But now it’s more than just cruisers debating the ethics of gratuities.

The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs has been taking a closer look at how cruise lines disclose gratuities. They’re concerned about potentially misleading advertising and the fact that the advertised price isn’t necessarily what you’ll end up paying. While cruise lines have started including more fees in their advertised prices, gratuities are still commonly left out.

Now, Royal Caribbean and Virgin Voyages are changing how they explain gratuities during the booking process, following separate NAD reviews.

In decisions published October 21, 2026, the advertising watchdog examined whether the cruise lines were doing enough to explain these charges to customers. Both cruise lines agreed to make their disclosures clearer, particularly around the fact that gratuities are optional and can be adjusted or removed.

Royal Caribbean Makes Gratuities More Clearly Optional

On October 21, NAD issued a press release explaining that, as part of its routine, ongoing monitoring program, it reviewed Royal Caribbean’s advertising and how the cruise line disclosed gratuities during booking.

The review looked at “whether Royal Caribbean’s advertising disclosed all mandatory fees” and whether customers were getting an accurate impression of the total cost of their vacation.

During the inquiry, Royal Caribbean voluntarily updated its online booking process to make it clearer that gratuities aren’t mandatory.

The cruise line modified its booking process to more clearly explain that gratuities are optional, that guests can choose whether to prepay them, and that they can modify or remove them before disembarkation.

The NAD determined that these changes were sufficient to explain the costs to consumers. But it still had some additional recommendations.

It recommended that Royal Caribbean make the optional nature of gratuities clearer in its “Learn More” section and on the final checkout page.

Royal Caribbean responded that it has already implemented those additional recommendations.

What Are Royal Caribbean’s Current Gratuities?

Royal Caribbean currently charges the following daily gratuities:

• Standard cabins: $18.50 per person, per day.
• Suites: $21 per person, per day.

Guests who don’t prepay will automatically see these charges added to their onboard account each day.

If you don’t want to pay those gratuities, you can head to Guest Relations during the sailing and have them removed, something that’s frequently discussed online.

But here’s something that might surprise even frequent Royal Caribbean cruisers. It’s not just the daily gratuities that are optional.

Royal Caribbean also automatically adds gratuities to certain purchases made before or during your cruise:

• 18% on beverages, drink packages, specialty dining, dining packages, room service, and minibar purchases.
• 20% on spa and salon purchases.

But these are apparently optional as well. Royal Caribbean’s current FAQ explicitly states that the 18% and 20% gratuities are optional and may be adjusted or removed at the guest’s discretion.

The policy also states that guests can visit Guest Relations to modify or remove any gratuity before the morning of disembarkation.

It’s not clear if this is a new policy or just wasn’t fully disclosed before. And that uncertainly really illustrates NAD’s point.

Virgin Voyages Agrees to Explain Gratuities More Clearly

Similarly, during a routine review, NAD took issue with how Virgin Voyages disclosed gratuities during booking.

When Virgin Voyages first launched, one of its biggest selling points was its more inclusive pricing. Unlike other major cruise lines, gratuities were already included in the cruise fare.

That changed in October 2025 when Virgin introduced its new VoyageFair Choices pricing structure. The cruise line separated gratuities from the base fare, allowing it to advertise lower starting prices.

Now, the NAD has raised concerns about how Virgin explains those gratuities during booking.

In its review, the NAD found that Virgin didn’t do enough to explain that gratuities are discretionary, how they are applied, and how guests can remove them. It also pointed out that Virgin referred to gratuities as a “service charge” during the final checkout step, potentially making customers think the charge was mandatory.

The NAD recommended that Virgin make several things clearer throughout its booking process, including:

• Gratuities are optional, but become nonrefundable when prepaid.
• Guests pay more for gratuities if they wait until they’re onboard.
• Guests who don’t prepay can modify or remove gratuities before disembarking, with clear explanations of any conditions that apply.

Virgin Voyages agreed to comply with the recommendations.

Virgin Voyages’ Current Gratuities

Virgin Voyages charges $20 per sailor, per night when gratuities are prepaid, or $22 per sailor, per night if guests wait until they’re onboard.

That $2 difference might encourage guests to prepay, but there’s an important catch. Once you prepay Virgin’s gratuities, they’re nonrefundable.

If you choose to have them added to your onboard account instead, you can visit Sailor Services to adjust or remove them before disembarkation.

So, prepaying saves you some money, but it also means giving up the option to adjust those gratuities based on the service you receive.

Unlike Royal Caribbean, Virgin doesn’t add extra gratuities to drinks, specialty dining, or spa services. The daily service gratuity is intended to cover the crew members who serve you throughout the cruise.

My Take: Gratuities Should Already Be Included in Cruise Fares

I’m glad to see more attention being paid to cruise pricing transparency and that advertising watchdogs are keeping an eye on the cruise companies.

Cruise lines want to advertise the lowest possible starting price to attract customers. Gratuities are an easy way to keep those advertised prices low, even though most passengers end up paying them.

And let’s be clear, this isn’t about whether crew members deserve gratuities. They work incredibly hard, and the service they provide is part of what makes cruising special.

My issue is with how the cruise lines handle the charges. If gratuities are such an important part of compensating crew members, why aren’t they simply built into the cruise fare in the first place?

That’s one of the things I originally loved about Virgin Voyages. When you booked a cruise, gratuities were already included. You didn’t have to think about them, budget for them separately, or worry about another charge appearing on your account. I really feel that Virgin took a step backward when it changed that model in 2025.

I think it’s deceptive to advertise a cruise at one price when you know most passengers will end up paying substantially more in gratuities. I’d much rather see cruise lines include these costs in their advertised fares and offer a more straightforward price from the start.

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While Princess is promoting the expansion as an upgrade, there’s one important detail. Once the existing Sanctuary is converted into the Sanctuary Club, passengers will no longer be able to purchase day passes to access the area.

That means guests who want to enjoy the adults-only retreat will need to book one of the designated Sanctuary Collection staterooms.

What’s Changing With the Sanctuary?

For years, The Sanctuary has been one of Princess Cruises’ signature features. The adults-only retreat offers comfortable loungers, private cabanas, and a quiet place to relax away from the busier pool decks.

Passengers could pay extra to access the area for a half day or full day, making it an appealing option for people who wanted a relaxing sea day without having to book an expensive suite.

But on five ships, Princess will convert the existing Sanctuary areas into the Sanctuary Club, an exclusive space reserved for passengers staying in Sanctuary Collection accommodations.

The new Sanctuary Club will feature an adults-only pool area, upgraded loungers, shaded cabanas, and dedicated food and beverage service. Cabanas will still be available for an additional charge, but only for passengers who already have access to the club.

According to Princess’s updated FAQ, passengers will no longer be able to purchase day passes, loungers, or cabanas in the area once it becomes the Sanctuary Club. It doesn’t matter if you’re willing to pay extra for access. If you’re not staying in a Sanctuary Collection stateroom, you won’t be allowed in.

Which Princess Ships Are Getting Sanctuary Collection?

Princess is rolling out the changes to five of its Royal Class ships over the next several months.

The expansion is also part of a larger, multi-year modernization effort across the Princess fleet, so we could see similar changes announced for additional ships in the future.

What Is Included With Sanctuary Collection?

