Carnival Spirit Delays Return to Seattle After Undergoing Repairs.

Carnival Spirit Delays Return to Seattle After Undergoing Repairs

The Carnival Spirit will return to Seattle later than scheduled after undergoing repairs earlier this month, Carnival Cruise Line said in a statement.

Wrapping up a 15-night cruise to Hawaii, the ship was scheduled to return to its homeport early on October 8, 2026. The arrival, however, was postponed by nearly 24 hours.

In a letter sent to guests boarding the vessel for its next cruise, Carnival said that the delay was caused by an issue that required additional time for repairs on October 3, 2026.

“As a result, the ship’s return to Seattle will be delayed until Friday, October 9, resulting in a shortening of your cruise by one day,” the company explained.

Upon returning to Washington, the Carnival Spirit is scheduled to kick off a repositioning voyage to Mobile, Alabama.

The 16-night cruise will feature a full transit of the Panama Canal, in addition to visits to destinations on the West Coast of Central America and the Caribbean.

Carnival said that due to the later departure from Seattle and to keep the ship’s time slot for crossing the Panama Canal, a planned visit to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, had to be cancelled.

The company said that planned visits to Puntarenas in Costa Rica and Cartagena de Indias in Colombia will still go ahead as scheduled.

“We know this is disappointing news and we apologise for these unexpected adjustments,” Carnival added, noting that guests will receive a pro-rated refund for their cruise fare and pre-purchased service packages, including Wi-Fi and beverage packages.

Shore excursions booked through Carnival for Cabo San Lucas will be automatically cancelled and refunded as well.

The company also said that it will offer a $250 onboard credit per stateroom as a gesture of appreciation for passengers’ understanding.

Guests who purchased air travel using Carnival’s FLY2FUN program will have their flights automatically adjusted to reflect the changes.

For those with independent travel plans, the company will also reimburse up to $200 per person for any expenses associated with non-refundable air change fees and other travel-related costs.

Carnival said that further details regarding new embarkation plans for October 9, 2026, will be released ahead of the cruise.

The Carnival Spirit is currently wrapping up a 15-night cruise to Hawaii and Canada that sailed from Seattle on September 23, 2026.

Part of the Carnival Journeys program, the itinerary originally included visits to Honolulu, Nawiliwili, Kahului, Hilo and Victoria.

Carnival Reveals Tropicale Features as Bookings Open

Carnival Reveals Tropicale Features as Bookings Open

Carnival Cruise Line has opened bookings for the Carnival Tropicale, its newest ship and the fifth and final addition to its Excel class.

Announcing the opening of bookings, the cruise line highlighted new entertainment options onboard, including:

• Sunsation Point, a multi-deck family fun zone
• Carnival WaterWorks Ultra, featuring six waterslides, including SunSoaker, Turning Tides, Racing Currents and splash areas
• A redesigned Fairway 66 Mini Golf course
• sports courts
• the Treehouse Adventure Trail
• new arcade spaces, such as The Vault Retrocade.

 

Fairway 66 mini golf

The Vault Retrocade

Turning Tides raft slide

Some of the dining venues onboard will include Uku Lei Lei, offering Hawaiian-inspired cuisine with Asian influences; Fetaccine, blending Greek and Italian flavours; and Emeril’s Coastal Seafood, showcasing seafood dishes inspired by America’s coastlines and created in partnership with Carnival’s Chief Culinary Officer Chef Emeril Lagasse.

New entertainment experiences and exclusive spaces inspired by the golden era of show business will also be available, with additional details to be revealed in the months ahead.

The LNG-powered ship, which will be displaying the Star of Texas on her bow, is set to homeport in Galveston after its delivery in 2028.

Its inaugural sailing is scheduled for April 15, 2028.

“Today marks an exciting day for Carnival Tropicale as guests can now begin planning their vacations aboard this incredible new ship,” said Ben Clement, EVP of maritime and newbuilds at Carnival Cruise Line.

“From innovative attractions and dining to unforgettable destinations throughout the Caribbean, The Bahamas and Mexico, Carnival Tropicale will bring an exciting new vacation option to Texas when she debuts in 2028.”

Accommodating 6,000 guests, the Tropicale will offer four-, five-, six- and eight-day cruises calling at Carnival’s exclusive Paradise Collection destinations, including Celebration Key, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, Isla Tropicale and Puerta Maya, as well as Caribbean ports like Progreso and Nassau.

