they’ve had confiscated by cruise lines.
  • All cruise lines publish prohibited items lists that guests should consult before packing for their vacation.

All cruise travelers know there is a prohibited items list of things that they are not permitted to bring onboard. But some of those items are so surprising that even frequent cruise guests might be inadvertently caught with contraband and escorted to the “naughty room” about the suspicious item.

For one Carnival guest, however, what is frustrating is not that they accidentally brought along such an item, but that they claim it has been cruising with them for many years.

It is that contradiction that urged the guest to reach out to John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador, with their experience.

“On our recent Spirit cruise we received two of our three luggage pieces. We didn’t think much of it, but we checked back a couple of times and our steward knocked on our door and said our bag was being held for inspection,” the guest explained. “So I made my way down to the crew deck to a room full of bags and asked to identify mine.”

Worth Reading: Carnival Guest Upset Over Confiscation for Safety Reasons

While the guest does not identify the sailing date, they enjoyed aboard Carnival Spirit, the ship is currently homeported from Mobile, Alabama, offering 6- and 8-night Bahamas itineraries, as well as one upcoming 14-night Southern Caribbean cruise.

“When I did they sent it through the scanner, identified the ‘suspicious item’ and asked me to open the bag,” the guest continued. “The items that alerted them were my Leatherman multi-tool and my laser pen/ flashlight You know, the ones (or similar) that I’ve packed for every cruise for the last 10 years.”

While multi-tools are not specifically listed on Carnival’s prohibited items list, the list does include “knives, scissors, and open razors” as clearly prohibited. Leatherman multi-tools, and indeed most brands of multi-tools, typically do include both knives and scissors, depending on the overall design.

Furthermore, “lasers and laser pointers” have been on the prohibited items list for many years.

“I’m still not sure what set off their alarms, but I can add ‘sent to the Naughty Room’ to my list of experiences,” the guest noted. “It was embarrassing and it was degrading. Why are these [items] that other cruise lines have allowed banned at Carnival?”

To be clear, the same or similar items actually are prohibited by most cruise lines. It is possible the guest may be exaggerating traveling with these items “for every cruise for the last 10 years” or it is also possible the items may have been previously overlooked.

Overlooked items, in fact, can cause great difficulties for cruise guests, such as the grandmother who was jailed in Nassau for inadvertently bringing along a gun on her Royal Caribbean cruise.

Guests Share Other Surprising Confiscations

Heald does not attempt to justify this particular guest’s experiences (they do not explain what exactly was “embarrassing” and “degrading”), but he does ask if other guests have ever been to the so-called “Naughty Room” and had items confiscated.

Luggage Outside Cabins on Carnival Cruise Ship
Luggage Outside Cabins on Carnival Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)

The results show a surprising range of different items that have caused guests to have their luggage inspected, delayed, or confiscated over the years, including:

  • Spilled pills that needed to be rechecked
  • Pina Colada scented candle souvenir purchased in port
  • Hair curlers
  • Homemade peanut brittle
  • Flashlights
  • Carved wooden toy sword
  • Electric toothbrush
  • Travel clothing iron
  • Loose cans of soft drinks
  • Travel fans
  • Smoothie maker
  • Power strips and extension cords

The most fun experience is one many guests can relate to if they enjoy both hiding and hunting for cruising ducks.

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

“The dog at the terminal stopped at one of my bags that was just a snap to hold closed and stuck it’s head in the bag and security was giving me look of what are you sneaking on and other passengers are all staring at me,” one guest described.

“I told security [the] bag was full of ducks and stuff to hide and after a couple minutes the dog pulled it’s head out of the bag and had a rubber duck. Security quickly took duck and gave it back. Everyone had a good laugh. Dog just wanted to play!”

What Happens to Confiscated Items

It is standard procedure that when an item is confiscated, it is typically held for the guest to reclaim at the end of their sailing. If the confiscation happens in the cruise terminal, the item may be held at the port until the ship returns.

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If something is confiscated onboard, it can usually be claimed either on the last evening of the cruise or on debarkation morning at a designated site.

Some items, such as food items, may be discarded completely, while any illegal items, such as narcotics, may be turned over to authorities for charges to be filed if necessary.

