Cruise week report: Carnival cruise cost, Norovirus outbreak, inside cabin review, and more!

Welcome to Cruise Blog's Weekly Roundup for the week of January 16, 2026!

This is a helpful post covering everything you may have missed from this week, including a norovirus outbreak aboard a Holland America Line ship and a Carnival Elation cabin review. 

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Over 80 passengers and crew sick on cruise ship as highly contagious norovirus variant spreads

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More than 80 people got sick due to a norovirus outbreak during a voyage on Holland America Line's Rotterdam cruise ship. 

Among the 2,593 guests aboard the ship, 85 reported being ill during a cruise that ended on Jan. 9, 2026, along with nine crew members, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

The outbreak was reported to the CDC on Jan. 8, 2026. 3.3% of passengers and 0.9% of crew members reported gastrointestinal issues. The predominant symptoms of the infected individuals were vomiting and diarrhea.

Read more: Over 80 passengers and crew sick on cruise ship as highly contagious norovirus variant spreads

I stayed in a cruise cabin with no windows during a 5-night sailing on Carnival Elation. The $1,400 price tag was steep for the outdated room

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Elizabeth has sailed in windowless interior cabins more than a dozen times, and they’re usually a comfy, budget-friendly option. However, her stateroom on Carnival Elation was by far the most disappointing. 

Whether you're on a picturesque sailing through Alaska's towering fjords or a quick weekend getaway to The Bahamas, you can count on interior cabins to be the cheapest rooms on board.

So, when she and her partner decided on a spring break cruise, they booked an inside stateroom to keep costs low during the peak travel season.

Read more: I stayed in a cruise cabin with no windows during a 5-night sailing on Carnival Elation. The $1,400 price tag was steep for the outdated room

Here's what a 7-night Carnival cruise should cost you (2026)

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From the upbeat environment of their "FUN" ships to exploring new ports of call, planning a Carnival cruise is exciting! However, nobody wants to go into debt over their annual vacation, so it's crucial to budget accordingly. 

Carnival is known for its laid-back atmosphere and wallet-friendly sailings. That said, the actual price of a week-long cruise varies based on several factors, such as sail date, age of ship, and cabin category.

Aside from logistical considerations, the price of a cruise also depends on the add-ons you deem necessary. Things like drink packages, specialty restaurants, shore excursions, spa treatments, and Wi-Fi will all increase the total cost of your Carnival vacation.

Read more: Here's what a 7-night Carnival cruise should cost you (2026)

When's the best time to take a Mexican Riviera cruise?

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The Mexican Riviera is an idyllic, sunny region consisting of 20 cities spanning almost 1,500 miles along Mexico's Pacific coast. 

It's a popular cruise destination that has many famous ports of call, offering a range of activities, varying landscapes, and stunning beaches, as well as a showcase for Mexico's rich culture and renowned food and drinks. 

The best time to cruise to the Mexican Riviera depends on a number of factors, including budget, crowds, weather, and local activities.

Read more: When's the best time to take a Mexican Riviera cruise?