As teased yesterday, a western-themed celebration of the ship’s progression from concept to reality was also hosted at Meyer Werft’s Papenburg shipyard to honour the ship’s future home and Carnival’s connection to Texas.

Heads of the two companies wore custom cowboy hard hats and western attire amid Texas-inspired décor while the shipyard team enjoyed Texas-style barbecue.

André Walter, Meyer Werft CEO, added that he is delighted to experience his first construction celebration as the new CEO of Meyer Werft.

Daniela Gargiulo Becomes First Female Staff Captain in Carnival’s History

Daniela Gargiulo Becomes First Female Staff Captain in Carnival’s History

Carnival Cruise Line marked a milestone in Sydney on August 5 with the appointment of Daniela Gargiulo as the global fleet’s first female Staff Captain.

A special ceremony was held onboard the Carnival Adventure as Captain Francesco Bencivenga officially welcomed Gargiulo to be his second-in-command, while the ship was returning to Sydney from the South Pacific.

Captain Bencivenga said he was delighted to work alongside Gargiulo.

“As Staff Captain, Daniela is my second in charge, overseeing marine operations, safety and crew leadership among many other roles. I am incredibly proud to witness this vital step forward for gender diversification in the maritime industry, opening doors for future generations of female leaders,” he said.

After enrolling in a nautical school in Italy when she was 14, Gargiulo started at Carnival Cruise Line as a Deck Cadet in 2013.

Having steadily progressed through the ranks, she joined the Carnival Adventure last year.

“This promotion is an incredible honor and I’m extremely proud to be the first woman in Carnival Cruise Line history to be a Staff Captain. Carnival’s career pathways allow men and women wonderful opportunities for a life at sea,” said Gargiulo.

“I love working with people from all over the world, from different cultures, and I’m especially excited to be starting this new chapter in my career onboard Carnival Adventure in Australia.”

Duffy: 65 Original Destiny Crew Members Still with Carnival

Duffy: 65 Original Destiny Crew Members Still with Carnival

Thirty years after the ship’s debut, 65 crew members from the delivery team of the original Carnival Destiny, which entered service in 1996, are still working with Carnival Cruise Line.

“I think that says a lot about the Carnival family, the culture and our leaders,” the company’s President Christine Duffy said.

Speaking at the steel-cutting ceremony of the new Carnival Destiny, Duffy said that many crew members who started their careers on the 101,000-ton ship now hold leadership positions.

“Many started in entry-level positions and have grown their careers across the fleet and in our headquarters offices,” she continued.

Three Deck Officers who were part of the Destiny’s first bridge team are now Captains in Carnival’s fleet, while two Technical Officers are now Chief Engineers.

Duffy noted that John Heald, who currently serves as Carnival’s Brand Ambassador, was also onboard as the ship’s Cruise Director.

Introducing a new design to the company’s fleet, the new Carnival Destiny is scheduled to enter service in 2029.

As the first vessel in the new Ace-class series, the 230,000-ton ship will be built at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone shipyard in Northern Italy.

With capacity for over 8,000 passengers at maximum occupancy, the new Destiny will become the largest ship in Carnival’s fleet.

While additional details of the vessel will be revealed at a later date, the company said that the ship will feature the most outward-facing areas in the company’s fleet.

The new Destiny will also feature a dining, beverage and entertainment lineup that is more than 70 percent new.

Two additional Ace-class ships are set to be built by Fincantieri, with deliveries scheduled for 2030 and 2031.

Carnival is also building two additional Excel-class ships, the Carnival Festivale and the Carnival Tropicale, at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany. The 183,900-ton sister ships are scheduled to enter service in 2027 and 2028, respectively.

Carnival Cancels Splendor Cruise Scheduled for 2027

Carnival Cancels Splendor Cruise Scheduled for 2027

Carnival Cruise Line cancelled a cruise scheduled to take place onboard the Carnival Splendor in 2027 due to a change in the ship’s drydock schedule.

According to a statement sent to affected passengers, the September 1, 2027, itinerary will no longer go ahead.

Sailing from Singapore to Sydney, the repositioning voyage included visits to destinations in Indonesia and Australia, such as Lombok and Darwin.

In addition to crossing the Equator, the Carnival Splendor was also scheduled to sail to Benoa, Cairns, Airlie Beach and Moreton Island before returning to its Australian homeport.

