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 tips for getting a coveted cabin upgrade and a review of Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas.
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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A Carnival cruise line was just shut down after 93 years in service
One of Carnival's cruise brands bid farewell to its last two ships before being shut down after over 90 years in service.
In 2024, it was announced that P&O Cruises Australia would be shut down and absorbed into Carnival Cruise Line from March 2025 to increase Carnival's capacity.
After undergoing a short drydock, Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure entered service as Carnival Encounter and Carnival Adventure as part of Carnival's strategy to expand its operations in Australia and the South Pacific.
Read more: A Carnival cruise line was just shut down after 93 years in service
I bought the cheapest drink packages on two different cruise lines. While both were worth the cost, one was significantly better
Drink packages are among the most common cruise add-ons. While your cruise fare includes select beverages, drink packages make the experience more inclusive by giving you access to a wider variety of non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks.
Last year, Elizabeth took her first Celebrity and Princess cruises. Unlike Royal Caribbean and Carnival, they have two different tiers of alcoholic drink packages.
Overall, Princess' Plus Beverage Package was impressive, while Celebrity's Classic Drink Package felt more restrictive. Next time, she'd definitely upgrade her drink package on a Celebrity cruise, but she would happily purchase Princess Plus again without any hesitation.
Best hotels near Port Everglades cruise port
In 2024, more than 4 million passengers set sail from Port Everglades. While it's not as popular as Miami or Port Canaveral, travelers from all over the world continue to flock to Fort Lauderdale as a gateway to the Bahamas and Caribbean.
Though some cruisers live within driving distance of South Florida, others rely on airfare to reach the bustling port. Thankfully, the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is less than five miles from Port Everglades, making it convenient for travelers.
Whether you're looking for a luxurious pre-cruise beach stay or a comfortable airport hotel after a long flight, here's our line-up of the best hotels in Fort Lauderdale near the cruise port.
Read more: Best hotels near Port Everglades cruise port
I paid $846 for a cabin with 2 beds and no window on Carnival's newest ship. It was like sailing in a dark closet, but the cheap price made it worth it
It’s not uncommon for cruise ships to completely sell out, but what happens when you book the cheapest and last available cabin?
Jenna did just that on her recent Carnival cruise. After coming across a cheap cruise fare aboard Carnival Firenze just two weeks before departure, she couldn’t pass up the last-minute getaway. At just $846 total, or $423 per person, it was a fantastic deal for a 4-night cruise.
Let’s take a look inside her basic Carnival cruise cabin to see what it was really like.
Major cruise line cancels all sailings from Texas port
One of Carnival's brands is shutting down its operations in Texas.
Princess Cruises' Majestic Princess was scheduled to offer cruises from Galveston, Texas, between November 2026 and March 2027. However, Princess canceled over 15 sailings as part of its broader global fleet deployment strategy.
As a result of the canceled cruises, Princess issued full refunds to impacted guests. They're also working with travelers on alternative cruise options, whether from Texas or another port in Florida to the Caribbean.
Read more: Major cruise line cancels all sailings from Texas port
Carnival's oldest ship barely passes health inspection with violations for cockroaches and sick employees
Carnival Cruise Line’s oldest ship, Carnival Sunshine, barely passed a recent health inspection by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), scoring an 89 out of 100.
Cruise ships need to receive a score of 86 or higher to pass routine health inspections. The CDC conducts these health inspections to ensure vessels are safely operating and following official guidance.
Unfortunately, Carnival Sunshine had 26 different violations during the inspection. Some of the more serious violations included a lack of pest control management, such as cockroaches in the food servicing areas, and employees working while experiencing illness symptoms
How to Get an Upgrade on a Cruise Ship
Many cruisers dream of scoring an upgrade on their upcoming voyage. Who wouldn't want a better cabin for less?
Unfortunately, there's no way to guarantee an upgrade. For example, you could be on a fully booked sailing, which would squash your chance of receiving an upgrade to an ocean-view balcony stateroom.
