As headlines mount over surging tourist crowds across Europe and locals pushing back, demanding relief, another European nation has decided it will implement on tax on tourists in an effort to offset overtourism. Lawmakers in Norway recently approved a new tourist tax, giving local governments the power to charge a 3% levy on overnight stays
Just under a month into its 113-day world cruise, the 3,080-passenger Crown Princess has had to make a major itinerary change after encountering some severe weather while off the coast of South Africa. In a follow-up to Cruise Hive’s report on June 24, an official itinerary update has been made by Princess Cruises as a
Disney Cruise Line is in the process of quietly raising prices at its four adult-exclusive dining venues, with one restaurant increasing costs across the fleet and others upping the charges only on certain ships. Also, the changes have staggered effective dates and impact cruises departing from US ports or from Vancouver, British Columbia, meaning that
Despite some grumbling over a loyalty program overhaul at Carnival Cruise Line, the brand’s parent company, Carnival Corporation, is cruising full steam ahead. On June 24, 2025, the cruise giant announced that more people are booking trips, and even locking them in further ahead, than ever before. In fact, Carnival Corporation had achieved record-setting second
The cruise industry at Northern Ireland’s Belfast Harbour had a modest start, welcoming just two cruise ships when operations began in 1996, but fast-forward nearly 30 years and the regional port has reached an impressive milestone. On June 24, 2025, the port received its 1,500th cruise ship with the arrival of Princess Cruises’ 4, 200-guest
A week after its initial announcement, the backlash continues against the new Carnival Rewards program, a spend-based system due to replace the current loyalty program from June 1, 2026. Many flabbergasted cruise guests have wondered just how much thought was put into the design of the new program. It has been almost universally maligned by
Since announcing a revamped loyalty program on June 18, 2025, Carnival Cruise Line has been feeling the heat from angered and hurt cruisers. The new program, which is supposed to go into effect on June 1, 2026, will transition to a points-based system that rewards guests for onboard spending as well as sailing. While this
Currently undergoing dry dock refreshment in Europe, Carnival Liberty will not be returning to service as planned due to labor shortages and a shipyard change. This means the ship’s first return sailing from New Orleans, originally scheduled to depart July 6, 2026, is now cancelled. Guests are being notified of the change just two weeks
Just days after an irate guest scathingly chastised Carnival Cruise Line and the official brand ambassador, John Heald, over a simple bottle of water, the cruise line has adjusted how guests can claim that thirst-quencher. Guests in the cruise line’s current Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) loyalty program can now choose to use one of
Just weeks ahead of its grand opening, Carnival Cruise Line has shared the first-ever photos of its new private destination, Celebration Key, since its completion. The cruise line is currently gearing up for the exclusive destination to open on July 19, 2025, but guests now have a glimpse into what the experience will be like.
Longtime Seabourn cruisers and cruise industry colleagues are remembering Captain Geir Arne Thue-Nilsen after his wife, Juvy Thue-Nilsen, announced his passing on June 22, 2025. The announcement marks the end of a career, and a life spent largely at sea. Known affectionately as “Captain GA,” Thue-Nilsen was admired for his warm presence and deep commitment
Passengers aboard Princess Cruises’ Crown Princess’ 113-night world cruise have been notified that the ship will not be arriving in Cape Town, South Africa, as scheduled, due to a string of severe weather at sea. The announcement came directly from the 113,561-gross-ton ship’s Captain Christopher Lye, who detailed a number of changes in direction will be forthcoming.