Carnival said the cancellation was necessary due to a change in the ship’s drydock, which is scheduled for August 2027.

“We apologize for this disappointing news, but we have a variety of alternatives and are confident you will find another Carnival cruise that is filled with an equal amount of fun,” the company said.

According to the statement, passengers’ cruise rates will be protected on a comparable sailing, in similar accommodations.

For those rescheduling their sailings, the company will also offer a $50 per person onboard credit to a maximum of $100 per stateroom.

The company said the amount will be posted to passengers’ onboard accounts during their new cruise.

Guests are requested to contact the company by July 3, 2026, to discuss alternative departures, Carnival added in its statement.

Those who do not wish to reschedule their cruise will receive a full refund of their cruise fare and any pre-purchased items.

The amounts will be returned to guests’ original forms of payment after July 3, 2026, the company explained.

Sailing from Sydney on a year-round basis, the Carnival Splendor offers a series of two- to 12-night cruises to destinations in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.

Carnival Magic: 15 Years of Service for Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Magic: 15 Years of Service for Carnival Cruise Line

The Carnival Magic recently celebrated 15 years of service for Carnival Cruise Line after being delivered on April 27, 2011.

As a sister to the 2009-built Carnival Dream, the 3,650-passenger ship was built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.

At the time of its delivery, the Carnival Magic became the 100th ship across Carnival Corporation’s then 10 cruise brands.

Following a traditional handover ceremony, the vessel sailed for Venice to kick off its maiden voyage, which departed on May 1, 2011.

Sailing to Barcelona, the open-jaw itinerary included visits to destinations in Croatia, Italy, Spain and Monaco, such as Dubrovnik, Messina, Livorno and Monte Carlo.

The ship continued to offer itineraries in the Mediterranean through most of its inaugural season, operating itineraries to additional destinations in the region.

Ahead of its first sailing, the Carnival Magic was also officially named during a ceremony at the Venice Cruise Terminal.

Lindsey Wilkerson, a former St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital patient who served as ambassador for the organization, was chosen as the ship’s godmother.

Soon after its first season in Europe, the Carnival Magic repositioned to Galveston for seven-night cruises to the Western Caribbean.

According to Carnival, the 130,000-ton vessel was the largest cruise ship sailing year-round from the Texas homeport at the time.

The Carnival Magic later sailed from other U.S. homeports, including Port Canaveral, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Norfolk and New York City.

In 2023, the ship returned to Miami to kick off a year-round schedule of six- to eight-night cruises to the Eastern and Southern Caribbean.

Still being offered in 2026, the deployment features itineraries that visit destinations like Grand Turk, Curaçao, Puerto Plata and Celebration Key.

The Carnival Magic also became the second ship in the company’s fleet to introduce the new “From Sea to Shining Sea” crest.

Created in homage to the United States’ 250th anniversary, the patriotic feature was revealed in May and will be added to all of the company’s U.S.-based vessels.

 

Carnival to Introduce New Cruise Card Design; Updated Milestone Program

Carnival to Introduce New Cruise Card Design; Updated Milestone Program

Carnival Cruise Line is introducing a new design for its Sail & Sign cards, as well as a new milestone recognition system as part of the new Carnival Rewards loyalty program.

In a recent interview with the company’s Brand Ambassador John Heald, President Christine Duffy detailed the changes.

“We know how important it is to recognize our guests’ loyalty, and I’m excited to share that in the new program we are actually changing the way we count milestones,” she explained.

Instead of taking into consideration the number of cruises each guest has taken, the new system will be based on the number of days spent onboard.

“For people who tend to take longer cruises, it used to take them just as long as someone who has taken shorter cruises to get to the milestones,” Duffy added.

“With the new program, passengers will be able to achieve milestones faster using days sailed rather than just counting individual cruises,” she continued.

Once a guest opts in for the new program, past cruises will be converted into days, she added, noting that rewards for milestones also changed.

Passengers will receive 5,000 Carnival Rewards points once they achieve 50 days sailed with the company.

The program also offers 10,000 points for guests who reach 100 days onboard, as well as an additional 10,000 points when reaching 500 days sailed.

Carnival is also offering onboard recognitions, commemorative coins, onboard credit, and other rewards.

