Welcome to Cruise Blog's Weekly Roundup!
This is a helpful post of everything you may have missed from this week, including a cruise passenger who died hiking in Alaska and updates to Carnival's new loyalty and rewards program.
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Cruise passenger dead, another injured after sliding down steep hiking trail in Alaska, authorities say
One cruise passenger died and another was injured after falling from a hiking trail in Juneau, Alaska.
Alaska State Troopers were alerted to a search and rescue mission around 8:10 p.m. on September 16 after two men had fallen from the popular Mount Roberts Trail in Juneau, according to a public news release.
The two men "slid down the steep mountainside," with one being successfully rescued and sustaining only minor injuries. Unfortunately, Britain Pool, 36, of Texas, fell further down the cliff and did not survive.
Carnival Cruise Line announces big changes to unpopular new loyalty program
The updated Carnival Rewards™ program was met with a lot of criticism across social media and cruise forums, resulting in Carnival announcing a major change for top-tier cruisers.
Initially, Diamond cruisers were only guaranteed to keep their status through May 31, 2032. Afterward, those most loyal to the Carnival brand would have to requalify under the new program's terms and conditions.
Carnival, however, is rolling back its controversial decision. Now, those who achieve Diamond status by May 31, 2026, will retain their status for life in the brand-new Carnival Rewards™ program.
Read more: Carnival Cruise Line announces big changes to unpopular new loyalty program
5 things I liked and 3 I hated about my adult-only cruise on Virgin Voyages
Elizabeth recently returned from her first Virgin Voyages cruise, and there were a few aspects of her vacation that she preferred over family-friendly lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and MSC Cruises.
Being in her mid-20s and child-free, she is often annoyed by the rambunctious children on cruise ships, particularly during peak travel periods.
Although not everything was perfect, she quickly began to understand the appeal of an adults-only cruise. Here's what she loved about sailing with Virgin Voyages, along with three cons that are worth considering.
Read more: 5 things I liked and 3 I hated about my adult-only cruise on Virgin Voyages
Wonder of the Seas vs. Utopia of the Seas: How Royal Caribbean's party ships compare
Last year, Royal Caribbean introduced Utopia of the Seas to its fleet. Branded "The World’s Biggest Weekend," the newest party cruise is packed with onboard thrills, modern amenities, and nonstop parties.
Recently, Royal Caribbean also began offering short party cruises on Wonder of the Seas. “Miami’s New Weekend Wonder” sails on 3- and 4-night cruises to The Bahamas.
Here’s how Royal Caribbean’s newest party ships compare, from the late-night parties to the extensive dining scene and entertainment.
Read more: Wonder of the Seas vs. Utopia of the Seas: How Royal Caribbean's party ships compare
Cruises used to be a cheap getaway. Why has that changed?
Historically, cruises have a reputation for being cheap getaways for partiers. Although you don't have to search hard to find an affordable weekend booze cruise to The Bahamas, cruising is more expensive today than ever before.
Cruise fares increased by over 15% in 2023 compared to 2019, and they've only continued to rise since then. Part of the reason is the amount of debt cruise lines incurred during the pandemic. The cost of goods and labor has gone up, too.
Another reason cruise fares are so high is that the industry's growth trajectory remains robust.
Read more: Cruises used to be a cheap getaway. Why has that changed?
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Having sailed on over 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Margaritaville at Sea, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
In addition to writing for Cruise.Blog, Elizabeth has bylines in Business Insider, Royal Caribbean Blog, and Cruiseshipfood.com.