However, some strategies may increase your chances of scoring that coveted cabin upgrade.
Read more: How to Get an Upgrade on a Cruise Ship
I've reviewed over 15 cruise ships for work. Planning your first voyage can be daunting, but here are my 8 best tips that never disappoint
Elizabeth has been cruising since she was five years old. While she doesn't remember every aspect of my weeklong Disney cruise, she remembers the excitement of boarding the ship.
As a travel writer, she's honed her cruise planning skills, learning the ins and outs of different cruise lines, ships, itineraries, and cabins. Planning your first cruise can feel intimidating. How long should the cruise be? What's the best itinerary? Which cabins should you avoid?
Here are her 8 best tips when planning a cruise, as someone who has been on nearly 30.
Carnival Valor Rooms to Avoid
Sailing from New Orleans on board Carnival Valor is unique compared to traditional Caribbean voyages from popular ports like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Tampa.
While Carnival Valor offers a wide variety of staterooms, from tiny inside cabins to large suites, some rooms aren't the best fit for certain travelers.
Here's a list of rooms you should avoid on Carnival Valor due to possible noise disturbances, bad locations, and even size.
Read more: Carnival Valor Rooms to Avoid
The most affordable cruise line you overlooked is finally about to offer longer cruises
When Margaritaville at Sea launched, the cruise line's sole ship offered short 2-night cruises from Palm Beach, Florida, to the Bahamas.
While they've expanded their itineraries since then with the debut of Margaritaville at Sea Islander from Tampa, they have primarily focused on shorter getaways to Mexico and the Western Caribbean. That's changing with Margaritaville's recent announcement of 8 and 10-night sailings aboard Islander in 2027.
For the first time, cruisers can embark on longer cruises aboard Margaritaville's newest cruise ship.
Read more: The most affordable cruise line you overlooked is finally about to offer longer cruises
Norwegian Aqua debut voyage delayed
Norwegian Aqua, the newest ship from Norwegian Cruise Line, will arrive in the United States three days later than originally planned due to unfavorable weather conditions.
Originally scheduled to arrive on April 4, 2025, in the United States following her transatlantic voyage, Norwegian Aqua will be delayed until April 7, 2025.
Due to anticipated weather conditions, the ship will no longer conclude her journey in Boston, Massachusetts. Instead, Norwegian Aqua will now sail on an adjusted route, arriving in New York City.
Read more: Norwegian Aqua debut voyage delayed
I cruised on Utopia of the Seas. The 4-day cruise wasn't cheap, but I'd do it again
Short cruises have long served as a gateway for first-time cruisers to get a taste of the cruise life. Because of this, cruise lines typically assigned their oldest, most basic ships to these itineraries, offering a watered-down version of the full cruise experience.
Fast forward to today, and the landscape has changed completely. Over the years, Royal Caribbean has dramatically shifted its business strategy, placing a stronger emphasis on shorter itineraries aboard its biggest and newest vessels.
Branded as the “ultimate weekend game-changer,” Allie was excited to sail aboard Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Utopia of the Seas.
Read more: I cruised on Utopia of the Seas. The 4-day cruise wasn't cheap, but I'd do it again
Cruise line tests pricey unlimited drink package for the first time
The cruise line that flaunted a $120,000 unlimited cruise pass has begun testing drink packages aboard one of its adult-only ships.
When Virgin Voyages launched, they were adamant about not offering all-inclusive drink packages like their competitors. Instead, they claimed their drink prices were reasonably priced.
However, some cruisers have reported seeing Virgin testing drink packages on select sailings. The test run is limited to voyages in April and May 2025 on board Valiant Lady. For $95 per person, per day, passengers will get unlimited expertly crafted cocktails, wines by the glass, and premium craft beers valued at up to $20 with no daily drink limits.
Read more: Cruise line tests pricey unlimited drink package for the first time
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!
