Carnival moves drink and WiFi packages to dynamic pricing Dec 1
From Dec 1, 2026, Carnival's CHEERS!, Zero Proof, Bottomless Bubbles and WiFi prices will vary by sailing length, itinerary and season, replacing flat daily rates. Short and peak sailings will likely cost more, so advisors should push clients to buy before the change. It is unclear whether purchases made before Dec 1 lock in current rates; confirm with Carnival before promising anything.
Separately, four FunPacks are bookable only Oct 13-30 for sailings from Oct 31, 2026 through December 2027. That window closes in two weeks.
- Kidstarter: $25 pp/day
- Zero Proof: $50 pp/day
- Social: $60 pp/day
- Epic: $99 pp/day
Royal Caribbean builds its first year-round Europe program for 2028
Royal Caribbean will keep Rhapsody of the Seas in Europe through winter and send six other ships, including Explorer, Freedom, Liberty and Jewel, there from May to October 2028. Itineraries include Santorini overnights and access to Royal Beach Club Santorini. General sales opened Oct 15, after Crown & Anchor early access, so the product is bookable now.
For advisors this is a long-lead product with strong group and early-booking potential, and it marks a real shift in how the line deploys its fleet.
Brilliant Lady faces a fourth storm-disrupted sailing as Pacific Mexico weather builds
Virgin Voyages' Oct 17 Los Angeles departure on the Mexican Riviera (Cabo, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta) may be affected by Hurricane Trudy, forecast to reach major hurricane strength. An alternate itinerary has been prepared. The previous three Brilliant Lady sailings were all rerouted.
National Hurricane Center data dated Oct 12 showed Hurricane Simon, at 115 mph, near Cabo Corrientes in the Puerto Vallarta area, with another system, EP93, near-certain to form south of Mexico. The Atlantic was quiet. Advisors with Pacific Mexico sailings or pre/post stays should contact clients now and review each line's change and compensation policies.
Carnival pulls two ships from Australia after March 2028
Carnival will cut its Australian fleet from four ships to two, with Splendor and Encounter staying. Luminosa and Carnival Adventure make their final departures on Mar 15 and Mar 20, 2028, and will likely move to repositioning Journeys voyages. Carnival cites uncertainty over cruise licensing rules.
Capacity for Australia and New Zealand will tighten, so advisors with Down Under clients should expect demand to shift and consider booking earlier. The repositioning voyages may be a new inventory source.
Royal Caribbean flags long boarding delays under new rules
Royal Caribbean is warning guests to expect long boarding delays under new rules. The source gives only a headline, so the specific rule and its effective date are unconfirmed. Advisors should check the line's guidance before telling clients how to plan arrival timing and check-in.
Disney ends Palo prix-fixe for loyalty members Oct 22
Effective Oct 22, 2026, Disney Cruise Line ends the free Palo prix-fixe dinner for Platinum and Pearl members fleetwide. Members instead receive a $55 per-person à la carte credit, which also applies to others in the stateroom as long as the member is present. The value is comparable, but repeat Disney clients are likely to ask about it.
Early holiday promos: Margaritaville at Sea and Holland America
Margaritaville at Sea's early Black Friday sale runs Oct 14 to Nov 3 with fares from $49 pp/night, free third and fourth guests and up to $2,000 instant savings. It also launches a 2027 annual unlimited-cruise membership with $200 off. Expect clients to ask about price-matching as other lines follow.
Holland America's 'Save on Sunshine' runs Oct 13-21 with up to 50% off and up to $200 onboard credit. Kids sail free as third or fourth guests, and select holiday cruises include complimentary specialty dining. The window is short.