MSC Ship Forced to Abandon Port Call as Weather Turns Dangerous

Catie Kovelman
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MSC Ship Forced to Abandon Port Call as Weather Turns Dangerous

Key Aspects:

  • After warning guests of bad weather, MSC Splendida also had to cancel a port call.
  • Big swells and winds reaching 35 knots made docking unsafe in La Goulette on January 8.
  • The cancelled call was replaced with a day in Palma de Mallorca on January 9.

MSC Cruises’ MSC Splendida was rocked by extreme weather while sailing in the Mediterranean Sea.

On January 7, 2026, the up to 3,900 guests onboard were warned that seas could be rough while sailing from Palermo (Sicily), Italy, to La Goulette-Tunis, Tunisia.

At the time, no itinerary changes were announced. La Goulette was meant to be the final port call of a 7-night Mediterranean sailing that embarked in Barcelona on January 3, 2026.

But on the morning of January 8, which was the day of the scheduled visit to La Goulette, it was decided that weather conditions made docking too unsafe.

“Earlier this morning, we encountered strong wind gusts reaching up to 35 knots during our approach to La Goulette, which made it unsafe to enter the port,” Captain Giuseppe Maresca explained in a letter to guests.

“In the interest of your safety and comfort, we have made the difficult decision to cancel our call,” he continued.

Read Also: What You Should Know About Cruise Port Cancellations

When winds become too strong, the risk of collision with port infrastructure or other vessels in the port increases significantly.

Intense gusts can also increase the risk of other things going wrong, even if the vessel does manage to dock safely, such as mooring lines breaking.

A Detour to Calmer Weather

Instead of visiting La Goulette from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. local time, the Fantasia-class vessel spent the day at sea, where the Captain could navigate away from the worst of the weather.

In order to make up for the cancelled call, the ship added a last-minute stop in Palma De Mallorca the following day, January 9.

MSC Splendida Cruise Ship
MSC Splendida Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Ramon Espelt Photography)

“We’re also pleased to share good news: tomorrow we will be calling at the beautiful city of Palma de Mallorca, where you can look forward to stunning scenery, rich culture, and an exciting day ashore,” the letter added.

Weather conditions were calmer and guests got to explore the capital of Spain’s Balearic Islands from 12 p.m. until 8 p.m.

The 7-night voyage then disembarked as planned in Barcelona, Spain, on January 10, 2026.

The Conditions Onboard

Looking back to the morning of the 8th, cruise tracking data showed the 137,936-gross ton vessel sailing away from Tunisia ahead of schedule in strong winds and very rough seas with swells reaching 3.6 meters (around 11-12 feet).

Videos shared on social media by passengers who were onboard captured big waves with plenty of whitewater, and the strong winds could be heard howling in the background.

Normally, swells in the Mediterranean are much calmer, usually peaking at 1.5 meters (about 5 feet). The 1,370 crew members implemented additional precautions to protect everyone onboard.

For example, the cruise line had warned guests that they might drain the pools in order to prevent flooding and promote stability for the ship, though more videos taken by guests onboard showed full swimming pools sloshing and splashing.

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That said, the pools did have a net over them and appeared to be closed to guests.

Passengers were also advised to stay inside and use extra caution while moving about the cruise ship.

But despite the rocky weather, it appears that everyone still managed to have a good time on their sailing. There were no reports of injuries or damage to the ship as a result of navigating the rough seas.

Four More Carnival Sailings to Miss Out on Loyalty Perks

Catie Kovelman
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Four More Carnival Sailings to Miss Out on Loyalty Perks

Key Aspects:

  • Four more Carnival Cruise Line sailings will be removing perks for elite loyalty club members.
  • Too many Platinum guests will be onboard to make certain perks practical, although Diamond guests don’t seem to be affected this time.
  • Benefits like priority embarkation and disembarkation and early stateroom access are going away.

Carnival Cruise Line rewards the highest tiers of its current Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) loyalty program with special privileges during their sailings.

These include benefits like priority embarkation and debarkation, free early stateroom access, welcome treats, special pins and souvenirs, and more.

But more and more often, Carnival has had to revoke privileges due to a high number of Diamond and/or Platinum passengers – and it’s happening once again to four more voyages.

In this case, the Platinum guests in the second-highest tier appear to be to blame, while the top-tier Diamond guests seem to be able to keep their regular benefits.

Read Also: Which Cruise Lines Match Loyalty Programs?