Sanctuary Collection is Princess’s version of a ship-within-a-ship experience, offering additional perks and exclusive spaces to passengers staying in certain accommodations.

It’s not limited to just the most expensive suites, either. On the five ships being converted, Sanctuary Collection will include select suites, mini-suites, balcony staterooms, and even oceanview staterooms.

For example, Royal Princess will have 231 staterooms designated as part of Sanctuary Collection. That’s roughly 13% of all cabins on the ship.

Guests staying in these accommodations will receive several additional benefits.

Access to the Sanctuary Club

The biggest perk is access to the Sanctuary Club, a private adults-only area with a pool, comfortable loungers, cabanas, and dedicated food and drink service.

The space is restricted to passengers ages 16 and older, even if younger passengers are staying in Sanctuary Collection accommodations.

Exclusive Sanctuary Restaurant

Passengers will also have access to the Sanctuary Restaurant, a dedicated dining area with special menus inspired by the destinations Princess visits. The restaurant will have dedicated waitstaff, and guests won’t need reservations to dine there.

Access to the Suite Lounge

Passengers staying in Sanctuary Collection suites will receive access to an additional private lounge. This space will offer refreshments, a quieter place to relax, and personalized concierge assistance. This benefit is exclusive to suite guests and isn’t included with other Sanctuary Collection staterooms.

Princess Premier Package

New Sanctuary Collection bookings for eligible sailings will also include Princess Premier, the cruise line’s highest-tier package.

That means passengers will receive benefits like unlimited premium beverages, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, crew appreciation, and other extras.

This makes Sanctuary Collection more than just a room upgrade, since many of the extras that passengers would normally purchase separately are included in the fare.

Is This a Good Change for Princess Cruises?

Ship-within-a-ship concepts have proved increasingly popular with cruise lines, and this upgrade is bringing Princess’s older ships in line with the latest offerings from the cruise line and its competitors.

For passengers willing to book Sanctuary Collection accommodations, the changes add quite a few perks. The exclusive dining, private pool area, and included Princess Premier package could make these staterooms a more attractive option.

On the other hand, it takes away a popular option for passengers who don’t want to pay for a premium stateroom. Previously, you could book a regular balcony or interior room and still treat yourself to a relaxing day in The Sanctuary by paying for a day pass. Now, that option is disappearing from these five ships.

And while that’s great for passengers who want a more exclusive experience, it also means fewer options for everyone else.

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Now, Virgin Voyages is changing things up with a completely new menu at The Beach Club at Bimini and refreshed menus at two of its popular onboard restaurants, The Wake and The Dock.

All-New Caribbean Menu at The Beach Club at Bimini

The Beach Club at Bimini is as close as Virgin Voyages comes to a “private island” experience. It’s a dedicated beach club where Virgin Voyages brings its onboard experience to land while a ship is in port.

As part of that experience, food has always been included, but now Virgin Voyages is completely replacing the existing menu with new dishes inspired by Caribbean cuisine.

Virgin Voyages partnered with Chef Rashida Holmes, the chef behind Bridgetown Roti in Los Angeles, to develop the new menu. Holmes has Bajan (Barbadian) and Trinidadian roots, and many of the dishes are inspired by recipes she grew up eating.

One of the highlights is Curry Chicken Roti, made using her mother’s recipe, with Yukon Gold potatoes and turmeric-spiced cabbage. Another is Snapper Patties, inspired by a business Holmes started on Instagram during the pandemic that quickly sold out.

Other dishes on the new menu include Tamarind BBQ Pork Skewers, grilled shrimp with pineapple chow, Coconut Curry Channa, and Caribbean-style patties filled with chicken, snapper, or eggplant.

For sides, guests can enjoy tostones (fried plantains) with guacamole and pigeon peas and rice. For dessert, there’s Coconut Rice Pudding with tropical fruits and sweet plantains.

It’s a complete replacement of the previous menu, meaning some popular dishes, like the jerk chicken and rum cake, will no longer be available.

When Will the New Bimini Menu Be Available?

The new menu is being rolled out gradually, depending on which ship is visiting the beach club.

• Resilient Lady: Mid-October 2026
• Scarlet Lady: October 25, 2026
• Brilliant Lady: November 15, 2026
• Valiant Lady: April 10, 2027

The food at the beach club will continue to be included in the cruise fare.

The Wake Gets Updated Brunch and Dinner Menus

Back onboard, Virgin Voyages is also refreshing the menus at The Wake, its upscale steakhouse. The restaurant is one of the largest dining venues onboard Virgin Voyages’ ships and is quite popular. It has an elegant, classic steakhouse atmosphere, offering steaks, seafood, and a popular brunch.

For the refresh, Virgin Voyages brought back Michelin-starred chef Brad Farmerie, who helped develop the restaurant’s original menu. The goal was to offer more variety between brunch and dinner while keeping many of the restaurant’s popular dishes. And at dinner, they’ll offer some dishes specific to each individual ship.

For brunch, new options include Waldorf Salad, Russet Sweet Potato Hash, and Portobello Mushroom Benedict.

The dinner menu has more seafood choices, including Pan Roasted Salmon, Grilled Swordfish, and Caramelized Sea Scallops. Other additions include Chilled Corn Soup, Leek & Potato Soup, and Tuna Tartare, although some dishes will vary by ship.

The popular Clam Chowder will remain on the dinner menu, and Bacon-Wrapped Twice-Baked Potatoes will be available across the fleet.

Oysters Rockefeller will also be available as a premium “Treat Yourself” option for an additional charge.

The updated menus also have more vegan and gluten-free options, including a Broccoli Quinoa Pancake at dinner.

For cruises longer than seven nights, The Wake will offer additional specials, giving guests much-needed variety during longer sailings.

The Dock Gets New Mediterranean Dishes

The Dock is another venue getting a menu refresh. Located at the back of Deck 7, The Dock is one of the more relaxing spots on Virgin Voyages’ ships. It has comfortable outdoor seating, great views of the ocean, and servers who bring Mediterranean-style small plates right to your table.

The menu here has always been designed more for snacking and sharing than having a full meal.

The updated menu features new dishes like Jeweled Tabbouleh, Sautéed Eggplant, Trumpet Royale Mushrooms, Red Lentil Dip, Turkish Deviled Eggs, and Kebbeh. There are also some new grilled options, including Pork Souvlaki and Beef Kafta Skewers.

Seafood options include Swordfish, Yellowfin Tuna, and the returning Poached Shrimp.

For dessert, Resilient Lady will also offer a Plum Pita Tart.

The new menus at both The Wake and The Dock are already available across the fleet. As before, the restaurants are included in the cruise fare, although some premium dishes at The Wake cost extra.

Our Take: A Welcome Change for Repeat Cruisers

One of the biggest advantages of Virgin Voyages is its variety of included dining options. Rather than having a traditional main dining room, guests can try different restaurants throughout their cruise without having to pay extra for specialty dining.

But that can also be a downside for repeat cruisers or those on longer sailings. When you’ve already been on a Virgin Voyages ship a few times, you’ve likely tried most of the restaurants and their menus.

Virgin has been addressing this recently by introducing different dining concepts across its ships. For example, Scarlet Lady now has Lucky Lotus by Razzle Dazzle, Brilliant Lady has Rojo by Razzle Dazzle, and Valiant Lady recently introduced Ariya, an Indian-inspired restaurant.

