Carnival Cruise Line has just rolled out a new Multi-Device Premium Wi-Fi Plan. It allows up to four devices to connect simultaneously. This is perfect for families, groups, or professionals who need reliable internet access while at sea. This plan comes as a highly requested upgrade from passengers. It is now available fleetwide. This marks another improvement in Carnival’s internet offerings.

A Response to Passenger Requests

On September 8, 2024, Carnival Cruise Line Ambassador John Heald announced the new plan on social media, saying:

“If you know anybody that uses the Internet when they cruise, I would kindly ask that you PLEASE SHARE. Last week I had quite a few people asking me about the multi-device program for the Internet, which allows you to use multiple devices when you purchase the premium Internet. We had successfully tested this on a few ships, but now it is available across the fleet and can be pre-purchased only and not from onboard.”

Previously, Carnival’s internet plans were priced per device. This meant families or professionals with multiple gadgets would have to purchase separate plans for each. This new option simplifies things by supporting up to four devices with a single plan. It makes it easier and more cost-effective for those who need to stay connected.

Carnival’s Internet Plans Breakdown

To understand the value of the new Multi-Device Premium Wi-Fi Plan, let’s compare it to Carnival’s other internet options:

• Social Wi-Fi Plan – Starting at $15.30 per person per day (pre-purchase price), this plan allows access to social media sites and major airline websites. However, it excludes email, streaming services, and video chats like FaceTime.

• Value Wi-Fi Plan – Priced at $19.95 per person per day (pre-purchase price), this plan offers access to email, general web browsing, and news updates. It still excludes video streaming and cellular-dependent Wi-Fi calling.

• Premium Wi-Fi Plan – Starting at $21.25 per person per day (pre-purchase price), this plan provides the fastest internet speeds. It allows video streaming, music streaming, and video chat where coverage is available.

The new Multi-Device Premium Wi-Fi Plan costs $75 per day for up to four devices. It can only be pre-purchased before embarkation. Although it may seem expensive at first glance, it offers better value for groups. Purchasing separate Premium plans for four devices would cost $85 per day. This new plan saves travelers $10 a day.

Faster Internet with Starlink

Carnival recently completed its fleetwide rollout of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet in May 2024. This upgrade has significantly improved internet connectivity and speed. It allows passengers to stay connected more reliably, even while cruising in remote regions. The introduction of Starlink makes this new multi-device plan even more appealing. It is ideal for those needing consistent, high-speed internet during their voyage.

Why This Plan Makes Sense

For families or groups traveling together, the new Multi-Device Premium Wi-Fi Plan offers great value. It is also ideal for professionals who need to stay connected on multiple devices. Having all devices under one plan is convenient. It can make it easier to manage internet usage. There is no hassle of separate purchases for each device.

Here are some potential advantages of the new plan:

• Family-Friendly: Ideal for families who want to share internet access across phones, tablets, and laptops without buying individual plans.

• Cost-Efficient for Groups: If a group or family needs Premium Wi-Fi, this plan offers savings. This is more economical than buying separate plans for each device.

• Professional Use: For those who work remotely or need to stay connected, using multiple devices on a single plan adds flexibility. It also offers convenience.

How to Purchase the Plan

The Multi-Device Premium Wi-Fi Plan must be purchased before embarkation and is not available for purchase onboard. So, if you’re planning a Carnival cruise and need reliable internet for multiple devices, be sure to log into your account. Pre-purchase the plan before setting sail.

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Greece continues to attract millions of tourists each year. The iconic islands of Santorini and Mykonos are feeling the pressure of overtourism. To tackle this, Greece is introducing a new €20 ($22) visitor tax for cruise ship passengers. This tax applies to those visiting these popular destinations during the summer peak season. This initiative is part of a broader effort. It aims to protect the islands’ infrastructure, environment, and local communities from the strains of mass tourism.

Why Greece Is Taking Action

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced the tax. It aims to tackle the heavy burden that cruise tourism places on Santorini and Mykonos. While Greece doesn’t face an overarching overtourism problem, some of its top destinations struggle during peak vacation months. “Some destinations have significant issues during certain weeks or months of the year. We need to deal with these issues,” Mitsotakis explained during a press conference.

Cruise ships bring in large groups of tourists at once. They often overwhelm small island communities like Santorini, known for its breathtaking sunsets and picturesque whitewashed buildings. Mykonos is famous for its vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches. Santorini has only around 20,000 permanent residents. Its population swells during the peak season. This leads to overcrowded streets, overburdened infrastructure, and environmental risks.

