AARP Slashes Carnival Gift Card Discount Again

A cruise ship's distinctive red and blue funnel is shown on the left against a blue sky. On the right, a Carnival gift card boasts a similar funnel design with sun and clouds, offering an exclusive "Members Only" banner for AARP members with a special gift card discount.

AARP Travel Rewards has slashed its discount on Carnival Cruise Line gift cards, dropping the rate from eight to five percent. This change marks the second discount decrease in just over a month, frustrating loyal users relying on the program to save on cruises. AARP Carnival Gift Cards by Value Gift Card Value Previous Cost […]

Cruise Ship Casino Etiquette: Dos and Don’ts for Gamblers

A row of colorful slot machines lines the casino on the cruise, set against a red and gold patterned carpet with chandeliers gleaming above. The machines, aglow with bright lights, showcase diverse game themes as passengers try their luck amidst dreams of winning big.

Many passengers are drawn to the excitement and allure of the onboard casino on a cruise vacation. However, proper etiquette should always be observed while gambling. This article will outline some crucial dos and don’ts for gamblers in cruise ship casinos. Dos for the Gamblers As you prepare to embark on a casino cruise, you’re […]

Crew Member Overboard on Royal Caribbean Ship Marks Cruise Industry’s 17th in 2024

The left side of the image showcases a small orange lifeboat carrying people on the ocean. The right side features a docked Royal Caribbean cruise ship, with crew members and passengers strolling along the pier under a clear blue sky.

A crew member aboard Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas went overboard in the Atlantic Ocean on Dec. 17, 2024. The incident occurred during the final days of a 12-night Southern Caribbean cruise as the ship sailed back to Baltimore, Maryland. What happened? The overboard alert was triggered at approximately 1 p.m. EST, triggering a […]

Carnival Corporation Eyes Record 2025 Bookings After $25B Revenue Milestone

A smartphone screen shows the Carnival Corporation logo in front of a blurred computer screen displaying an image of a cruise ship and text.

Carnival Corporation remains optimistic about 2025 bookings after reporting record-breaking financial results for 2024. However, during the Q&A session of its year-end earnings call this morning, company leaders addressed potential hurdles, including Mexico’s proposed passenger tax and commission trends. Record Full-Year Revenues The company announced record-high full-year revenues of $25 billion, with net income of […]

Two Norovirus Outbreaks on Princess, HAL Ships

Holland America's Rotterdam in Half moon cay

Over 200 people fell ill on two cruises this week, as the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed they were the 10th and 11th shipboard norovirus outbreaks of the year. Ruby Princess ended a cruise earlier this week that saw 115 reported ill, including 12 crew members. The ship departed San Francisco in […]

Carnival Sells Cruise Ship to Resorts World Cruises 

A large white cruise ship named "Star Scorpio" resembles a luxury vessel from P&O Cruises Australia as it sails on calm waters. The ship features multiple decks, lifeboats, and a swimming pool area highlighted by a red arrow under the partly cloudy sky.

Resorts World Cruises (RWC) is acquiring its third ship, the Pacific Explorer, from the soon-to-be-dissolved P&O Cruises Australia, part of Carnival Corporation. According to Friday’s announcement, Pacific Explorer will undergo a $50 million refurbishment and be rebranded as Star Scorpio in March 2025, expanding RWC’s footprint in Southeast Asia. The Sun-class cruise ship was bought […]

Tender Boat Runs Aground Near Kangaroo Island, Cruise Passengers Walk to Shore

A small tender boat has run aground near the shore, with several passengers wading in the shallow water surrounding it. The backdrop features a coastal town with houses and greenery, all under a clear blue sky.

A tender boat traveling to Australia’s Kangaroo Island ran aground, forcing around 30 cruise ship passengers to wade through rough waters until they could reach the shore. The group had come from Crown Princess’ December 14 roundtrip sailing from Sydney. They were looking forward to touring the South Australian island, famous for its wildlife, beautiful […]

Carnival Celebrates 55th Birthday With 3 Ocean Meetups Across 11 Vessels

Four cruise ships are sailing on the ocean under a clear blue sky, gathering for a special ocean meetup. In the center, a circular emblem proudly displays the words "Carnival's 55th Birthday.

Carnival Cruise Line is gearing up for its 55th birthday celebration in 2027. The cruise line announced that it is planning the ultimate birthday bash, with 11 vessels coming together at sea on March 9, 10, and 13, 2027, near its exclusive Caribbean and Bahamian resorts. During the festivities, its vessels will simultaneously host birthday […]

Major Upgrades Announced for Norwegian Bliss and Breakaway

norwegian breakaway

Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Breakaway are slated for major upgrades in 2025. These include an all-new cinema and dining experience, a revamped outdoor recreational venue, larger dining establishments, and more luxurious suites. Norwegian Bliss Overhaul The 2018-built Norwegian Bliss will undergo a January 17 to February 2 dry dock next year. The refurbished vessel will […]

Mexico’s $42 Cruise Tax Will Only Be Charged Once Per Sailing

Three large cruise ships are docked at a pier against the vibrant blue sea, possibly en route to Mexico. A yellow speedboat darts nearby under the clear, sunny sky. An inset offers an aerial glimpse of a similar cruise ship with a pool on deck, framed by swaying palm leaves.

Cruisers planning a 2025 vacation to Mexico may see some relief regarding a new fee. Michele Paige, CEO of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), said the $42 “Non-Resident Fee” will be charged once per sailing, not at every Mexican port. The clarification was made in an interview with SeaTrade Cruise News. The FCCA, representing more […]