Updating the existing menus is another good way to keep things fresh without having to completely redesign the restaurants.

Personally, The Dock is one of my favorite spots on Virgin Voyages’ ships. It’s easy to overlook because it’s not a traditional restaurant, but grabbing a few small plates while relaxing outside and enjoying the ocean views is a great way to spend an afternoon. I’m looking forward to seeing how the new menu compares.

The Bimini menu is probably the biggest change, though. I like that Virgin is bringing in some new Caribbean flavors and family recipes, but the menu still doesn’t offer many options for guests with pickier tastes. I know burgers and fried chicken don’t necessarily fit the beach club vibe, but picky eaters may have to head back onboard to find something they like.

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Twin Sister Ship to Norwegian Aura

Norwegian’s Prima Class consists of six ships: Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Aqua, Norwegian Luna, Norwegian Aura, and now Norwegian Bella.

The ships have been designed in pairs, with each pair bringing something new to the table. The original ships, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, were nearly identical. Then came Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, which were approximately 10% larger than the original ships, with different top-deck attractions and some restaurants and bars moved to new locations.

Norwegian Aura and Norwegian Bella will continue that trend. These twin sister ships will be another 10% larger than Aqua and Luna, making them the largest ships in Norwegian’s fleet.

Norwegian Bella Shares Most Features with Aura

Norwegian’s announcement of Bella was pretty light on new details, mostly rehashing information we’ve already learned about its sister ship, Aura. That’s not surprising, since the two ships will be nearly identical.

Like Aura, Bella will be one of the largest ships in Norwegian’s fleet, coming in at 1,129 feet long and approximately 170,000 gross tons. It’ll hold 3,921 guests at double occupancy.

One thing that will make Bella look different is its hull artwork. The colorful design was created by Australian muralist George Rose, who is known for her botanical-inspired artwork.

Ocean Heights Top Deck Attraction

There’s no racetrack or Aqua SlideCoaster on Bella. Like Aura, it’ll feature Ocean Heights as its primary top-deck attraction. This three-story, open-air complex includes a ropes course, carnival-style games, mini-golf, the Moon Climber adventure course, and four waterslides.

Thrill seekers will have a few options, including Eclipse Racers, a pair of dueling mat-racing slides, and Bella Free Fall, which starts with the floor dropping out from under riders. There’s also The Wave, a family raft slide that accommodates up to four people. The 10-story Drop dry slide also returns.

There will also be two additional kid-friendly waterslides near the redesigned splash pad, bringing the ship’s total to six waterslides.

At night, Ocean Heights will transform into a colorful outdoor space with immersive lighting and LED projections.

Ocean Boulevard Returns

The beautiful, wraparound exterior promenade deck has been a main feature on every Prima Class ship, but it’s been enhanced on Bella.

The deck will feature an expanded Infinity Beach area with infinity pools, hot tubs, additional seating, and an outdoor bar. It’s a great spot to relax and take in the ocean views.

Like on Aura, it will also feature three new play areas for different age groups. Little Explorers’ Cay is at the front of the ship, with a dry playground and playhouse with two slides for kids ages 2 to 6. Adventure Alley replaces part of La Terrazza on previous ships and features crawl spaces and twisting tunnels for kids ages 6 to 10. Teens will also have a dedicated space at Surf’s Bay, with places to hang out and a surf-themed photo wall.

Expanded Pool Deck

The pool deck on Bella is also getting a much-needed upgrade. According to Norwegian’s press release, it’ll be over 15% larger than those on Aqua and Luna, with additional seating and another infinity hot tub.

Interestingly, Norwegian’s January 2026 press release for Aura said the pool deck would be over 20% larger. It’s unclear why Norwegian is using a different figure for Bella, especially since the ships have nearly identical designs.

The space will also feature a larger LED screen and more open lounge areas, making it one of the largest pool decks in Norwegian’s fleet.

Norwegian Bella Will Spend Its Inaugural Season in the Mediterranean

Norwegian also opened Bella’s first sailings for sale. Unlike Aura, which will spend its first summer sailing the Caribbean from Miami, Bella will spend its inaugural season in Europe. The ship’s inaugural voyage is scheduled for May 2, 2028, with a five-night sailing from Malta to Barcelona.

Starting in May 2028, the ship is scheduled to offer seven-night round-trip sailings from Barcelona. Depending on the itinerary, guests can visit Rome, Florence/Pisa, Marseille, Palma de Mallorca, and the Amalfi Coast, among other destinations.

Bella is scheduled to stay in the Mediterranean through October 2028.

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While the move could be good news for North American cruisers, it also raises some questions about Carnival’s commitment to Australia and whether this announcement is really about something more.

Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Adventure Leaving Australia in March 2028

In February, the cruise line announced that Carnival Adventure would switch to seasonal sailings in Australia, spending the Northern Hemisphere summer sailing in North America. Carnival has already announced that the ship will offer 18 seven-day Alaska cruises from Seattle between May and September 2028, along with two longer Carnival Journeys sailings.

But in a press release this week, Carnival announced that in March 2028, Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Adventure will leave Australia with no plans to return. Carnival Luminosa will make its final Australian departure from Sydney on March 15, 2028, followed by Carnival Adventure on March 20.

Carnival Luminosa already splits its time between Australia and North America, but Carnival hasn’t announced where the ship will sail after leaving Australia in March 2028.

That means Carnival will go from four ships sailing in the Australian market to just two. Carnival Splendor will continue sailing year-round from Sydney, while Carnival Encounter will remain in Brisbane.

Two Ships With Non-Carnival Backgrounds

Both ships have complicated histories. Neither was originally built for Carnival Cruise Line or the North American market, meaning they have some significant differences from the rest of the Carnival fleet.

Carnival Luminosa

Carnival Luminosa transferred from sister cruise line Costa Cruises in 2022. The ship originally debuted in 2009 and is based on a design very similar to Carnival’s Spirit-class ships, including Carnival Miracle, Carnival Pride, Carnival Spirit, and Carnival Legend.

Before joining Carnival’s fleet, it underwent a dry dock to bring it more in line with the rest of the ships. Carnival added several signature venues, including Cloud 9 Spa, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Alchemy Bar, Pizzeria del Capitano, RedFrog Rum Bar, and an adults-only Serenity area.

But Carnival also skipped a few upgrades.

The ship lacks Carnival’s signature whale-tail funnel, though the existing funnel is painted red. It also doesn’t have Guy’s Burger Joint, the popular included fast-casual restaurant found on almost every other Carnival ship. It’s also missing BlueIguana Cantina, mini-golf, and waterslides, features you’ll find on most other Carnival ships.

For guests used to the traditional Carnival experience, these missing features can make the ship feel a little different from the rest of the fleet.

Carnival Adventure

Carnival Adventure has an even more complicated history.

The ship originally debuted as Golden Princess for Princess Cruises in 2001 before being transferred to P&O Cruises Australia in 2020, where it was renamed Pacific Adventure.

When Carnival Corporation shut down P&O Cruises Australia, it transferred the ship to Carnival Cruise Line in March 2025 and renamed it Carnival Adventure.

Unlike Carnival Luminosa, Carnival Adventure didn’t receive nearly as many upgrades to bring it in line with the rest of Carnival’s fleet.