Economic and Environmental Impact

Tourism is a vital part of Greece’s economy. It generated approximately €20 billion ($22 billion) from 31 million visitors in 2023 alone. But the negative effects of overtourism are prompting the government to take decisive action. The new tax will help control the flow of cruise passengers. It will also funnel much-needed funds back into local infrastructure improvements.

A part of the tax revenue will be directed to enhancing facilities on Santorini and Mykonos. This will help these islands better cope with high visitor numbers. This includes upgrading transport networks, waste management, and water resources. Both islands have faced challenges with water shortages during peak months.

Limiting Cruise Traffic and Protecting the Environment

Additionally to the visitor tax, the Greek government has another plan. It aims to limit the number of cruise ships allowed to dock at these islands at the same time. This is intended to ease congestion and reduce the strain on local resources. Environmental protection measures are also part of the strategy. The government is addressing the impact of tourism on the islands’ delicate ecosystems.

Addressing Housing Issues and Expanding Reforms

The issue of overtourism extends beyond the islands. The surge in short-term vacation rentals, particularly in Athens, has exacerbated housing shortages for local residents. Mitsotakis has also proposed a tax on short-term rental properties. He intends to halt new licenses for these properties in central Athens. The goal is to make housing more affordable for permanent residents.

What This Means for Future Tourists

For travelers planning to visit Santorini or Mykonos via cruise ship, the new €20 visitor tax will be a small price to pay. Travelers visiting via cruise ship will need to pay a new €20 visitor tax. This tax helps preserve the beauty and charm of these iconic Greek destinations. Greece is focusing on sustainability. It is also promoting balanced tourism. Greece is striving to create a future where both locals and visitors can enjoy these beloved islands without causing long-term harm.

By introducing these measures, Greece joins other European destinations. These include places like Venice and Barcelona. They are taking steps to manage overtourism and protect cultural landmarks. The new tax might change how visitors plan their trips. It ensures that Santorini and Mykonos will remain pristine for generations to come.

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Exciting news for cruise enthusiasts! Carnival Cruise Line has just revealed its lineup of 2026/27 cruises, now open for booking. These new itineraries depart from Tampa and Mobile. They offer incredible options to explore popular destinations such as The Bahamas, the Caribbean, and the Panama Canal.

Sail from Tampa

Carnival is celebrating 30 years of sailing year-round from Tampa. That tradition continues in 2026/27 with two amazing ships: Carnival Paradise and Carnival Legend.

• Carnival Paradise will sail year-round. It offers a mix of four- to six-day Western Caribbean and Bahamas cruises. Stops include destinations like Cozumel, Mahogany Bay, Belize, Celebration Key, and Nassau.
• Carnival Legend will operate seasonally, offering six- to eight-day Caribbean and Bahamas cruises. Itineraries include stops in Grand Cayman, Belize, Ocho Rios, and special Panama Canal voyages.

Sail from Mobile

Carnival Spirit will return to Mobile with a unique offering—a 16-day Panama Canal journey departing from Seattle in October 2026. From October 2026 to March 2027, the ship will resume its seasonal schedule with six- to eight-day Bahamas cruises. Ports of call include Key West, Celebration Key, Nassau, and Half Moon Cay.

These diverse itineraries offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a short escape or a more extended adventure. With convenient departures from Tampa and Mobile, cruising has never been easier.
   

For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation on Carnival, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit http://carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

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Carnival Cruise Line quickly reassured passengers. An inspection had found no damage to the ship’s hull. This allowed the vessel to continue its journey through Alaska’s breathtaking landscape.

“Carnival Spirit made contact with an errant piece of drifting ice. An assessment determined no damage. The vessel continued on its week-long Alaska cruise,” a spokesperson confirmed.

Staying on Course

Despite this brief stop, the *Carnival Spirit* remained perfectly on schedule. The ship proceeded to its next destination, Skagway, on September 6, with no delays. Guests on this seven-night cruise departed from Seattle on September 3. They are also set to visit other iconic Alaskan ports. This includes Juneau on September 7 and Ketchikan on September 8. The voyage will wrap up in Victoria, British Columbia, on September 10.