After the initial milestones, passengers will receive an additional 10,000 points every time they add another 100 days to their count.

As part of the changes, the company is also introducing redesigned Sail & Sign cards, which will now include the number of days passengers have sailed with Carnival.

With a vertical design, the new cards will also feature the Carnival Rewards logo, in addition to different colors for each of the program’s tiers.

Duffy also explained that passengers who are part of the company’s current loyalty program have until the end of 2030 to take advantage of unused benefits.

“They’ll still have to opt in to the new program; their number of total days will show on the card, and then they can work towards the new milestone on the new program,” she said.

First introduced by the company in mid-2025, the Carnival Rewards is set to take effect in September 2026.

The new system replaces the VIFP Club, which has been in use since 2012, and is a point-based reward loyalty program.

Duffy highlighted the new system, noting that the new points can be redeemed for “almost anything onboard,” from shore excursions to spa treatments, specialty dining and beverage packages.

Passengers can also earn points at the company’s private destinations of Celebration Key and RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay.

Users of the company’s Mastercard credit card earn points with everyday spending as well, Duffy added.

New Pier and Expanded Amenities Ready for Carnival at Half Moon Cay

New Pier and Expanded Amenities Ready for Carnival at Half Moon Cay

Carnival Cruise Line’s new pier as well as new amenities and upgrades to the existing ones at its exclusive destination, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas, are now open.

“RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay’s natural beauty has always made it a favorite for our guests, and with the new pier, more ships can now easily access this incredible destination,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

“We’re excited that more guests than ever will be able to experience the stunning beachfront and turquoise waters.”

Thanks to the expansion, guests can enjoy new complimentary loungers and umbrellas, plus reservable cabanas and daybeds.

Furthermore, food and drink venues offering island-style meals, full buffets and beverages in shaded, beachfront settings have been added and upgraded.

These include Orchid Beach Grill, Hibiscus Beach Grill, Luna Tide Beach Bar, Stay Awhile Beach Shack and Lil’ Tiki Bar.

A scenic Papaya Pathway has been added as a walking route for those wishing to explore the destination on foot, while others can take advantage of a new tram service connecting all areas of the island.

The company added that the existing south side of the island is also being refreshed with new design elements and food and beverage venue upgrades.

The destination is part of the Paradise Collection by Carnival, a portfolio of exclusive cruise destinations across the Caribbean and The Bahamas, including the recently reimagined Isla Tropicale in Roatán, Honduras.

Refreshed Carnival Magic Resumes Miami Sailings

Refreshed Carnival Magic Resumes Miami Sailings

The Carnival Magic has returned from a 35-day drydock at the Grand Bahama Shipyard, Carnival Cruise Line said in a statement. 

The ship is now resuming sailing from Miami, offering cruises to destinations across the Caribbean and The Bahamas. 

As previously reported by Cruise Industry News, the ship entered drydock on April 19, 2026. 

Several spaces onboard have been updated, including the casino and arcade, paired with the addition of a new mini golf course. 

Additionally, retail areas across the gift shops and the Effy Jewelry boutique have been refreshed. 

The Cloud 9 Spa and fitness center have been renovated, as were the WaterWorks aqua park and pool decks. 

Finally, the Lido restaurant layout has been redesigned. 

This is also the second ship in Carnival’s fleet to showcase the cruise line’s new “From Sea to Shining Sea” bow crest. 

The first one to sport the new look was the Carnival Legend, which resumed service on May 20 following a 16-day drydock at the same shipyard.

Cruise Industry 10-Year Timeline: 50+ Million Guests, 20% Growth

Cruise Industry 10-Year Timeline: 50+ Million Guests, 20% Growth

The global cruise business is on course to grow at least 20 per cent between 2026 and 2036, with big new ships driving growth to an estimated 50 million guests, according to the 2026 Cruise Industry News Annual Report.

That is compared to just over 23 million guests 10 years ago, and an estimated 39 million this year.

The bulk of the growth is coming from the industry’s major players, which have numerous new large ships on order, including Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Disney Cruise Line.

Together, these five brands have 34 ships on order, totalling just over 150,000 new berths.

The most growth is coming from MSC, with 10 newbuilds set to debut. The new ships from the industry’s fastest-growing will include more World-class vessels built in France, and an entirely new class of vessel set to be constructed in Germany at Meyer Werft.