Besides the fact that it doesn’t have Carnival’s signature red funnel or even share the same hull color scheme as the rest of the fleet, it’s also missing several traditional Carnival staples.

That includes:

• Guy’s Burger Joint
• BlueIguana Cantina
• Alchemy Bar
• All-day included pizza
• Complimentary soft-serve ice cream

While most Carnival ships offer complimentary pizza until late at night and free soft-serve ice cream throughout the day, Carnival Adventure only offers included pizza between 11 AM and 4 PM. After that, it costs extra. Ice cream is available at New Zealand Natural, but it costs extra.

Carnival has made some improvements, though. Earlier this year, it announced the addition of Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and Bonsai Sushi Express, bringing two more signature Carnival dining experiences to the ship.

The ship is also scheduled for a dry dock in 2027, but Carnival hasn’t announced whether it will receive additional upgrades specifically for its move to North America. It could be an issue. Carnival guests in North America are used to having certain restaurants, venues, and amenities included in their cruise fare, and Carnival Adventure doesn’t currently offer all of them.

Our Take: Carnival Is Putting Political Pressure on the Australian Government

Carnival is currently the only major cruise line with ships sailing year-round from Australia. And while its press release boasts about having a “larger and more direct commitment to the local market” than other cruise lines, shutting down the country’s dedicated P&O brand and then removing two ships just a few years later seems to run counter to that.

To be fair, the Australian market has been challenging for cruise lines. One of the biggest problems is the cost of operating there. Port fees, provisioning, fuel, and other expenses can be higher than in other markets.

There’s also considerable uncertainty around the country’s regulations. For years, the Australian Federal Government has allowed cruise ships to sail between Australian ports under temporary exemptions from the Coastal Trading Act.

On October 2, the government extended that exemption through December 31, 2028, but also added new labor protections that will take effect in 2027, including protections for workers’ collective bargaining rights.

Carnival has also been making headlines over allegations about working conditions onboard its ships, although inspections by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority found no deficiencies. The authority has continued reviewing the broader complaint.

From a business perspective, moving these ships out of Australia could make sense. Carnival has already pointed to more favorable market conditions elsewhere, and North American itineraries may offer opportunities for higher revenue.

But the whole press release reads much more like a political move than a typical announcement about ship deployments.

Cruise lines usually announce deployment changes alongside new itineraries, homeports, and sailings they want to sell. This announcement doesn’t provide any new sailing details for either ship, even though Carnival Adventure’s previously announced Alaska cruises are already on sale.

Instead, much of the release focuses on the Australian government and the regulatory environment.

Carnival specifically talks about the need for “long-term certainty” and “globally competitive operating conditions.” Carnival Cruise Line Country Manager Peter Little also calls the government’s recent extension an “interim step.”

That’s a lot of discussion about government regulations for a press release that’s supposedly about moving two cruise ships.

The timing is also interesting. Just 13 days after the Australian government announced its extension and new labor protections, Carnival announced that it was permanently removing two ships from the market.

To me, this looks like Carnival using its ships as leverage to influence government policy. The financial considerations are probably real, and these ships may ultimately be more profitable elsewhere. But announcing their permanent departure this far in advance, without any significant new itinerary details, feels like a calculated move to put pressure on the Australian government.

Whether that pressure works remains to be seen.

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Celebrity Flora Day 3 Overview

• Celebrity Flora Day 3 Schedule
• Breakfast in Seaside Restaurant
• Excursion 1: Long Walk at Punta Cormorant
  • Preparing for the Excursion
  • Tendering to Punta Cormorant Beach
  • Walk Across the Island to the Beach
  • Encounter with a Sea Turtle
  • Flamingos
  • Blue-Footed Booby
  • Back to Flora
• Excursion 2: Advanced Deep-Water Snorkel at Champion Island
• Italian Buffet Lunch
• Excursion 3: Kayak and Beach Walk at Post Office Bay-
  • Kayaking in Post Office Bay
  • Beach Walk and Post Office
• Back on Flora: Life at Sea Panel and Wine & Cheese Gathering
• Dinner in Seaside Restaurant

Celebrity Flora Day 3 Schedule

Breakfast in Seaside Restaurant

Days start early on Flora if you want to get the first excursions in. So I was up at 7 AM, just after the sun rose. Thankfully, the amazing blackout curtains blocked it out, so I didn’t wake up until my alarm went off. I slept slightly better than the previous night, but I was still surprised by how loud the cabin was, with knocking and creaking.

I went down to Seaside Restaurant for breakfast and got a table by a large porthole window to take in the view. It was a gorgeous day, with the sun glistening off the water and pouring into the room.

The breakfast buffet here was largely the same as the day before, with a few swaps. Today, there were banana pancakes instead of regular ones, along with some new fruits and pastries. The freshly made juice of the day was tree tomato juice, which I really enjoyed. Tree tomato is the local name for tamarillo, a smallish fruit that has a sweet and tart taste, kind of like if you combined a regular tomato, guava, and passionfruit.

The dining room was maybe half full at this point, with no lines and plenty of open tables. It was a far cry from a port day that you’d experience on a normal cruise ship. I could get used to vacationing like this.

Excursion 1: Long Walk at Punta Cormorant

Today, we were exploring Floreana Island. The first excursion we picked for the day was “Option 1: Long Walk and Optional Swim/Beach Snorkel.” This included a walk across the island, followed by time to swim or do a beach snorkel near some cliffs. If you were doing the Advanced deep-water snorkel afterward, you couldn’t do the beach snorkel because there wouldn’t be enough time.

Preparing for the Excursion

We finished breakfast and walked across the hall to the Discovery Lounge around 7:45 AM for our 8 AM excursion. This one seemed to be the most popular, with at least half the ship signing up for the Long Walk option. During the briefing, Gio, the expedition director, explained that it wasn’t as strenuous as the previous day’s excursion, with fewer hills and slippery surfaces.

We went up to a naturalist and checked in, and they assigned us to the first tender. Then we sat down at a table and waited for 8 AM, when they promptly started loading the tenders. I was consistently impressed with how smoothly the tender process went for a ship of 100 people. In my research beforehand, I kept seeing people recommend the smaller ships for the Galapagos because you supposedly spend more time waiting around on larger ships, but I almost never felt that at all.

Tendering to Punta Cormorant Beach

They called Tender 1, and we headed down to the Marina to put on our life jackets and board the tender. It felt like I was traveling light today. Since this wasn’t a very strenuous walk, and we weren’t snorkeling from the shore, I just brought the Celebrity backpack they gave us to hold my sun hat and water bottle. I could have easily skipped it altogether.

The tender bounced across the water, and the driver threw it into high gear and landed us on shore. This excursion was a “wet landing,” which meant there was no dock. The tender would end up on the beach, and you’d have to get out and walk through maybe 6 to 8 inches of water.

Because it was a wet landing with hiking, I wore my aqua sandals, knockoff versions of the popular TEVA sandals that people recommended (see them here on Amazon). They were fine in the water and drained quickly, but they were also sturdy with a solid toe for hiking. I much preferred these to flip-flops and changing on the beach, or thin water shoes that would be awful for hiking because you’d feel every rock.

Walk Across the Island to the Beach

The guide took our life vests, and we started walking across the island. Floreana feels completely different from the island we were at yesterday. This landscape had many more trees and shrubs.

