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.
As Carnival Cruise Line prepares to overhaul its loyalty program, Royal Caribbean cruisers are staying anchored in familiar waters, clinging to their Crown & Anchor status like a life vest – and hoping their program doesn’t get swept into the same current. Carnival’s upcoming switch to a dollar-based rewards system has rattled longtime cruisers who spent years sailing
Continuing years of yes-no-yes-no debate, environmental studies, approval grants, challenges, and pauses, the much-discussed fourth cruise ship pier in Cozumel, Mexico, is once again on hold. According to Mexico News Daily, the project is being debated yet again, this time just two months after receiving approval from the Environment Ministry. An injunction against the project
Is Carnival Cruise Line trying to put a positive spin on what has quickly become a public relations nightmare? A new letter from the line’s president, Christine Duffy, is offering great explanations but little further details for frustrated cruisers. The letter has been sent to past and present Carnival guests (with millions of travelers, it
Carnival Cruise Line’s new loyalty program, which is coming in 2026, has been making waves since it was announced, but not in a good way. The new program, which takes effect in June of 2026 if nothing changes, has left many cruisers outraged because the “lifetime” loyalty status has been eliminated. Instead, guests will earn
