We share a lot of cruise updates and advice on Cruise Blog, and this is a weekly roundup of everything you may have missed from this week, including MSC World America's arrival in Miami, Florida, and Margaritaville at Sea's new casino policy.
For busy bees who want to stay updated on all the helpful cruise advice we share, this is an easy-to-digest overview of our recent articles.
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3 things I did right and 4 I did wrong on my first Carnival cruise
Jenna took her first Carnival cruise, and not everything went to plan. Although some things went right during her trip, she definitely made a few mistakes along the way.
As a seasoned cruiser, she felt overconfident while boarding her first sailing with Carnival Cruise Line. She expected her 4-night cruise aboard Carnival Firenze to go off without a hitch, but that’s not exactly what happened.
These are the 3 things she did right and 4 things she did wrong on her first Carnival cruise.
Read more: 3 things I did right and 4 I did wrong on my first Carnival cruise
A lot of cruisers argue that drink packages are a waste of money, but I think the convenience justifies the high price
Drink packages are divisive among cruisers. Some love their convenience, while others think they're a waste of money and encourage unruly behavior.
Growing up, drink packages were non-negotiable for Elizabeth's family. Because of her childhood experiences, having unlimited access to beverages on vacation quickly became one of her favorite parts about a cruise.
As an adult, she's continued to appreciate their convenience. While many argue that drink packages are too expensive, the freedom to order whatever she wants helps put her in a vacation mindset. Here are 4 reasons drink packages remain a must-have for Elizabeth.
Carnival CEO says cruise lines aren't "immune from a recession"
Josh Weinstein, Carnival Corporation's President, CEO, and Chief Climate Officer, spoke during Seatrade Cruise Global 2025's State of the Global Cruise Industry Keynote about the company's Q1 financial results.
He admitted they had a good quarter, but the bookings were more inconsistent than usual. "It was choppy...There were highs. There were lows as we went through the quarter," he said.
Weinstein attributed the variations to the macroeconomy, claiming that finances impact how people live their day-to-day lives. However, as people adjusted to the "new normal," Carnival saw its bookings increase.
Read more: Carnival CEO says cruise lines aren't "immune from a recession"
A brand-new ship designed to compete with cruise giant Royal Caribbean arrived in Florida
MSC World America has finally arrived in, well, America! The newest cruise ship at sea sailed into Miami, Florida, on Monday, April 7, ahead of its 7-night inaugural voyage on the 12th.
At nearly 216,000 gross registered tons (GRT) with a passenger capacity of over 6,700, the mega-ship is one of the largest cruises ever built, trailing behind Royal Caribbean's Oasis and Icon Class. Currently, Icon of the Seas is the world's largest ship, measuring over 248,000 GRT.
She's packed from bow to stern with new dining venues and attractions, like the only over-water swing ride at sea, with a design that resembles Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class, which revolutionized the guest experience with its neighborhood design.
Read more: A brand-new ship designed to compete with cruise giant Royal Caribbean arrived in Florida
Cruise passenger attacks another traveler for dancing barefoot in ship cocktail lounge, F.B.I. says
The C.E.O. of a California-based insurance company was arrested by the F.B.I. after attacking another passenger while onboard a Virgin Voyages cruise to the Caribbean.
According to a criminal complaint, Kenneth D. DeGiorgio allegedly tried to choke another guest on March 31 while sailing aboard Resilient Lady. The cruise ship was about 70 nautical miles west of Fort-de-France, Martinique.
Security footage corroborated the incident, showing DeGiorgio with his hands wrapped around the unidentified passenger's neck, as well as the victim flipping off his wife. The victim also claimed DeGiorgio threatened to kill him.
Read more: Cruise passenger attacks another traveler for dancing barefoot in ship cocktail lounge, F.B.I. says
Margaritaville at Sea makes a huge casino change that players will love
Cruisers sailing aboard Margaritaville at Sea's newest ship reported receiving free drinks while playing in the casino.
Most cruise lines only reward players with so many points through their respective casino loyalty programs. However, Celebrity Cruises offers complimentary beverages to cruisers actively playing in the casino, and it seems Margaritaville at Sea is following suit.