Even Floreana itself was diverse. We started on a beach covered in “green sand,” which is relatively rare in the world. The color comes from olivine, an olive-green mineral. When the island was formed through volcanic eruptions, it crystallized into this mineral, and erosion eventually turned it into the coarse, greenish sand covering the beach.

This excursion was the first time I wished they grouped people by skill level a bit better. One woman in our group had trouble walking, so she moved a bit slower and struggled. Since the rest of the group was more mobile, she missed explanations from the naturalist while trying to catch up. If she had been in a group that moved a bit slower, it wouldn’t have been as much of a problem.

Tip: Groups for excursions are assigned mostly by the time you check in. If you know you like to travel with certain people, or would prefer not to be in a group with certain others, pay attention to who is checking in when. While everyone on the cruise was amazing, some were more enjoyable to be on excursions with than others.

Encounter with a Sea Turtle

We arrived at the second beach, covered in much more typical fine, white sand. This is a spot where sea turtles come and lay their eggs. And we were in luck. Just as we turned the corner, a large sea turtle was slowly making its way from the dunes back to the ocean.

I never realized how physically draining that must be for these animals. Sea turtles have very little mobility on land, and it takes so much energy for them to push themselves with their flippers up and down the beach. You could tell the turtle was tired, taking breaks after every few scoots down toward the water.

We approached carefully, staying about 15 feet away, and the whole group watched in complete silence. It was amazing to see this magnificent creature slowly wade into the surf before disappearing completely. It’s something I never could have expected to see, and I don’t think I would have guessed how awe-inspiring and impactful it would be for me.

Flamingos

We headed back along the hiking path to where we came from, then just past it to a brackish pond. Here, depending on the time of year, you could usually see flamingos feeding on the brine shrimp living in the muddy water.

Most of the flamingos in the water were American, but our guide also noticed some Chilean flamingos as well, noticeably different in their color, at least to him. The flamingos were on the far side of the pond, so they were a bit far away, although still closer than you’d probably see them at most zoos.

Blue-Footed Booby

As we walked back to shore, a blue-footed booby sat high on a dune on the beach. Going to the Galapagos, I knew we were likely to see them, but oddly, it wasn’t the top thing I was interested in. “It’s just a bird,” I thought. But seeing one in person, with those aqua-colored feet against the beach, was something totally different. I’d never seen a creature like that. It felt almost like it was out of a CGI movie.

Like all the other animals we encountered, the bird was completely indifferent to us. It was neither afraid nor excited to see us because these animals are never harmed or fed by humans. It stretched its neck and almost seemed to pose for pictures.

Back to Flora

After about 2.5 miles and nearly 2 hours of walking, we got our life jackets back on and headed back to Celebrity Flora.

Back on board, we had to scrub our sandals because the green sand and large pebbles got stuck in the treads.

Our next excursion was at 10:30 AM, so we had about 30 minutes to grab our things, change into our bathing suits and wetsuits, and meet back in the Discovery Lounge.

Tip: Celebrity provides reef-safe sunscreen that was actually quite nice. If you run out, just ask your attendant for some more.

Excursion 2: Advanced Deep-Water Snorkel at Champion Island

At 10:15, we showed up at the lounge, checked in, and got our tender. This excursion had 4 different tenders, so at least 30 people were doing it. Because it was an “advanced” snorkel, groups were closer to 10 people or fewer so the naturalist could keep track of everyone.

We grabbed the snorkel bags already hanging up by cabin number, grabbed a towel, and jumped into the boat.

For this snorkel, we were again with naturalist Ivon. He told us the ride to Champion Island, where we’d be snorkeling, was a 25-minute tender ride each way.

The water was rougher today, so boarding the tender was an experience. The tender would literally bounce up and down at least a foot and a half as you tried to board it. But the staff knew what they were doing. They’d be right at the stairs, and each time the Zodiac’s stairs approached the deck of Flora, they’d give you the signal to go so you could quickly make the jump onto it.

The tender pulled away, and we quickly made our way over to the snorkel area. The landscape was beautiful, with massive islands rising out of the pristine blue waters. It felt like a scene out of Jurassic Park, the beginning parts when you’re amazed by nature, not the end when dinosaurs terrorize you.

This was an “advanced” snorkel because we’d be dropping in the middle of the water. There was no shore or land. The currents were also a bit strong, not enough to suck you out to sea, but enough to make swimming a bit more difficult.

We arrived at the snorkel spot, and Ivon gave us our instructions. We’d go as one group and stay together the whole time. We’d swim along the shore of Champion Island, and then the tender would pick us up at the end. Ivon wore a yellow face mask, which made it easy to spot him among everyone else in the group. The driver would be alongside us in the tender in case anyone needed help.

We suited up and jumped into the water one by one. It was brisk, but not overly cold thanks to El Niño, which made the water 3 to 4 degrees warmer than usual for this time of year.

The water was so much clearer than the previous day, and the bright sun made it easier to see everything. I saw so many more fish here than the day before. You’d see massive schools of fish swimming all around you.

Swimming along the island’s rocks, we saw sea lions relaxing on the rocks and swimming around. Ivon had his own GoPro and was diving deep to get good pictures of the fish and some turtles. There was so much wildlife here, and it felt completely different doing it in deep water where you couldn’t touch the bottom.

Tip: At the end of the cruise, you get a USB drive and download all the photos and videos the naturalists take. The video is one large compiled video of the whole trip, though, so if you want more detailed videos, consider bringing your own GoPro. This entry-level model worked great for me. (See on Amazon)

As we got to the end of the snorkeling stretch, the tender pulled up, and we all loaded back in and headed back to the ship.

Italian Buffet Lunch

Back on board, the staff welcomed us again. We washed and hung up our wetsuits and snorkeling equipment and headed back to the cabin. It was time for the second shower of the day before heading to lunch.

The buffet lunch in the dining room today was Italian fare: pasta, pizza, caprese salads, etc. It was pretty decent, and I would say that the pizza was actually better than what’s served on normal Celebrity ships, which I don’t care for at all.

If you didn’t like Italian food, though, there weren’t many other options in the dining room. So after I had some pasta and a slice of pizza, we headed up to Ocean Grill for something different. This time, I tried the quesadilla, which was delicious and jam-packed with flavorful chicken pieces and gooey, melted cheese.

The weather was beautiful, and I really enjoyed eating al fresco out here, getting the fresh ocean breeze while staying protected from the sun. I do wish this area was self-service rather than table service, just to speed it up a bit. It could get a bit crowded, so it could take some time to get the food. But then again, why did I need to eat faster? I had nowhere else to be before our excursion in 2 hours.

Excursion 3: Kayak and Beach Walk at Post Office Bay

After lunch, we had a couple of hours to relax before heading back out for another excursion. We chose the Kayak and Beach Walk.

Kayaking in Post Office Bay

We boarded the tender and headed back out into the blue waters. Kayaks were in high demand for this sailing, so much so that they asked anyone who kayaked the previous day to wait until everyone else signed up so everyone had a chance. They eventually accommodated everyone, though, by splitting into two kayak groups.

After about 10 minutes of speeding away from Flora, we arrived near some small islands in the water. Another Zodiac pulled up alongside us, towing the kayaks behind it. The kayaks all held two people, so group by group, we slid out of the tender and into the kayaks. It was harder than I thought, but I was impressed that no one fell in. It looked like everyone wore swimsuits anyway, just in case.