Norwegian Cruise Line is close behind with eight ships on order, adding more than 36,000 berths through 2037 as the brand continues to scale its large-ship fleet at Fincantieri in Italy.

Royal Caribbean International has six newbuilds scheduled, building on the success of its Icon-class platform with additional vessels from both Meyer Turku in Finland and Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France.

Carnival Cruise Line has five ships on order totalling nearly 30,000 berths, with new tonnage coming from both Meyer Werft and Fincantieri.

Disney Cruise Line, meanwhile, is accelerating its own expansion with five ships set to debut through 2031, more than doubling its current fleet size and extending its reach into new global markets.

The combined orderbook across all cruise lines stands at 78 ocean ships valued at approximately $80 billion, reflecting the industry’s confidence in sustained long-term demand.

 

 

Carnival Glory Offering Adults-Only Cruise in Europe

Carnival Glory Offering Adults-Only Cruise in Europe

Carnival Pride Photo credit Spacejunkie2 https://flic.kr/ps/GkiQt

The Carnival Glory is currently offering an adults-only cruise to the Canary Islands and the Western Mediterranean.

As part of Carnival Cruise Line’s SEA program, the 15-night itinerary departed from the Spanish port of Barcelona on March 25, 2026.

Before returning to the port, the European sailing is set to visit other destinations in Spain, as well as Italy and Morocco.

Highlights of the cruise include stops in Civitavecchia and Livorno, from which guests can embark on shore excursions to Rome and Tuscany, respectively.

The Carnival Glory is also scheduled to sail to Málaga and Tangier, as well as Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

According to Carnival, its adults-only SEA voyages are casino-oriented cruises that feature expanded gambling access, themed parties, bingo events and more.

To get access to the sailings, passengers 21 years old and older need to sign up at a dedicated link to receive an offer to book.

Initially set to undergo a routine drydock in Europe, the Carnival Glory crossed the Atlantic in early March 2026.

With the shipyard stay cancelled, the ship is now set to start its return to North America after the SEA voyage.

Sailing from Barcelona in early April, the 13-night cruise sails to Spain, the United Kingdom and the Bahamas before arriving in Port Canaveral.

Ports of call set to be visited include Alicante, Málaga and Gibraltar, as well as Carnival’s Celebration Key private destination in Grand Bahama.

The 110,000-ton vessel is then set to resume its regular schedule of short cruises to the Bahamas on April 24, 2026.

Sailing from Central Florida on a year-round basis, the Carnival Glory offers three- and four-night cruises to Nassau and Celebration Key.

Carnival is operating additional SEA voyages in 2026, with ships like the Carnival Paradise offering the adults-only sailings through April.

Carnival Extends Zero Proof Package to All 2026 Sailings

Carnival Extends Zero Proof Package to All 2026 Sailings

Carnival Cruise Line is extending its Cheers! Zero Proof package to all sailings set to depart in 2026, according to Brand Ambassador John Heald.

In a social media update, he said that the option is now available for booking online via the company’s website and app.

“We did open the Cheers! Zero Proof program for 2026,” Heald said, noting that the package is a “fabulous” option for guests.

“It is worth every penny. For a seven-day cruise, it costs, with gratuities and everything included, just over $200,” he added.

Heald explained that the package includes unlimited milkshakes, sodas and non-alcoholic beverages, such as non-alcoholic beers and spirits, frozen virgin cocktails and special coffee drinks.

“From the hundreds of comments I received overnight, I can say that a lot of guests are going to take immediate advantage of that,” he added.

“I don’t drink, so I can understand why it is so popular,” he continued, noting that Cheers! Zero Proof offers non-drinking guests an opportunity to have a package similar to Carnival’s traditional Cheers! and enjoy a wide array of non-alcoholic beverages.

Heald also noted that while the package is available for cruises sailing from Australia, it does not include special coffees for sailings in the region.

While passengers can take advantage of an unlimited number of beverages per cruise, drinks must be ordered with a ten-minute interval.

“This is one of the ways that we control the program; it’s the fair way for us to control it,” Heald explained.

Described as a bundle that offers a variety of premium, alcohol-free refreshment options, Cheers! Zero Proof was introduced by Carnival in September 2025.

The package was first available for sailings departing through last December. Heald later said that Carnival was expected to extend the offering for more cruises in 2026.