When too many of these elite guests are booked on a specific sailing, it simply becomes impossible to offer all of the usual perks.

This predicament is the main catalyst behind the rollout of Carnival’s controversial new Carnival Rewards Program later this year, as the cruise line wants to be able to better reward its most loyal passengers.

Which Sailings are Impacted?

Unsurprisingly, the impacted cruises are mostly Carnival Journeys sailings, which are nine days or longer. Historically, these longer vacations have attracted larger numbers of VIFP elites.

The first impacted sailing is a 13-day voyage to the Southern Caribbean onboard Carnival Conquest, which embarks in Miami, Florida, on January 17, 2026.

This sailing is also a SEA Cruise, meaning it is a sailing exclusively for adults 21 and older.

Carnival Dream Cruise Ship
Carnival Dream Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: venuswix)

This is sort of a double whammy, as these special adults-only voyages have also quickly earned a reputation for attracting elite VIFP guests as well as members of the Carnival Players Club.

Carnival Miracle’s January 17 cruise to the Caribbean and Panama has also been similarly impacted. At 8 nights long, it is just one day shy of being considered a Carnival Journeys sailing.

Next up is Carnival Spirit. The Spirit-class flagship’s 14-night sailing to the Southern Caribbean that will embark in Mobile, Alabama, on January 17 is the voyage that will lose its perks.

Last but not least is Carnival Dream’s January 18 departure, which is a 14-night sailing to the Eastern Caribbean based out of Galveston, Texas.

Which Benefits are Going Away?

Making this case somewhat unusual, Diamond guests are not mentioned in the letter, which suggests these cruisers may get to keep all of their normal perks.

The letter from Carnival reads: “Due to the high number of Platinum guests joining us on this voyage, we will not be able to provide the following benefits.”

“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 understanding,” the notice continued.

So, what perks are guests actually missing out on during these upcoming sailings?

First, priority embarkation and disembarkation – including at ports of call – will not be possible.

Next, early stateroom access to drop off luggage will not be permitted. Platinum guests will have to wait until cabins become available at around 1:30 p.m. on embarkation day, like everyone else. Priority luggage delivery won’t be available for checked bags either.

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Last but not least, the normal priority line and priority phone assistance for guest services may also not be available or only be offered on a very limited basis.

But on the bright side, perks like complimentary beverages, welcome treats (upon request), and free laundry services aren’t going anywhere.

Cruise News Update: Caribbean Delays, Advisories, and More

Donna Tunney
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Cruise News Update: Caribbean Delays, Advisories, and More

It’s been a hectic news week for the cruise industry, and Cruise Hive has it all covered for you.

In this week’s top-story round-up, we’re highlighting Oceania Cruises’ decision to switch to an adult-only policy, the travel chaos that erupted in the Caribbean after the Venezuela military attack, and the arrest of a travel agent who allegedly scammed a group of cruisers out of more than $35,000.

And don’t forget you can keep track of all the latest news by subscribing to our daily updates!

Venezuela Attack Causes Travel Chaos For Cruisers

The US government’s January 3, 2026, military attack on Venezuela caused plenty of travel headaches for many cruise guests on their way to or from Caribbean destinations, since airspace was temporarily restricted in some areas.

Virgin Voyages was among the first cruise lines to issue an advisory to guests disembarking on January 3 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, one of the places where airspace was impacted. Guests would have to cope with flight disruptions at the island’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport following debarkation from Valiant Lady.

The 2,770-guest ship homeports at San Juan. Her next cruise, departing later that day, was altered to avoid port calls at Curacao and Aruba, which are just 40 and 18 miles from Venezuela, respectively.

Valiant Lady and USS Gerald R Ford Aircraft Carrier
Valiant Lady and USS Gerald R Ford Aircraft Carrier (Credits: Frame Craft 8 & Roque Ramajo Polo)

Also based at San Juan, cruisers headed to or from Royal Caribbean’s Jewel of the Seas encountered similar problems, since the 2,100-guest ship was also disembarking and embarking guests on January 3.

As frustrating as those conditions were, they were not as chaotic as others. Some 5,000 guests booked on P&O Cruises’ fly-cruise packages from the UK to Barbados had to completely redo their travel plans. 

Three aircraft carrying guests to the line’s Arvia, based in Barbados, turned around in mid-air and returned to the UK due to restricted air spaces in the Caribbean.