As the Alaska cruise season winds down, the *Carnival Spirit* will soon shift gears. This 88,500-gross-ton vessel first entered service in 2001. It will head south to Mobile, Alabama. There, it will start offering exciting itineraries to the Western Caribbean and the Bahamas.

Smooth Sailing Ahead

Luckily, this incident was a small reminder of the unpredictable nature of Alaskan waters. There was no major impact on the ship or schedule. Guests can continue to enjoy the majestic beauty of Alaska. It is one of the most scenic cruise destinations in the world.

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In partnership with the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI), Carnival is enhancing its commitment to sustainability and local sourcing. This collaboration involves educational programs for staff. It includes curated menus featuring local seafood. It also promotes Alaska’s seafood through guest experiences on their cruise ships. Holland America Line stands out as the only cruise line with Responsible Fisheries Management certification. This certification ensures all seafood served is sustainable. It also guarantees the seafood is traceable. Both Holland America Line and Princess Cruises offer guests an immersive experience with Alaskan seafood. They do this through various dining venues at their hotels and lodges throughout the state.

From shipboard dining to lodge restaurants, Carnival Corporation’s efforts ensure that guests enjoy the freshest and most sustainably sourced seafood. They support Alaska’s fishing industry amidst global market pressures.

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The program is a first in the cruise industry. It seeks to alleviate internet congestion. It also provides additional bandwidth for residents and visitors. The pilot will be closely monitored to evaluate its effectiveness. There is potential to expand to other regions based on feedback from the community and local businesses. This collaboration highlights Royal Caribbean Group’s commitment to supporting communities and improving the travel experience for both locals and tourists.

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Experience the tranquility of a calm sea day in the Gulf of Mexico. Watch as the gentle waves ripple under the clear blue sky, creating a peaceful atmosphere perfect for relaxation and unwinding. Join us on this soothing journey through the open waters and let the stress melt away.

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Advanced Technology and Real-Time Monitoring

The FOC is part of Carnival Maritime GmbH. It supports 11 AIDA Cruises ships. It also supports 20 additional vessels from Carnival Corporation’s European brands. Using state-of-the-art digital technology, the center provides near real-time monitoring of ship speed, weather conditions, navigation, and technical data. This allows for optimized fuel and energy consumption, efficient routing, and improved water management and logistics.

Innovative Features and Capabilities

The FOC is equipped with a 60-foot-wide video wall. It also has advanced simulation tools like the “Tactical Table” and “Part Task Simulator.” This setup facilitates seamless collaboration among technical, nautical, and environmental teams. The facility can simulate up to 150 port entries. It also integrates with the bridge of a cruise ship for comprehensive training and operational planning.

Commitment to Excellence and Innovation

Keith Dowds, Executive Vice President of CMG, highlighted the blend of experienced personnel. He noted the cutting-edge technology that makes the FOC a leader in maritime support. AIDA Cruises President Felix Eichhorn emphasized the company’s dedication to Hamburg as a key maritime center. He highlighted its commitment to pioneering new standards in the cruise industry through substantial investments in technology and innovation.

The opening ceremony was attended by notable figures. These included Dieter Janecek, Federal Government Coordinator for Maritime Industry and Tourism, and Dr. Melanie Leonhard, Senator for Economy and Innovation of Hamburg. Their presence underscored the center’s significance to the local economy and the global cruise industry.

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New dining options aboard include Mad Sizzle on Deck 9. It serves quick kebabs and slow-roasted meats. The relocated Indian restaurant Masala Tiger is on Deck 10. It now offers an a la carte dinner menu. Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse has an updated menu featuring both signature dishes and local cuisine.

Refurbished staterooms boast updated balconies and whirlpool tubs in suites. The fitness facilities have been upgraded. New gym equipment has been added. There is now a refreshed basketball court and jogging track. An enhanced Thalassotherapy pool at the Cloud 9 spa is also available. The casino, shops, and Dreams Photo Studio have also been revamped.

Families can enjoy a refreshed mini-golf course, an updated waterpark, and revamped kids’ clubs. They can also enjoy the new Playlist Production, “Dear Future Husband,” a fun pop musical set on a Carnival cruise.

Kara Glamore, Vice President of Carnival Cruise Line Australia, highlighted the enhancements. She stated, “Carnival Splendor has more fun to offer our guests sailing from Sydney than ever before.” In March 2025, Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa will be joined by two P&O Cruises Australia ships. These ships are Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure. They will soon be renamed Carnival Meet and Carnival Adventure.

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