Welcome to Cruise Blog's Weekly Roundup for the week of April 24, 2026!
This is a helpful post covering everything you may have missed this week, including a review of an inside stateroom on the Carnival Mardi Gras ship and a sad story about a man who jumped off a ship in the South Pacific.
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I stayed in an $850-per-person inside cabin on the Carnival Mardi Gras cruise ship. Here's what it's like
Would you spend $1,700 on a spring break cruise on one of the rowdiest ships at sea?
Elizabeth recently did just that, sailing aboard Carnival's Mardi Gras ship to the Eastern Caribbean. The price was steep, especially considering that she was in a windowless interior cabin.
Here's her in-depth review of my interior room and why, although it was fine enough, she would be hesitant to book it again.
Carnival cruise passenger apparently jumped overboard from ship, cruise line says
The search for a missing passenger who jumped overboard from a Carnival cruise ship has been suspended, officials confirm.
At around 10:30 p.m. on Friday, April 17, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) was notified that a cruise passenger had gone overboard.
According to a Carnival Cruise Line spokeswoman, the passenger, who was in his 70s, "climbed over a safety railing and jumped" off the Carnival Splendor ship, as reported by The Brisbane Times.
Read more: Carnival cruise passenger apparently jumped overboard from ship, cruise line says
Is the Carnival soda package worth it? What's included, cost, and review
Soda isn't included on a Carnival cruise. However, its Bottomless Bubbles drink package makes it easy to enjoy unlimited soft drinks during your vacation.
Unlike the Carnival CHEERS package, the soda package is more restrictive and only includes fountain beverages and juice, ranging from Coca-Cola to Sprite, Fanta, and Barq's Root Beer.
For Elizabeth, the Bottomless Bubbles package was well worth it and met her needs. However, it isn't for everyone. Here's her full review of the Carnival cruise soda package during her recent cruise on the Mardi Gras ship.
Read more: Is the Carnival soda package worth it? What's included, cost, and review
10 things I wish I knew before booking the Carnival Mardi Gras cruise ship
Not all of Carnival's ships were designed the same way, and the onboard experience varies significantly depending on the vessel. Newer ships, for example, are packed with cutting-edge amenities, while older ones have a more classic, laid-back feel.
Mardi Gras, the cruise line's first Excel Class ship, changed the game for Carnival. It launched with innovative features like the first roller coaster at sea, brand-new dining options, and a more neighborhood-style layout, which marked a major shift in how the brand approaches onboard experiences.
If you're thinking about sailing on Mardi Gras, you might be wondering how the experience compares to other ships in the fleet. Having just returned from a seven-night Eastern Caribbean voyage aboard the ship, Elizabeth has plenty of firsthand insights to share — from what stood out to whether it's worth paying for more.
Read more: 10 things I wish I knew before booking the Carnival Mardi Gras cruise ship
Carnival updates list of banned things you can't bring on a cruise ship
It's important for first-time cruisers to understand what is and isn't permitted aboard their ship, as cruise lines have strict rules about what passengers are allowed to bring.
For example, most mainstream cruise lines ban common travel items that pose fire hazards in staterooms, like irons, steamers, and extension cords.
Most recently, Carnival Cruise Line updated its banned items list to offer more detailed guidance for guests. Now, the cruise line's prohibited items list states that collapsible wagons are not allowed to be used on the ship or at Carnival's private destinations.
Read more: Carnival updates list of banned things you can't bring on a cruise ship
Carnival Spa Prices and Menu (2026)
Although Carnival Cruise Line is known for its wild deck parties, hysterical comedy shows, and laid-back vibe, the fleet's Cloud 9 Spa offers cruisers a space to relax and be pampered aboard a "FUN" ship.
Carnival's spa is available fleetwide, from Carnival Elation to Carnival Conquest and Carnival Jubilee. Treatments vary from rejuvenating facials to soothing massages, beauty services, and more.
As nice as that may sound, treatments vary in pricing. For example, a 100-minute aroma spa seaweed massage costs $299, while a traditional manicure costs only $59.
Read more: Carnival Spa Prices and Menu (2026)
BlueIguana Cantina Menu + Restaurant Guide
Carnival Cruise Line is known for its fast-casual dining options, ranging from juicy burgers at Guy's Burger Joint to complimentary Mexican fare at BlueIguana Cantina, a vibrant restaurant that's a favorite among cruisers for its laid-back atmosphere on the lido deck.
At the heart of BlueIguana Cantina is its menu that focuses on dishing up fast, flavorful meals that can be enjoyed poolside or elsewhere on the ship!
From delicious tacos to hearty burritos, cruisers will find an array of options that cater to a variety of tastes. Don't forget to check out the salsa bar to further customize your meal with fresh salsa, toppings, and sauces.
Read more: BlueIguana Cantina Menu + Restaurant Guide
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.