Those passengers were scheduled to embark the 5,200-guest ship on January 3. Guests due to disembark the ship and head back to the UK instead remained onboard, while new transportation plans were arranged for the next day.

Carnival Cruise Line Alerts Guests to Key Changes

It’s important to read all alerts and notices that cruise lines send out to booked guests, since they impart key information designed to keep everything running smoothly before and during a voyage.

Carnival Cruise Line issued three such advisories for upcoming sailings in January. Guests booked on Carnival Miracle’s January 4, 2026, sailing, a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise roundtrip from Tampa, learned that they must attend an in-person safety briefing before the ship departs.

The cruise line typically uses a self-mustering safety drill through its app, but for an unknown reason, reverted to the old format, whereby all guests must don their life vests and gather at their muster stations for a safety briefing.

Carnival Firenze Cruise Ship
Carnival Firenze Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Pedro H C Carvalho)

In another advisory, the line reminded guests about rules surrounding the use and storage of mobility scooters. Guests sailing on Carnival Venezia’s January 11, 2026, Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral were sent a letter detailing that the devices cannot obstruct emergency exits, for instance, nor can they be left unattended, among other rules.

And finally, guests booked on Carnival Radiance’s January 5, 2026, sailing and Carnival Firenze’s January 8, 2026, cruise from Long Beach, California, were alerted to a parking issue at the port.

The two ships together can accommodate about 6,200 guests, and the on-site parking facility at Long Beach has capacity for just 1,450 vehicles. Passengers arriving by car will likely be diverted to an off-site parking lot, so guests should be prepared for that and leave extra time to arrive at the cruise terminal.

Alleged Travel Scam Leaves Cruisers Disappointed

A New York-based travel agent suspected of bilking clients out of thousands of dollars was arrested by Nassau County police.

Tavia Thomas, who operated Destiny Travel in East Meadow, New York, stands accused of five counts of grand larceny and three counts of scheme to defraud. Among the alleged victims is a group of nine people who booked a Royal Caribbean cruise through the agency.

Royal Caribbean Ship and Tavia Thomas
Royal Caribbean Ship and Tavia Thomas (Credits: MuhammadChoeroni & LongIsland)

The group, which was to sail from Bayonne, New Jersey, in July 2024, said they paid Thomas $35,753.98 for the cruise, but on arriving at the port found out that their bookings were fraudulent and, therefore, were null and void.

The disappointed cruisers were not the only people allegedly scammed by Thomas, age 47. Authorities say she received $5,000 from a couple booking a destination wedding at a resort, but the reservation was never made. She also allegedly took more than $10,000 to book a family vacation to the Dominican Republic, another trip that was never actually processed.

Police cited other cases of suspected fraud against customers in their January 6, 2026, announcement of her arrest.

Cabin Changes Revealed on Legend of the Seas

Some cruise guests booked on Royal Caribbean’s new-build Legend of the Seas have learned they will not be staying in the cabin category they originally booked.

The ship, under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland and due to launch on July 11, 2026, offers more than 20 cabin categories. For an unexplained reason, some staterooms have been “recategorized,” meaning that some guests are getting new cabin assignments.

The ship’s inaugural cruise is a 7-night Western Mediterranean sailing roundtrip from Rome. Some passengers received a notice from the line explaining that they have been reassigned.

Royal Caribbean's Legend of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas

For instance, in one case, guests who booked a Surfside Family View Balcony are getting a free upgrade to an Ocean View Balcony. The Surfside stateroom is interior facing, while the ocean view faces outward.

Both can sleep up to four guests, but the ocean view stateroom is slightly larger, at 205 square feet versus 196 in the Surfside cabin.

Some guests welcomed the change, but others didn’t. For example, a group that specifically chose a set of staterooms nearby each other — with some in connecting cabins, are not so pleased that they won’t be as close together as planned.

Oceania Cruises Shifts to Adult-Only Policy

The industry’s adult-only cruise line niche just got considerably bigger, now that Oceania Cruises is accepting reservations from guests 18 and older.

The upmarket line joins Virgin Voyages and Viking Cruises in the no-kids market, bringing its eight ships (with four new-builds on the way) into the fold.

Starting with bookings made on and after January 7, 2026, Oceania no longer accepts reservations for anyone under 18. All existing bookings made before that date are not affected by the new policy.

