Cruise week report: Disney removes mattresses, Carnival cancels cruises, Princess norovirus outbreak, and more!

Welcome to Cruise Blog's Weekly Roundup for the week of March 13, 2026!

This is a helpful post covering everything you may have missed this week, including Carnival's new dining change and an elderly passenger who died after sustaining a spinal injury aboard an adult-only cruise. 

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Disney removes mattresses from its biggest new cruise ship

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In the days that have followed Disney Adventure's launch, the ship has received a fair amount of criticism from passengers. 

While the ship's overall theming and dining have been highlights, the cabins have drawn numerous complaints, with some guests taking to social media to express their frustrations. 

"Here’s what the room looks like when all 4 beds are down for the evening. Very little floor space. I can’t imagine having 4 people in here," Theme Park Express, an X user, posted.

Read more: Disney removes mattresses from its biggest new cruise ship

Nearly 155 cruise guests, crew sick in suspected norovirus outbreak

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Over 150 people got sick in a norovirus outbreak on a Princess cruise ship, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said. 

Among the roughly 5,900 people on board the Star Princess cruise ship, 104 guests and 49 crew members developed gastrointestinal symptoms, according to a news release. The predominant reported symptoms were diarrhea and vomiting. 

The outbreak was reported to the CDC on March 11, 2026, and marks the first cruise ship norovirus outbreak of the year. 

Read more: Nearly 155 cruise guests, crew sick in suspected norovirus outbreak

Cruise passenger died from severe injury during storm at sea, report says

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An elderly cruise passenger died after sustaining a spinal injury and receiving "suboptimal treatment" aboard a ship in Europe, a report concluded. 

Trevor Gilks, 85, was injured on Saga Cruises' Spirit of Discovery in November 2023 while the vessel was off the coast of Spain. He died four days later from his spinal injury. 

The Marine Accident Investigation Board (MAIB) released a detailed report about the weather incident experienced by the Spirit of Discovery, which led to over 100 injuries and one death.

Read more: Cruise passenger died from severe injury during storm at sea, report says

Carnival suddenly cancels over one month of cruises, disappointing thousands

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Thousands of cruisers planning to sail this fall aboard one of Carnival’s newest ships received an unexpected cancellation email from the cruise line. 

Guests booked on 11 voyages on Carnival Firenze departing Long Beach, California, between October and November 2026 were impacted. 

"We have made some changes to the itinerary plans for Carnival Firenze and, unfortunately, your cruise has been cancelled," reads the email sent to passengers. 

Read more: Carnival suddenly cancels over one month of cruises, disappointing thousands

Princess Cruises quietly hikes its daily crew gratuity charges

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Another Carnival cruise brand abruptly raised its daily tips for crew members. 

According to Princess Cruises' website, the new rate for standard cabins is $18 USD per person. Passengers staying in Mini Suites, Cabanas, and Reserve Collection cabins now pay a daily rate of $19 USD, while the new suite gratuity is $20 USD. 

Previously, the rates were $17 USD for standard staterooms, $18 USD for Mini Suites, Cabanas, and Reserve Collection cabins, and $19 USD for suites. The last time Princess Cruises raised gratuities was in August 2024

Read more: Princess Cruises quietly hikes its daily crew gratuity charges

Carnival introduces a new dining change to fix a frustrating meal problem

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Less than one year after Carnival began testing a new express dinner service, the cruise line announced plans to expand it fleetwide. 

Many cruisers don't want to feel like they're being held hostage for dinner when there's an exciting evening lineup of activities, from movies under the stars to dance parties, sing-alongs in the piano bar, and comedy shows. Initially, the goal of the new service was to shorten dinner from 90 minutes to 45 minutes. 

However, according to a recent press release, the new Express Dining program now aims to serve passengers in parties of six or fewer in under an hour.

Read more: Carnival introduces a new dining change to fix a frustrating meal problem

Carnival cruisers upset after beloved menu items are suddenly removed

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Despite claims that this year is going to be a "very, very big year for food" for Carnival Cruise Line, not all changes have been met with eternal praise. 

Carnival abruptly replaced its beloved SeaDay Brunch menu, with classics like the Skillet Cake, Steak & Eggs, 12-Hour French Toast, Huevos Rancheros, and 7-Layer Chocolate Cake suddenly disappearing. 

Although some cruisers are excited to try the new additions, many are still mourning the loss of their favorite dishes.

Read more: Carnival cruisers upset after beloved menu items are suddenly removed

Carnival Cruise Line Suddenly Removes Popular Loyalty Perks

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Carnival axed popular top-tier benefits on an upcoming cruise, proving why the cruise line decided to overhaul its loyalty program this year. 

Passengers sailing on the March 14, 2026, voyage aboard the Carnival Miracle were informed that some of the line's most valuable loyalty perks won't be available due to the number of VIFP Club guests on the sailing. 

"As you prepare for your cruise, we have an important update. Due to the high number of Platinum guests joining us on this voyage, we will not be able to provide the following benefits," says the letter sent to impacted passengers.

Read more: Carnival Cruise Line Suddenly Removes Popular Loyalty Perks