Ron Spurlock shared the news in the public "Margaritaville at Sea Islander Fans" Facebook group. "Margaritaville Islander is giving free drinks while playing table games. Some said that [it] is for slots as well. I am sure in 2 nights I have drank a bottle of bourbon," he said.
Read more: Margaritaville at Sea makes a huge casino change that players will love
I sailed on Royal Caribbean and Carnival’s newest cruise ships. They each had their flaws, but one was worse than the other
Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line are two of the most recognizable names in the cruise industry. Both mainstream cruise lines focus on offering affordable, family-friendly vacations across their expansive fleets.
Carnival launched its newest ship, Carnival Jubilee, in December 2023, while Royal Caribbean's new party-focused vessel debuted in July 2024.
After sailing on the newest ships from both cruise lines, Allie is convinced that one mega-ship is the better choice.
Carnival Cruise Line to Overhaul Outdated Loyalty Program
As part of Carnival Cruise Line's "Innovation Itinerary," a five-year plan to sail the most "FUN" fleet at sea, create more compelling experiences and destinations, and build more loyalists, Carnival is set to unveil a revamped loyalty program that will enhance the experience for repeat cruisers.
Carnival’s Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) Club was introduced in 2012 and has been criticized compared to other lines' programs, namely Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society.
Carnival's Brand Ambassador, John Heald, has hinted that they've been working on an overhaul; however, Carnival's President Christine Duffy confirmed they'll announce changes this summer.
Read more: Carnival Cruise Line to Overhaul Outdated Loyalty Program
Cruise giant Carnival reveals names of two massive new ships
Last week, Carnival announced the names of its new Excel Class ships. Once again, they're paying tribute to the cruise line’s history.
Scheduled to debut in 2027 in Port Canaveral, Florida, Carnival will name its next megaship Carnival Festivale, while Carnival Tropicale will debut in 2028.
Compared to the original Excel Class ships, Carnival Festivale and Tropicale will feature brand-new amenities, including the line's first-ever Sunsation Point zone with six family-friendly water slides. Unfortunately, this means BOLT, the Ultimate Seacoaster, will be removed.
Read more: Cruise giant Carnival reveals names of two massive new ships
One cruise line is thanking veterans with free weeklong cruises
Margaritaville at Sea gave away free 7-night cruises on its newest ship, the Islander. The catch? They were only available to eligible heroes.
Expanding on the line's successful "Heroes Sail Free" program, Margaritaville released new offers ahead of Heroes Month in May. These included free staterooms for two on 7-night Caribbean sailings, fundraising events, and dedicated onboard tributes with community-building partners.
While "free," eligible heroes still had to pay taxes, fees, or other port expenses, which were due at the time of booking.
Read more: One cruise line is thanking veterans with free weeklong cruises
Luxury cruise line offering bold status matching that anyone can take advantage of
MSC Cruises' new luxury line just announced a new loyalty program with an enticing status match offer.
During a media briefing at Seatrade Cruise Global's 2025 conference in Miami, Florida, Anna Nash, Global President of Explora Journeys, and Chris Austin, President of the line's North America division, jointly announced the cruise line's new loyalty program: Explora Club.
Explora Club formally launched on April 9, 2025, and by July, members can expect to gain access to a dedicated “My Explora” area, which will display their status and benefits.
Read more: Luxury cruise line offering bold status matching that anyone can take advantage of
Video shows unfazed cruisers on flooded Carnival Celebration during storm
While most embark on a spring break cruise with hopes of sunny beach days, cruisers on Carnival Celebration had an unfortunately rainy start to their vacation.
On March 30, 2025, the Excel Class ship faced a delayed departure from Miami, Florida, due to intense thunderstorms sweeping through the area.
However, hilarious videos of the incident went viral on social media with unbothered guests onboard.
Read more: Video shows unfazed cruisers on flooded Carnival Celebration during storm
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she traveled frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas during her freshman year of high school. Having sailed on nearly 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