I’d only kayaked once before at a resort, so it took a bit to get our bearings, but surprisingly, staying balanced wasn’t hard at all. For the most part, navigating was fine too. We headed out as a group, following our naturalist along the islands.

The water was crystal clear and calm. As we paddled along, he’d point out sea turtles swimming underneath us or birds landing on nearby islands.

Tip: Since most phones now are splashproof, I didn’t worry about a phone bag for this excursion. The photos through phone bags are always cloudy, and I wanted high-quality pictures. Instead, I bought this tether that slides into the phone case and keeps it attached to you. I used it any time I was in a tender so I could take photos without worrying about my phone flying out of my hands if we hit a bump.

At one point, a sea lion playfully swam beside us. We were next to a grandmother and her 12-year-old niece, and their expressions at seeing this playful animal right next to them were priceless.

After about 20 minutes or so of kayaking, we climbed back into the tender and headed to the island. It really was a lot of fun, and not a tough workout at all.

Beach Walk and Post Office

Post Office Bay was also a wet landing, so I wore my aquatic hiking sandals again. The sand here was fine white sand again, and the landscape was overgrown with trees and bushes.

We made our way to a makeshift “Post Office” here in the Galapagos. Apparently, in old times, pirates in the area put a box here to use as a “post office,” leaving messages and packages for others to pick up and take with them.

Today, the tradition continues, though it uses a newer mailbox next to the old one. Visiting tourists can stop here and leave a postcard to be delivered by someone else. Celebrity left postcards in all our cabins the night before, in case we wanted to leave one.

The naturalist gathered all our cards and put them in a Ziploc baggie in the mailbox. Then the group started going through the postcards that were already there to see if there were any we wanted to deliver. Tradition usually says you hand-deliver them, not take them back to the U.S. and stamp them.

The group asked everyone which states they lived in and then started going through the postcards and picking ones that were close by.

We ended up taking a postcard that was going to a town about 45 minutes from us. Luckily, we had friends in that area, so we figured we’d visit them at some point and could drop it off. A few weeks later, we drove through that area, so we dropped it off.

To my surprise, the card we left was delivered about 5 weeks later. I guess I didn’t think people would actually go out of their way to deliver one, and I wondered how many people from New Jersey even visit this mailbox. Apparently, it’s more than I thought.

Tip: Everyone said the post office could be “buggy.” It might depend on the time of year. On this August sailing, one biting bug kept going after one woman, but everyone else seemed fine. I bought two whole boxes of bug spray wipes for this trip, but only needed them on the last day.

Once we were done, we headed back to the tender to get back to the ship. The walk here wasn’t really scenic. The whole point was to visit this Post Office. It was a short walk, less than 0.1 miles each way and about 10 minutes back and forth.

Back on Flora: Life at Sea Panel and Wine & Cheese Gathering

We arrived back on board Flora around 6 PM. They were already setting up a wine and cheese gathering for 6:30, but instead, I opted for a shower to get all the sunscreen and salt off of me, the third shower of the day.

At 6:45 in the Discovery Lounge, they held a Q&A about life on board Flora, which is quite different from life on other large cruise ships. Most of the staff on the ship were from Ecuador, and a good portion of them were from the islands themselves. It added a different dimension to the trip because they were sharing their culture and country directly with us. There was much more passion behind everything than on a Celebrity cruise somewhere like Norway, where almost no one working on the ship may have ever been before.

Because the ship is based in Ecuador, they’re subject to Ecuadorian labor laws, so it works quite a bit differently from other Celebrity ships. For example, the contract lengths are much shorter than on ocean cruises. A normal Celebrity ship has contract lengths of 4 to 6 months. On Flora, it was more flexible. The executive chef worked 8 weeks on and then 8-9 weeks off. His staff had 6 weeks on and 3 weeks off. It’s probably why you didn’t see any staff looking burned out like you might on other ships.

They also shared that the team of expert naturalists on board aren’t officially Celebrity staff, but rather work for the Galapagos National Park Service. However, naturalist Javier had worked on Celebrity ships since 2009. They get to choose their schedules, usually 4 weeks on and then 2 or 3 weeks off, but they have some flexibility. They’re also trained extensively. Most of the naturalists had degrees in ecotourism. In addition, they have to go through a dedicated Galapagos course and then 6 months of training to get certified to work for the National Park Service. English was also mandatory.

Dinner in Seaside Restaurant

Tonight, Seaside Restaurant had a new set of dishes. I wasn’t feeling great this evening, so I skipped dinner, but here were the dishes available.

Day 3 Wrap-Up

I didn’t know how anything could top my experience from the day before, but Day 3 at least matched it.

I was just so surprised by how much nature we got to witness right in front of my eyes. Playful sea lions, sea turtles returning to sea, blue-footed boobies posing. It was amazing.

And it was all so varied. We had 3 excursions, and each was completely different. Some were a bit physically demanding, some more intellectual, some scenic. It was something new each time.

Follow Along on Our Galapagos Adventures

• Celebrity Flora - Galapagos Cruise Blog - Pre-Cruise - Quito
• Celebrity Flora - Galapagos Cruise Blog - Day 0 - Quito
• Celebrity Flora - Galapagos Cruise Blog - Day 1 - Baltra
• Celebrity Flora - Galapagos Cruise Blog - Day 2 - Española Island
• Celebrity Flora - Galapagos Cruise Blog - Day 3 - Floreana Island
• Celebrity Flora - Galapagos Cruise Blog - Day 4 - Isabela Island (coming soon)
• Celebrity Flora - Galapagos Cruise Blog - Day 5 - Fernandina and Isabela Islands (coming soon)
• Celebrity Flora - Galapagos Cruise Blog - Day 6 - South Plaza and Santa Cruz Islands (coming soon)
• Celebrity Flora - Galapagos Cruise Blog - Day 7 - Santa Cruz Island (coming soon)
• Celebrity Flora - Galapagos Cruise Blog - Day 8 - Baltra and Disembarkation (coming soon)
• Celebrity Flora - Galapagos Cruise Blog - Day 9 - Quito and Home (coming soon)

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But Carnival’s new FunPacks actually look like some legitimately good deals.

For years, Carnival wasn’t interested in offering any discounts on its Wi-Fi and drink packages other than the pre-cruise discount. But in December 2025, they finally started experimenting with them, introducing two bundles that combined drinks, internet, and other onboard perks. Those packages have returned a few times since then.

Now, Carnival is expanding the idea with four new “FunPacks,” offering even more flexibility and potentially bigger savings.

The new FunPacks are available for cruises departing between October 31, 2026, and December 31, 2027. However, you’ll need to purchase them between October 13 and October 30, 2026.

4 Different FunPacks to Choose From

Carnival’s FunPacks bundle cruise add-ons that many guests already purchase separately, including drink packages, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, and shore excursions.

There are four different packages, each targeted toward a different type of cruiser. Carnival claims the packages can save guests between 35% and 55% compared to buying everything separately, with the Kidstarter package advertising savings of up to 50%.

One nice thing is that Carnival includes the applicable beverage and specialty dining service charges in the advertised FunPack prices. You won’t get hit with an additional 20% service charge on top of the listed daily package price for those included benefits, making these even better deals.