Oceania Allura Cruise Ship
Oceania Allura Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Oceania Cruises)

Oceania Cruises pointed to feedback from past guests and travel advisors, and its own research, as reasons for the change.

The brand, which appears to be taking steps toward the luxury market, was never known as a child-friendly line, as it offered no dedicated spaces or programs for children, although up to now, they were welcomed onboard.

Oceania Cruises operates smaller ships, accommodating between 700 and 1,200 guests. Its new-build Sonata, debuting in 2027, will be the largest, with capacity for 1,460 guests.

Getaway Cruise Experiences a Major Delay

A 2-night getaway sailing on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas experienced a significant delay in embarkation on January 5, 2026, due to the ship’s late arrival back to Los Angeles that day.

The ship sails Mexican Riviera cruises, but this sailing had just one port call scheduled, in Ensenada, Mexico. Booked guests were alerted that the cruise terminal and parking lot would be closed until 3:30 p.m. on embarkation day, so guest arrival appointments were pushed back by 4.5 hours.

Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas (Photo Credit: DLeng)

The reason was tied to the ship’s previous cruise, which was delayed in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, after a guest needed to be evacuated due to a medical emergency, according to passengers’ social media posts. As a result, the ship’s arrival in Los Angeles was far later than planned.

The parking situation was impacted since the disembarking guests had not yet returned to the port.

Once the ship got on her way, the time in Ensenada was lengthened by two hours, giving guests more time in the destination. Quantum of the Seas arrived in Ensenada at 8 a.m. on January 6, 2026, and remained until 6 p.m., rather than the originally planned 4 p.m.

Hawaii Cruise Tax Halted As CLIA Appeal Continues

Hawaii’s so-called “green fee,” a tax on cruise ship guests calling at the state’s port, did not take effect as planned on January 1, 2026.

The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals issued a temporary injunction on December 31, 2025, blocking the new law that would have added an 11% tax on gross cruise fares. The tax was to be prorated based on the number of days a cruise ship spends docked at the Hawaiian Islands ports.

Cruise Passengers on Hawaii Cruise
Cruise Passengers on Hawaii Cruise (Photo Credit: Melissa Herzog)

Act 96, its official name, taxes cruise lines, hotel rooms, and vacation rentals, and is also known as the transient accommodations tax. The act is estimated to raise $100 million per year to address environmental and climate-related issues.

Besides the 11% tax by the state, individual counties in Hawaii could implement another 3%.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) sued the state, leading to the Court of Appeals ruling. The injunction, while temporary, enables CLIA’s appeal of the law to continue.

More Cruise Headlines

Ready for even more news and features? Cruise Hive invites you to check out our coverage of Princess Cruises expanding its roster of 2027 Northern Europe voyages, Norwegian Cruise Line opening new attractions at Great Stirrup Cay, and Royal Caribbean breaking ground on its new cruise terminal at PortMiami.

Also, find out why an MSC Cruises’ ship arrived 10 hours late to her port call in Brazil, and why Holland America Line is experiencing a booking surge in 2026 Europe voyages.

Bahamas Planning New Cruise Port Far From Nassau

Melissa Mayntz
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Bahamas Planning New Cruise Port Far From Nassau

Key Aspects:

  • The Bahamas has announced a new cruise port to be built on Mayaguana.
  • The tiny island is 350 miles southeast of Nassau, halfway between Florida and Puerto Rico.
  • The new port will be built in three phases, but no timeline is yet confirmed for completion.

The Government of the Bahamas has announced intentions to develop a brand new cruise port in the island nation, but far from the most familiar destinations cruise guests know.

The Office of the Prime Minister announced on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 that they intend to develop the new port on Mayaguana, the easternmost of the Bahamian islands, through a public-private partnership.

The project will serve not only the cruise industry, but will also work as a cargo port for ships heading for the Panama Canal.

Because Mayaguana is close to international shipping lanes, it is a natural location for such a facility and the new port would provide an economic boost to the often overlooked region of the southeastern Bahamas.

The project is to be jointly owned by the Government of The Bahamas, the Mayaguana Island Development Fund, and Global Lead Consultant Group Limited, with development in three phases:

  • Phase 1 – Temporary facilities to support construction and a deep water port
  • Phase 2 – Cruise ship terminal
  • Phase 3 – Deep water enhancements, larger terminal, and landside support facilities

While this announcement comes as a welcome look forward to a new cruise destination in the Bahamas, there is not yet any timeline for when the new cruise port may open.

