Norwegian Cruise Line reveals thrilling new onboard experiences for its Prima Plus Class ships, Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, debuting in 2025 and 2026. Highlights include the Aqua and Luna Game Zone, redesigned Bull’s Eye Bar, interactive mini-golf, and dedicated pickleball court, alongside enhanced wellness offerings like a redesigned spa, fitness center, and expanded Thermal Suite.
Carnival Corporation has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 10% since 2011, despite a 30% increase in cruise capacity. With advanced HVAC systems, air lubrication technologies, and a shift to LNG fuel, the company aims to reach its carbon intensity reduction goal by 2026. Future efforts focus on efficiency improvements and transitioning to low-carbon fuels for net-zero emissions.
Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy raised $85,000 for hurricane relief and veterans by completing a tandem skydive over Tampa Bay on October 19. Jumping from a historic WWII aircraft, Duffy’s fundraiser exceeded its $50,000 goal, with proceeds benefiting the Gary Sinise Foundation and Wounded Warrior Project. The event coincided with Carnival’s Special Forces Legacy Initiatives cruise.
Margaritaville at Sea introduces seven new itineraries and four ports of call for 2025 aboard the reimagined Margaritaville at Sea Islander. Launching in June, the ship offers six- and seven-night cruises to Belize, Jamaica, and Grand Cayman, with enhanced amenities, entertainment, and tropical destinations, ensuring a unique blend of adventure and relaxation for passengers.
On October 14, 2024, Seabourn Pursuit’s submarine made a historic discovery near Alejandro Selkirk Island, Chile, uncovering the Titania, a German ship lost for 110 years. Guided by local fisherman Gino Perez, the expedition team located the vessel 95 meters deep. This marks the first sighting since its disappearance in 1914, delivering an unforgettable Seabourn Moment.
Royal Caribbean is partnering with Goldbelt Incorporated to build a new cruise port in Juneau, Alaska, aimed at easing congestion and improving traffic flow. Set to open in 2027, the “Port of Tomorrow” will feature two berths and a recreated Alaska Native village, while diverting a third of downtown bus traffic, enhancing both visitor and resident experiences.
Royal Caribbean has been fined $473,685 by the EPA for violations related to improper waste disposal documentation at the Port of Galveston. The violations, spanning from 2019 to 2024, involved inaccurate reporting of waste amounts. The cruise line emphasized that the issues were documentation-related and not environmental, reaffirming its commitment to industry-leading waste management practices.
Royal Caribbean International is raising its daily gratuity charges starting November 1, 2024. Standard stateroom gratuities will increase from $18.00 to $18.50 per guest, per day, while suite guests will pay $21.00. Passengers can pre-pay gratuities at the current rate until the end of October 2024, after which the new rates will apply onboard.
Carnival Cruise Line expands its 2026/27 cruise offerings with new sailings from New Orleans and Long Beach. Carnival Valor and Carnival Liberty will offer Caribbean itineraries from New Orleans, while Carnival Panorama will sail to the Mexican Riviera from Long Beach. These cruises provide more diverse vacation options for travelers seeking unforgettable cruise experiences.
Carnival Cruise Line is expanding its fleet with seven new ships set to debut by 2033, including newbuilds and two vessels transferring from P&O Australia. The additions include Excel-class ships launching in 2027 and 2028, as well as a new 230,000-ton class debuting in 2029, marking the largest ships in Carnival’s fleet.