Zero Proof FunPack: $50 Per Day

The Zero Proof FunPack is essentially a renamed version of Carnival’s previous Essentials Value Package.

For $50 per person, per day, guests receive:

• CHEERS! Zero Proof beverage package with unlimited non-alcoholic drinks
• Value Wi-Fi Package
• $50 discount on one shore excursion
• $25 discount on one specialty dining experience

This package is designed for guests who don’t drink alcohol but still want to enjoy specialty coffees, bottled water, smoothies, milkshakes, and mocktails throughout the cruise.

The savings are pretty good here. Carnival’s CHEERS! Zero Proof package currently costs $35.99 per day, including the service charge, while Value Wi-Fi starts at $23.80 per day.

That comes to $71.75 per day after the 20% service charge is added, compared to $50 with the FunPack. On a 7-day cruise, that’s about $152 in savings before even factoring in the $75 in dining and excursion discounts.

Social FunPack: $60 Per Day

This is probably the most interesting addition to Carnival’s lineup.

The Social FunPack costs just $10 more per day than Zero Proof and introduces a new drink package: CHEERS! Social. Social.

For years, Carnival’s alcohol package has been an all-or-nothing proposition. Either you pay for the full CHEERS! package, or you pay for each alcoholic drink individually. Now, the Social FunPack offers a middle ground.

Guests get three alcoholic beverages per day, each valued up to $20, along with unlimited eligible non-alcoholic drinks. If you want more than three alcoholic drinks, you can still purchase them at regular menu prices, up to Carnival’s daily limit of 15.

That could be a great option for cruisers who enjoy a cocktail by the pool, a glass of wine with dinner, and another drink in the evening, but don’t drink enough to justify the full CHEERS! package.

The package includes:

• CHEERS! Social with three alcoholic drinks per day and unlimited eligible non-alcoholic drinks
• Premium Wi-Fi Package
• One specialty dining experience valued up to $55
• One shore excursion valued up to $100
• 50% off one eligible spa treatment
• 50% off eligible Dreams Studio photo packages

And the fact that it includes Premium Wi-Fi, rather than the lower-tier Value plan, makes it even more appealing.

It’s also worth pointing out that CHEERS! Social cannot be purchased separately. It’s exclusive to this bundle.

Epic FunPack: $99 Per Day

For guests who typically purchase the full CHEERS! package, the Epic FunPack offers some substantial savings.

At $99 per person, per day, it includes:

• Full CHEERS! beverage package with up to 15 alcoholic drinks per day and unlimited eligible non-alcoholic drinks
• Premium Wi-Fi Package
• Two specialty dining experiences valued up to $55 each
• Two shore excursions valued up to $100 each
• 50% off one eligible spa treatment
• 50% off eligible Dreams Studio photo packages
• One bottle of sparkling wine
• One complimentary bag of wash-and-fold laundry

A lot is included here.

Just purchasing CHEERS! and Premium Wi-Fi separately would currently cost around $109.44 per person, per day, including the drink package’s service charge.

So even before considering the other benefits, you’re saving $10.44 per day. On a 7-day cruise, that’s roughly $73 in savings per person.

But the real value comes from the included dining and excursions.

If you use the full value of both shore excursions and both specialty dining experiences, that’s another $310 in benefits per person. Add in the spa discounts, photo discounts, sparkling wine, and laundry, and the value can add up quickly.

This is a significant improvement over Carnival’s previous Ultimate Value Package, which cost $90 per day but only offered a $50 excursion discount and a $25 dining discount rather than including those experiences.

Kidstarter FunPack: $25 Per Day

Carnival hasn’t forgotten about younger cruisers. The Kidstarter FunPack is available for children and teens ages 3 through 17.

For $25 per person, per day, it includes:

• Bottomless Bubbles package for unlimited soda and juice
• Social Wi-Fi Package
• 1,000 arcade tokens
• Souvenir drink cup
• Complimentary lanyard
• 50% off bulk candy at Cherry on Top

For kids who spend their cruise in the arcade and want to stay connected to social media, this could be a pretty good deal.

FunPack Rules and Guidelines

Of course, there are some restrictions. The biggest one is that all guests ages 21 and older sharing a stateroom must purchase the same FunPack if any adult in the room purchases one. That means one person can’t purchase the Epic FunPack while their spouse purchases the Social FunPack. Both must purchase the same option.

Guests under 21 aren’t required to purchase a package, although they can choose an eligible Kidstarter or Zero Proof FunPack.

Other important things to know:

• Packages must be purchased before sailing. They are only available online through Carnival’s My Cruise Manager and cannot be purchased onboard.
• You must purchase the package for the entire cruise.
• Book dining, excursions, spa, and photo benefits before sailing.
• Not all dining venues are eligible. Bonsai Teppanyaki and The Chef’s Table are excluded.
• Existing purchases aren’t automatically credited. If you’ve already booked an excursion or specialty dining, you may need to cancel and rebook to use the FunPack benefit.

There’s also one important exception for cruises departing from Galveston, New York, and Norfolk.

Because Carnival’s alcoholic beverage packages don’t begin until the second day of those cruises, the Social and Epic FunPack prices are adjusted accordingly.

You can see the full details and restrictions on Carnival’s FunPacks website.

Only a Good Deal If You Were Booking Drinks and Internet Anyway

While these bundles offer some legitimate savings, there’s one important thing to remember. You’re only saving money if you’re purchasing things you actually wanted in the first place.

Are you someone who completely unplugs during a cruise but still purchases the CHEERS! drink package?

The Epic FunPack might not be the best option for you. You’ll pay roughly $15 more per day than if you buy CHEERS! alone. Sure, you’re getting Premium Wi-Fi and a bunch of other extras, but if you weren’t going to use them anyway, are you actually saving money?

It’s the same with the spa and photo discounts. If you weren’t planning to get a massage or purchase professional photos, a 50% discount doesn’t necessarily make it a good deal.

There’s also the question of how much you’ll actually use the included specialty dining and shore excursions.

The Hidden Catch: Say Goodbye to Set Pricing

There’s one part of Carnival’s announcement that deserves a lot more attention, and it’s not exactly good news.

Tucked away in the announcement is the fact that starting December 1, 2026, Carnival is getting rid of its set pricing for beverage and Wi-Fi packages. Instead, it’s switching to dynamic pricing, where prices vary based on the cruise length, itinerary, and season.

It’s a similar approach that Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises have been using for years. You might pay $70 per day for a drink package on one sailing and $100 on another, even though you’re getting the exact same drinks.

They’ve touted these price management strategies on investor earnings calls as key to increasing revenue. Great news for Carnival investors, not great for Carnival cruisers.

To be fair, dynamic pricing doesn’t automatically mean higher prices. Some sailings could have cheaper packages, especially during less popular times of the year. But let’s not pretend cruise lines are making these changes solely to help guests save money.

So What Does This Mean for the FunPacks?

For this promotion, nothing. Carnival has set the FunPack prices, and you must purchase them by October 30, 2026, before the new pricing system takes effect.

But if Carnival brings these bundles back in the future, figuring out how much you’re actually saving could become more difficult. The advertised savings could look impressive simply because the standalone packages are more expensive on your particular sailing.

I’m giving Carnival credit for these new FunPacks because, at today’s prices, they really do offer some good value. But I’m much less enthusiastic about the move to dynamic pricing.