Before construction can even begin, there need to be appropriate environmental assessments, stakeholder collaborations, regulatory approvals, design development, and more.

Where Is Mayaguana?

Mayaguana is the southeasternmost island of the Bahamas archipelago, approximately 350 miles southeast of Nassau.

This puts the small island halfway between Miami and Puerto Rico, an ideal location for a port for Eastern Caribbean itineraries.

Mayaguana Island, Bahamas
Mayaguana Island, Bahamas (Photo Credit: zelvan)

The new port could also be a great alternative destination when poor weather may impact Nassau or the Bahamian private islands, all of which are located closer to the Bahamian capital or Freeport, which is even further north.

Read Also: What Are All the Cruise Line Private Islands and Destinations?

Mayaguana is just 110 square miles, with a 2010 census report of a population under 300 residents. The new port project is expected to create roughly 2,000 jobs from conception until the new port opens, and undoubtedly even more jobs will be created as cruise ships begin to visit.

What Might the Cruise Port Include?

While further details about the new port will be announced as they are confirmed in the months to come, there are some aspects of the project that may seem obvious.

It would be advantageous for the new cruise port to be built to accommodate larger ships, such as both Royal Caribbean’s Icon and Oasis classes, Carnival Cruise Line’s Excel class, and MSC Cruises’ World class.

This would ensure flexibility to bring in ships with the greatest economic impact, as well as provide plenty of space to work with smaller vessels.

Environmental flexibility will also be essential, potentially including shore power hookups as well as LNG-fueling capacity to service the needs of different vessels as environmental regulations change in the years to come.

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Cruise guests will certainly be interested in a variety of tour options, particularly those that focus on the natural beauty and culture of the Bahamas. Snorkeling, wildlife interactions, and water sports are always popular, as are pristine beaches and authentic experiences.

A local shopping and artisan retail space will undoubtedly be included, as well as dining options.

At the moment, time will tell what will be developed for the new cruise port, but stay tuned to Cruise Hive for all the details as they are confirmed in the months and years ahead.

Is Royal Caribbean Preparing Its Next Big Ship Order?

Calvin Musquez
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Is Royal Caribbean Preparing Its Next Big Ship Order?

Key Aspects:

  • Royal Caribbean is reportedly preparing to order a brand new class of ships.
  • Many speculate this could be the long-awaited “Discovery” Class.
  • The new class could open the door to many new, exotic itineraries.

According to a rumor reported by a French media outlet, Le Marin, Royal Caribbean is quietly preparing to order a brand new class of ships from the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard. 

No official announcement has been made as of yet, but the order is reportedly expected to be finalized in the coming weeks. Le Marin further reports that preliminary work on the new vessels may have already begun at Chantiers de l’Atlantique.

Located in Saint-Nazaire, France, the shipyard has a long-standing relationship with Royal Caribbean, dating back to 1987 with the launch of Sovereign of the Seas.

Read Also: Royal Caribbean Ships By Size – Largest to Smallest

At the time, this was the largest cruise ship ever constructed, a feat the collaborators repeated recently in 2024 with the 236,473 gross ton Utopia of the Seas. 

When it came to their even larger Icon Class ships, though, Royal Caribbean did not return to Chantiers de l’Atlantique.

Taking the record for the largest cruise ships in the world, Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas, and 2026’s most anticipated new ship, Legend of the Seas were built instead at Meyer Werft Shipyard in Germany.

As Royal Caribbean returns to the French shipyard, however, more mega-ships may not be on the menu.

What We Know About the Discovery Class So Far

Many speculate that this order could be for the long-awaited, mid-sized “Discovery” Class of ships.

Whispers of the new class have circulated since 2023, when President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, Michael Bayley, mentioned that the cruise line was considering a smaller class of ships.

Additional information came in September 2025, when the President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, Michael Bayley, confirmed the project was still in development.

Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas

“We’ve been working a lot on the Discovery Class… it takes a lot of work to design a ship,” said Bayley.  “We can’t make any announcements now, but I’m hopeful that in the coming months we will be able to make an announcement on that class.”

While exact details are not yet available, the design of the Discovery Class is expected to be smaller than recent ships.