Carnival to Sell Freshly Baked Pastries Across Fleet

Carnival to Sell Freshly Baked Pastries Across Fleet

Carnival Cruise Line is introducing a new offering of made-to-order pastries onboard its ships, according to Brand Ambassador John Heald.

In a social media post, he said that the snacks are currently being sold during breakfast onboard 11 vessels, including the Carnival Jubilee and the Carnival Celebration.

For a small fee, guests can order freshly fried doughnuts, beignets and churros, along with a wide choice of flavours and toppings.

Options include a choice of two or five doughnuts for $4 and $8, respectively, as well as four New Orleans-inspired beignets for $3.50.

Passengers can choose from different fillings and toppings, including powdered sugar, Boston cream and chocolate sauce.

Other options include golden churros rolled in cinnamon sugar, with five pieces for $3 and ten pieces available for $5.

Carnival is also offering a breakfast combo that allows guests to choose from two doughnuts and four beignets for $7.

Heald noted that the new offering is being rolled out across the Carnival fleet and will be available on all of the company’s North American ships within the next couple of weeks.

Other ships currently offering the pastries include the Mardi Gras, the Carnival Vista, the Carnival Horizon, the Carnival Panorama, the Carnival Firenze, the Carnival Venezia, the Carnival Magic, the Carnival Dream and the Carnival Breeze.

Depending on the vessel, the pastries are served in different locations onboard, including Street Eats, Sweet Spot or Seafood Shack.

Heald said that guests onboard can find more information about the product on the HUB App or the Funtimes journal.

In related news, Carnival recently introduced a new choice of coffee-to-go, which can be ordered as part of a new functionality of the HUB App.

The pick-up service is available from the Java Blue Café during morning hours on board selected ships of the fleet.

 

New Festivale to Feature Carnival’s Biggest Waterpark

New Festivale to Feature Carnival’s Biggest Waterpark

The Carnival Festivale will feature the biggest waterpark in Carnival Cruise Line’s history, the company announced in a press release.

Set to debut in 2027, the Excel-class ship will introduce Carnival Waterworks Ultra as part of the new Sunsation Point family adventure zone.

According to Carnival, the waterpark will feature six water slides designed for different age groups and adventure levels.

The lineup includes two family raft rides, SunSoaker and Turning Tides and duelling Racing Currents slides, as well as the Mini Racers double-slide and Mini Twister.

Other features of Waterworks Ultra include splash pads and shaded play areas for all ages, the company said.

Carnival also stated that the new venue will introduce the first nighttime Waterworks operation of its fleet, which will include a live DJ and other special features.

Taking over the area occupied by BOLT! on previous Excel-class ships, the waterpark will be located at Carnival Festivale’s Deck 18.

In addition to Carnival Waterworks Ultra, Sunsation Point will also offer a hub of family-friendly activities and dining options on Deck 16, as well as a pool, a splash pad and a bar.

Deck 17 is a place to rewind with nostalgic elements, Carnival said, including the Vault Retrocade, which combines a retro theme with modern arcade games.

The deck also features the Scenic Overlook, a sports bar that offers outdoor games like pool and giant Jenga, as well as a new mini-golf course and Treehouse, which is described by Carnival as an all-new concept with netted bridges high above the deck.

As the fourth ship in Carnival’s Excel class, the Carnival Festivale is currently being built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany.

Sailing from Port Canaveral, the ship is scheduled to offer seven-night cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas starting in May 2027.

Carnival Vista Becomes First Ship to Arrive in Celebration Key

Carnival Vista Becomes First Ship to Arrive in Celebration Key

The Carnival Vista arrived in Celebration Key on Saturday morning, July 19, becoming the first cruise ship to visit Carnival’s new private island destination in Grand Bahama.

The 4,000-guest vessel docked at the new port as part of an eight-night cruise that sailed from Port Canaveral on July 12, 2025.

To mark the debut of the new private destination, Carnival held an opening ceremony attended by local authorities, travel advisors, media and partners, as well as Carnival Vista’s officers and guests.

Also present were Carnival Cruise Line’s President Cristine Duffy, who was joined by Carnival Corporation’s CEO Josh Weinstein and other members of the company’s global executive leadership team, as well as its global port destination development team led by Chief Maritime Officer Lars Loen.

“You can imagine the resources and support that it took to bring this property to life,” Duffy said, noting that the project was completed on time and on budget.