Hopefully, Carnival doesn’t follow Royal Caribbean’s lead with constantly changing prices and confusing “% off” promotions. Unfortunately, that’s exactly the direction this seems to be heading.

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Disney’s Fifth Wish-Class Ship

Disney Imagination will be the fifth Wish-class ship following the Wish (2022), Treasure (2024), Destiny (2025), and Believe (2027).

According to Disney, the ship will be “powered by the creativity and optimism of imagination.” The stern of the ship will feature Ariel from “The Little Mermaid,” along with Sebastian and some of her underwater friends. Ariel will use her signature dinglehopper to draw the ship’s name.

Other details about the ship, such as the theme of the atrium, Broadway-style shows, and rotational dining restaurants, will be released in the future.

Disney Imagination Will Be Designed for Japan

Unlike the rest of the Wish-class ships, Disney Imagination will be operated by Disney Cruise Line Japan, a Disney-branded cruise business run by OLC.

OLC is the same company that operates Tokyo Disney Resort under a licensing agreement with Disney.

What does that mean for the look and feel of Disney Imagination? If Tokyo Disney Resort is any indication, guests can still expect a magical vacation with some of the best Disney experiences around.

According to Disney’s announcement, the ship will still feature:

• Disney storytelling from bow to stern
• Broadway-style entertainment exclusive to Disney Cruise Line
• Opportunities to connect with your favorite Disney characters
• Food and beverage experiences
• Dedicated spaces for kids, tweens, and teens
• Exclusive adult-only areas for relaxation
• The exceptional service and hospitality Disney Cruise Line is known for

According to an earlier announcement regarding the investment, the ship will primarily sail short, 2- to 4-night itineraries from Tokyo International Cruise Terminal.

OLC’s investment documents estimate fares for the most common stateroom categories will range from approximately ¥100,000 to the ¥300,000 range per person, or roughly $630 to $1,890 based on earlier exchange rates. Itineraries and pricing will be released at a future date.

The ship is meant to complement Tokyo Disney Resort, giving guests another way to experience Disney while visiting Japan. That could make it an appealing option for travelers looking to combine a Disney cruise with a visit to Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea.

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Norwegian Cruise Line says it is investigating reports of fraudulent emails being sent to guests. These emails are particularly convincing because some reportedly include real reservation information, including the guest’s name, booking number, ship, sailing date, cabin number, and even the amount paid for the cruise.

Scam Emails Include Real Norwegian Booking Information

Cruise-related phishing emails are nothing new, but these go well beyond the typical generic scam.

Guests have reported receiving emails asking them to complete a “guest check-in” or verify the credit card used for their reservation. Some emails warn that their cabin could be canceled if they don’t complete the process within a set time.

The troubling part is that the emails contain accurate information about the guests’ actual Norwegian reservations. In reported cases, scammers knew details including the ship, sailing dates, reservation number, cabin number, and payment amount.

That suggests reservation information may have been exposed somewhere, but Norwegian has not confirmed a data breach or said where the scammers obtained the information.

In an email sent to travel advisors, Norwegian said it is “actively investigating the matter.”

Only Contact Norwegian Through Trusted Methods

Norwegian is warning guests not to click any links in these emails, respond to them, or provide personal or payment information.

According to Norwegian’s notice to travel advisors, official emails from the cruise line come from @ncl.com, @e.ncl.com, or @nclcorp.com domains.

Even then, if an email asks you to provide payment information or urgently verify your reservation, the safest option is to avoid using any links, email addresses, or phone numbers contained in the message.

Instead, open Norwegian’s website or app directly, contact your travel advisor, or call Norwegian Cruise Line at 866.234.7350. Norwegian lists that number as its official customer service and reservations line.

Most importantly, don’t assume an email is legitimate just because it knows details about your cruise. These recent reports show that even an email containing your real reservation number and sailing information can still be a scam.

Norwegian’s Full Message to Travel Advisors

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Originally scheduled to welcome its first guests on May 21, 2027, Norwegian Aura is now expected to be ready nearly three weeks early. Because of that, Norwegian is adding two new Mediterranean cruises, giving guests an opportunity to be among the first to sail on the cruise line’s largest ship yet.

Norwegian Aura Adds Two New Sailings

The two new cruises are now available for booking, with the first departing May 2, 2027. These aren’t just short preview cruises. Norwegian is adding two longer voyages that visit some impressive Mediterranean ports.

10-Day Mediterranean Cruise: May 2, 2027

The first sailing aboard Norwegian Aura will be a 10-day cruise departing from Trieste, Italy, and ending in Athens (Piraeus), Greece.

The itinerary includes stops in Dubrovnik and Split, Croatia; Bar, Montenegro; and Corfu, Santorini, and Mykonos, Greece.

It’s a pretty impressive itinerary for an inaugural sailing, especially for a ship designed primarily for Caribbean cruising.

9-Day Mediterranean Cruise: May 12, 2027

The second new sailing will be a 9-day cruise departing from Athens (Piraeus), Greece, and returning to Trieste, Italy.

This itinerary visits Rhodes, Mykonos, Santorini, and Corfu, Greece; Bar, Montenegro; and Split and Zadar, Croatia.

What About the Original Inaugural Sailing?

The previously announced first sailing on May 21, 2027, will still go ahead as scheduled. That 7-day Mediterranean cruise will depart Trieste, Italy, and end in Barcelona, Spain, visiting Valletta, Malta; Salerno, Italy; and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy.

After that, Norwegian Aura will make a 13-day transatlantic crossing from Barcelona to Miami, where it will begin sailing 7-day Caribbean cruises in June 2027.

For guests who booked the original inaugural sailing (and paid a premium) specifically to be among the first onboard, the announcement might be disappointing.

When Royal Caribbean announced its earlier sailings for Hero of the Seas, it gave guests booked on the original inaugural cruise an opportunity to switch to one of the new sailings. Norwegian hasn’t announced any similar arrangements for Norwegian Aura guests, at least not in today’s press release.

Be Among the First to Experience Norwegian Aura

Norwegian Aura will be the fifth ship in Norwegian’s Prima Class, but it won’t simply be a copy of the previous ships. The ship will be roughly 10% larger than Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, with quite a few changes to the design.

One of the biggest additions will be Ocean Heights, a new outdoor adventure area spanning Decks 18 through 21. It’ll feature Norwegian’s first dueling mat racer waterslides, a free-fall waterslide, an 82-foot ropes course, and carnival-style games.

Norwegian is also addressing some common complaints about the earlier Prima Class ships. The pool deck will be larger, and the Surfside Cafe buffet will finally take up both sides of the ship instead of just one.

The ship will also offer new dining experiences, including Tamara, Norwegian’s first specialty Indian restaurant, and The Panorama Room, an included dining venue with immersive LED displays and synchronized lighting.

For entertainment, guests will be able to see “Whitney: A Celebration of Whitney Houston,” a new production developed with The Estate of Whitney E. Houston, along with “ILLUMINOX: Infinite Wonder Unboxed,” a show combining illusions, acrobatics, and visual effects.

We’ve previously taken a closer look at all the changes coming to Norwegian Aura, including its redesigned outdoor spaces, new restaurants and bars, and entertainment lineup.

With these two new sailings, guests now have an opportunity to experience the ship in the Mediterranean before it makes its way to Miami for its inaugural Caribbean season.

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