Why would Royal Caribbean want smaller ships, you ask?

Many more exotic itineraries, such as the Panama Canal, are currently not an option for Royal Caribbean’s larger vessels. As such, the new class of smaller ships will have much better maneuverability, allowing for a wider range of routes and port options.

“It’ll go through the Panama Canal, which we think will be a real positive because it’ll be able to go to Alaska in the summer, and it can get back into the Caribbean,” said Bayley.

Don’t think that Royal Caribbean is giving up on mega ships, though.

The cruise line is investing heavily in big ships, breaking ground January 8 on a brand new terminal at PortMiami to accommodate the largest vessels in its fleet.

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The Discovery Class is also expected to replace some of the cruise line’s oldest operating ships, such as Vision and Radiance Class vessels. The oldest and smallest of these ships, the 2,446-passenger Grandeur of the Seas, has been in service for nearly 30 years, since 1996. 

For now, we’ll just have to wait and see what comes next.

CDC Confirms Outbreak Hits Over 80 People on Holland America’s Rotterdam

Melissa Mayntz
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CDC Confirms Outbreak Hits Over 80 People on Holland America’s Rotterdam

Key Aspects:

  • A norovirus outbreak has been confirmed aboard Rotterdam on the ship’s most recent sailing.
  • Embarkation for the January 9, 2026 departure was slightly delayed for extra sanitizing.
  • Extra cleaning measures are in place aboard the Pinnacle-class ship to help protect guests and crew.

A severe gastrointestinal illness outbreak has been reported aboard Holland America Line’s Rotterdam, which the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed as norovirus.

The outbreak occurred on the ship’s New Year’s sailing, a 12-night Panama Canal and Southern Caribbean itinerary that departed Fort Lauderdale on Sunday, December 28, 2025.

The report to the CDC indicates that 81 guests of the 2,593 travelers onboard (3.1%) reported gastrointestinal symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhea. In addition, 8 of the ship’s 1,005 crew members (just under 1%) also reported similar symptoms.

Subsequent laboratory testing confirmed the outbreak to be norovirus, the most common cause of such symptoms on cruise ships worldwide.

This latest outbreak is the third norovirus outbreak aboard Rotterdam in the last 12 months. The first was reported in February 2025 and impacted a total of 185 guests and crew members. The second outbreak was somewhat smaller and just one month later, in March 2025, it impacted 93 guests and crew members.

Both earlier outbreaks were also confirmed as norovirus. Other Holland America Line ships have also had similar outbreaks in the past year, including two reports from Eurodam and one from Zuiderdam.

Embarkation Delayed

In order to fully sanitize the vessel ahead of her next sailing, guests planning to embark Rotterdam on Friday, January 9, 2026 were notified of a slight delay to embarkation.

This allows for extra deep cleaning before more guests board the ship, ensuring the most thorough possible sanitation measures.

Holland America Rotterdam Cruise Ship
Holland America Rotterdam Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia / Shutterstock)

Embarkation was delayed just a couple of hours. Rotterdam has already departed Port Everglades on her next itinerary, a 9-night Southern Caribbean “ABC” voyage with visits to Curacao, Bonaire, Aruba, and Half Moon Cay.

Read Also: Cruise Ship Outbreaks Are on the Rise – Should Cruisers Worry?

Hopefully, the sanitation measures will have been effective and guests now onboard the Pinnacle-class ship will not be impacted by the unpleasant symptoms. Rotterdam can welcome 2,668 guests at double occupancy or up to 4,173 guests when fully booked.

Guests Report Conditions Onboard

Guests sailing during the impacted sailing shared their experiences on a Reddit thread, painting a much more graphic picture than the simple numbers reported to the CDC.

Coughing has been prominent onboard since early in the 12-night sailing, with gastrointestinal symptoms surfacing later in the cruise.

Roughly midway through the cruise, travelers noticed increased sanitation measures, including extra cleaning of public spaces and surfaces and stronger encouragement for hand-washing and using hand sanitizer.

Holland America Rotterdam Cruise Ship
Holland America Rotterdam Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock)

By the last day or two of the sailing, there was no longer any self-service in the buffet and sickness bags were positioned around the ship.

“When the captain announced a gastrointestinal illness was going around I was pretty surprised given symptoms have seemed more respiratory,” one guest noted.