Duffy highlighted team support from both Carnival and Carnival Corporation, as well as the features of the $600 million destination, which will see further investments in the future.

Now officially opened, Celebration Key is set to welcome 20 Carnival ships sailing from 20 homeports in the United States.

The port of call was designed to host two of the company’s large ships simultaneously (and soon four) and will be able to welcome Carnival’s new Ace Class ships starting in 2029.

One million guests are expected to visit Celebration Key in 2025, Duffy said, adding that the destination will serve as an economic asset for the island of Grand Bahama.

“All of us at Carnival are proud to have hired over 1,200 Bahamians to help build and now operate Celebration Key,” she said.

Features of the private destination include the largest freshwater lagoon in the Caribbean, the largest sandcastle in the world, as well as beach clubs, bars, restaurants, and waterslides.

Carnival Breeze Cruises Cancelled Due to Drydock Change

Carnival Breeze Cruises Cancelled Due to Drydock Change

Carnival Cruise Line is cancelling five cruises onboard the Carnival Breeze that were scheduled to take place in January and March 2027.

According to a statement sent to booked guests, the sailings will no longer go ahead due to a change in the ship’s maintenance plans.

Sailing from Galveston, the Carnival Breeze was set to offer short four- and five-night itineraries to the Western Caribbean and Mexico.

Affected sailings include the cruises set to depart on Jan. 11, Mar. 5, Mar. 13, Mar. 18, and Mar. 22, 2027.

The changes come after a short-term alteration in itinerary and drydock plans for the Carnival Breeze during the specific timeframe, Carnival explained.

“We sincerely apologise for this change and thank you for your understanding,” the company continued.

According to the letter, guests will be offered the option to either reschedule their bookings or receive a full refund of the fare paid for the original sailing.

“We have a variety of alternatives and are confident that you will find another Carnival Cruise that is filled with an equal amount of fun,” Carnival said.

Guests who opt to reschedule their reservations will have their cruise rate protected on a comparable sailing in similar accommodations.

Additionally, Carnival is also offering an onboard credit based on the duration of the cancelled voyage, which will be automatically posted to guests’ onboard accounts.

Passengers who were originally set to embark on Jan. 11, 2027, and from Mar. 17, 2027, through Mar. 22, 2027, will receive $25 per person, up to a maximum of $50 per cabin.

For guests who were sailing on the Mar. 5, 2027, departure, Carnival is offering a $50 onboard credit per person, up to $100 per stateroom.

Passengers who opt not to reschedule their cruises will be automatically refunded after July 21, 2025.

Refunds could take up to three weeks to be processed, the company said.

Carnival Partners With DXC Technology

Carnival Partners With DXC Technology

DXC Technology and Carnival Cruise Line today announced a multi-year agreement to power the cruise line’s technology infrastructure.

This partnership will support Carnival’s guest experience across its global fleet, as well as its portside and shoreside operations.

DXC will deliver IT services designed to enhance operational efficiency, improve employee productivity and help ensure a seamless and connected experience for guests.

“At Carnival, we’re committed to delivering memorable vacations for our guests, and technology plays a vital role in ensuring they have the best onboard experience,” said Sean Kenny, senior vice president and chief information officer at Carnival.

“The DXC team demonstrates exceptional technical expertise, responsiveness and a clear commitment to delivering on our long-term vision.”

“With them as our trusted partner, we’re investing in technology that strengthens the foundation of our operations to provide a great experience for our guests across our 29 ships globally and supporting our dedicated team members both shipboard and shoreside,” added Kenny.

“This collaboration with Carnival Cruise Line represents a significant milestone for DXC as we continue to expand our footprint in the hospitality and travel sectors,” said Chris Drumgoole, president of global infrastructure services at DXC Technology.

“Our goal is clear: deliver complete customer operational confidence by minimising technology disruptions. By managing their complex IT operations and providing modern solutions, we’re proud to help Carnival do what they do best, ensuring every guest enjoys their cruise vacation,” added Drumgoole.

Through the partnership, DXC will manage Carnival’s core IT infrastructure across all operational environments, including shipboard systems, shoreside offices and port facilities.

Using an employee-centric delivery model, DXC will ensure that the tools and services provided are tailored to support Carnival’s workforce needs and provide a consistent guest experience.

Services will include workplace support, IT service management, infrastructure operations and security risk management.