Key Aspects: Portland, Maine, will increase cruise passenger and infrastructure fees beginning in 2027. The new port tariff was approved by the city council in February 2026. The per-passenger fee will rise from $18 to $24 by 2030. Passengers visiting Portland, Maine, will soon face higher fees as city officials move to adjust tariffs tied
Key Aspects: Platinum VIFP benefits have been removed from three upcoming Carnival sailings. The decision impacts upcoming March 2026 sailings for Carnival Spirit, Carnival Legend, and Carnival Dream. Guests will miss out on perks like priority embarkation and debarkation and early stateroom access. Thousands of Carnival guests have learned that they will be going without
Key Aspects: Officials from SafeWork NSW and the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) were blocked from boarding the Carnival Adventure in Sydney, Australia. The union had received reports of crew members living and working in unreasonable and unsafe conditions. Carnival is firm in that the organization does not have the authority to inspect the ships
Key Aspects: Star Princess is dealing with a norovirus outbreak that is impacting its two March 7 sailings, which are being operated simultaneously. More than 100 guests and 49 crew members have experienced gastrointestinal symptoms. Enhanced sanitation protocols have been implemented onboard and embarkation will be delayed on March 14 to allow for a deep
Key Aspects: Some surprisingly poor details have emerged from Disney Adventure‘s maiden voyage from Singapore. Thin mattresses and an inoperative roller coaster are the lowlights circulating on social media. Fortunately, there are also many great reviews and fun options onboard for everyone to enjoy. Disney Cruise Line is known for many superlatives, including spectacular service,
Key Aspects: Gift cards can be used as extra gratuities for crew members, but not all gift cards are appropriate. Carnival crew members cannot make use of Carnival Cruise Line gift cards in any way. Other gift cards are acceptable, but guests should be careful with which ones they may offer. Many cruise guests generously
Key Aspects: Carnival Cruise Line has reached out to guests booked on three upcoming sailings to warn of heavy traffic in PortMiami this weekend. Carnival Horizon is supposed to embark from the busy port on March 14, followed by Carnival Celebration and Carnival Magic on March 15. The traffic is the result of a high
Key Aspects: Carnival Firenze has cancelled all of its Baja sailings departing between October 12 and November 16, 2026. The cruise line did not provide a reason for the sudden cancellations aside from hinting at a change in itinerary plans. Impacted guests can either book a comparable cruise or cancel their reservation in exchange for
Key Aspects: MSC is redesigning the Yacht Club Restaurant on four of its ships. This refurbishment is expected to be completed on all ships by February 2028. This is just the latest in recent efforts by MSC to upgrade its fleet. Since 2008, MSC Cruises has been giving its guests the luxury VIP treatment with
Key Aspects: The “white night bride” has explained her grandmother’s enthusiasm for her upcoming wedding on Oasis of the Seas. The bride did not know about her grandmother’s request that no one wear white on her wedding day. In fact, the bride thinks it would be funny for others to wear their own wedding gowns
Key Aspects: A UK agency has completed its investigation into a passenger death aboard Spirit of Discovery in 2023. The 85-year-old guest severely injured his spine during a major storm at sea and later died. Propulsion problems caused the ship to tilt violently as it sailed through the Bay of Biscay. A UK government investigation
Key Aspects: Legend of the Seas will feature a brand-new “America’s Got Talent LIVE” stage show. The show will offer unique entertainment for guests, possibly with a different lineup for each performance. The new show joins a diverse lineup of entertainment options for the third Icon Class ship. In an industry first, Royal Caribbean’s upcoming
