If you're planning a Carnival cruise in 2025, you’ll want to become familiar with the upcoming changes and additions the cruise line is making. 

While they won’t welcome any brand-new ships to the fleet, Carnival is making several exciting updates to enhance the guest experience, as well as some that have outraged loyal customers. 

From increasing the cost of Carnival's drink and internet packages to restarting cruises from Norfolk, Virginia, here are 6 big changes you can expect to impact your cruising experience in 2025 and beyond.

Travel insurance is important for more than just protecting against lost luggage or flight delays, especially for trips like cruises. 

A good insurance plan can provide peace of mind in case of unexpected medical emergencies at sea. One couple learned the hard way when they embarked on their honeymoon cruise, only to have their dream vacation become a headache due to a sudden medical issue. 

Carnival Cruise Line is one of the most well-known cruising brands in the industry. With a large fleet of vibrant cruise ships and an energetic clientele, there’s no shortage of fun or partying on a Carnival cruise.

MSC Cruises plans to streamline its beverage program. Instead of offering three alcoholic packages, the cruise line will reduce the number of options to one simplified plan. 

Historically, guests sailing with MSC could select the Easy, Easy Plus, or Premium Drink Package. Effective December 18, 2024, the only alcoholic package available on sailings departing on or after April 1, 2025, is the Premium Extra Package, which eliminates the cheaper packages. 

A Royal Caribbean passenger has died after being detained by cruise ship security following a violent tantrum. 

Laura Eimiller, a spokesperson for the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Los Angeles field office, confirmed that the FBI is investigating the incident that occurred onboard Navigator of the Seas, as reported by USA Today. She did not share specifics about how the investigation will be conducted. 

I love cruising, whether a port-intensive sailing to Greece or a short getaway to the Bahamas, so within the past year, I sailed on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Carnival ships to try and uncover the best cruise line for Bahamas cruises. 

Each line is known for something different. Carnival, for example, is known for its fun, lively atmosphere with plenty of activities geared toward partygoers and families. On the other hand, Celebrity provides a more refined and sophisticated experience, with an emphasis on fine dining and world-class service. 

Drink packages are a popular add-on for cruisers who want to save money or are worried about an unexpectedly large bill at the end of their cruise.

MSC Cruises offers their customers three different drink packages to suit different preferences and needs. Whether you want a few beers and a glass of wine or a more extensive package that provides top-shelf spirits, champagne, and specialty coffees, there is an option for everyone. 

After being asked whether they'd consider banning cell phones in the dining room, Carnival's Brand Ambassador responded that it isn't the cruise line's place to enforce a no-electronics rule. 

The anonymous passenger expressed their frustration to John Heald, saying they don't allow their three children—ages 7, 11, and 15—to use phones or tablets during dinner and felt that other families should adhere to similar standards. 

I've always thought of Cruise Directors as A-list celebrities on a cruise. You'll rarely disembark without having heard their voice over the PA system or seen them interacting with other passengers. However, their duties go far beyond being pretty faces who introduce events—they're also hosts, entertainers, planners, and problem-solvers. 

During their contracts, Cruise Directors live onboard their ships for multiple months. While you'll see them frequently in guest areas, their "home away from home" is below deck where passengers can't go.