This might indicate there has been more than one illness onboard, but it is not uncommon for respiratory illnesses such as colds and flus to be more prominent during the winter months.

Some guests also noted slight changes to the entertainment lineup, such as adjustments to musical performances, which might indicate illness spreading among crew members.

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To be clear, the report to the CDC with the 89 confirmed norovirus cases is not claiming that 89 guests and crew members were sick simultaneously.

These reports are totals for the entire sailing, and because symptoms may resolve in just a few days, there could be significant gaps between early cases and late cases during the 12-night cruise.

Carnival Guest’s Complaint Over a Simple Straw Sparks Big Reactions

Melissa Mayntz
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0
Carnival Guest’s Complaint Over a Simple Straw Sparks Big Reactions

Key Aspects:

  • One Carnival cruise guest claims they won’t sail again until plastic straws are available.
  • Carnival Cruise Line discontinued plastic straws several years ago as an environmental measure.
  • Guests are able to bring their own reusable straws onboard for all their favorite cruise drinks.

It’s been several years since cruise lines began ditching single-use plastics, including straws, but is it time to reconsider what alternatives they use?

One recent Carnival Cruise Line guest feels that certain types of straws are literally the last straw and make-or-break their enjoyment of a cruise vacation.

They were so upset at what was offered for their beverage of choice that they reached out to John Heald, the cruise line’s brand ambassador, about their options.

“John are you aware that —– and —– have brought back plastic straws. Why does Carnival still have [these] god awful edible straws that fall apart. Paper straws are disgusting too,” the guest said.

While Heald redacted the names of cruise lines that have supposedly returned to using plastic straws, any such shift in policy from other lines has been quiet indeed, as none have noted such a change.

“I was on the Celebration and ordered a drink from the Guy Fieri pub,” the guest continued.

“I requested a straw with my Moscow Mule, and they would not give me one stating they were only for frozen drinks only. I have never had that happen on any other cruise line ever! I won’t be back until Carnival changes this outdated policy.”

The guest does not identify their exact sailing date, but the Excel-class Carnival Celebration offers 7-night Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean sailings year-round from PortMiami.

To be clear, there is no “Guy Fieri Pub” onboard Carnival Celebration, though they might be referring to Guy’s Smokehouse Brewhouse on Deck 8 aft, in the Summer Landing zone, where craft beers are brewed onboard.

Nevertheless, it is true that straws are not offered with most drinks onboard, as Heald confirmed.

“Some years ago The Beards rightly decided that we had to do more to protect our oceans,” he explained. “One of the ways to do this was to stop serving plastic straws.”

“The fact that we put the environment before straws should either be applauded or at least, understood.”

Read Also: What Is the Carnival CHEERS! Package?

Heald goes on to sympathize with the guest, noting he doesn’t care for edible straws himself. He does not claim to be the most environmentally-minded individual, but the step is a necessary one.

“I can say that after working and for many months living on the seas for almost 40 years that we must do this, we must protect our oceans,” he said.

Edible Straws Not a Guest Favorite

Heald and this vocal Carnival guest are not the only ones who don’t care for the edible straws. In fact, Heald posted a “straw poll” asking for guests’ opinions.

Of more than 4,740 votes in just a few hours, 56% of responses (roughly 2,650 votes) do not like the edible straws.

“They don’t hold up in drinks. They end up falling apart, and you can’t touch them to stir your drink because they’re sticky,” one guest noted.

How quickly the straws get slimy or fall apart, impacts on drink tastes, and the amount of sugar in candy straws are all complaints about the unpopular straws.

Roughly 7% of voters (approximately 330 votes) do enjoy the edible straws, typically for the sweeter drinks or milkshakes where the sugary flavors can actually be a fun addition.

Can Guests Bring Their Own Straws?

Heald does note that guests are free to bring their own reusable straws onboard to use in any drinks they order, but with one request.

“You can bring your own straw, a stainless steel or reusable straw but please, not plastic,” he said. “We do not have a rule on bringing plastic straws on board but please try not to if you can.”

More From Cruise Hive

Reusable straws are available in silicone, metal, and glass, with different sizes and designs for different types of drinks. Bent straws, collapsible travel-friendly styles, and even curly straws for whimsical sips are all options.

In the poll, 31% of cruise guests (roughly 1,470 votes) do claim to bring their own straws onboard. Do you?

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