Carnival Cruise Line has notified guests that recommended gratuities and Bottomless Bubbles prices will increase starting April 2, 2026, marking the cruise line’s first gratuity hike since April 2023.

Daily gratuities for standard staterooms will rise from $16 to $17 per guest, while suite guests will see rates increase from $18 to $19 per day. The increases apply to both U.S. and European departures.

Guests who prepay gratuities through Carnival’s Cruise Manager before April 1 can lock in current rates for any open sailing.

Unless prepaid, recommended gratuities are automatically added to guests’ Sail & Sign accounts. Adjustments can be made during the cruise but not after disembarkation.

Bottomless Bubbles package hike

The adult Bottomless Bubbles package will also increase from $9.50 to $11.99 per person, per day, plus a 20 percent service charge. Pricing for children 17 and under remains unchanged at $6.95 per day plus the service charge.

Thank you, most especially, for your support of our onboard crew,” Carnival said in a guest notice signed by VP of Guest Services Colleen Oliverio.

“Our shipboard team members work hard to provide exceptional and friendly service, and your gratuities go directly to benefit the crew in addition to their base pay.”

Carnival’s announcement follows a wave of gratuity increases across the cruise industry. Margaritaville at Sea recently raised its rates again, now charging $22 per night for staterooms and $25 for suites.

Disney Cruise Line increased rates in January 2025, and Royal Caribbean implemented a modest increase in November 2024.

Even with the increase, Carnival’s gratuities remain among the lowest in the mainstream cruise market.

Royal Caribbean currently charges $18.50 per day for standard cabins, while Margaritaville at Sea now charges $22, well above Carnival’s new $17 rate.

Princess Cruises added two specialty dining venues to Diamond Princess, Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill steakhouse, with reservations now available for all sailings.

Makoto Ocean

Makoto Ocean debuts on Deck 7, featuring Chef Makoto Okuwa’s Edomae-style sushi that previously launched on Sun Princess and Star Princess. 

The menu includes signature dishes like truffle salmon, snow crab temaki and toro tartare, paired with Japanese-inspired cocktails including the Genmai Negroni and Kodai No Hana made with yuzu juice and Doburoku sake.

Crown Grill Steakhouse

Crown Grill, previously recognized among the “Best Cruise Ship Steakhouses at Sea,” now occupies the former Savoy Dining Room on Deck 5. The restaurant serves premium aged beef, chops and fresh seafood in what Princess describes as an elegant atmosphere with attentive service.

The latest move puts Crown Grill on nearly every Princess cruise ship, following the installation on Sapphire Princess last fall.

Both restaurants cost $55 per person. Guests who book the Princess Premier package get specialty dining included in their fare, meaning no additional charge for either venue.

With Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill now onboard Diamond Princess, and also recently added onboard sister ship Sapphire Princess, we’re proud to enhance the guest experience,” said Sami Kohen, Princess Cruises Vice President Food and Beverage.

Current Deployment

Diamond Princess currently sails roundtrip from Singapore, visiting Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam before returning to Japan. The ship was built in Japan alongside sister ship Sapphire Princess.

For 2027, Princess Cruises plans its largest Japan season ever, with both Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess sailing from the Tokyo region throughout the entire season.

City officials in Amsterdam are now mulling a full ban of ocean cruise ships in the Netherlands capital.

Amsterdam’s mayor and some aldermen say a ban of ocean-going cruise ships within a decade is now their favored option.

A full ban is not a new idea although the existing plan was to restrict cruise ship traffic and eventually relocate the central Passenger Terminal Amsterdam to the Western Harbor Area outside the city.

Ship limits were to begin this year. This entails only one ship call per day and no more than 100 calls by ocean cruise ships a year. All ships are required to plug in to shore power from 2027. There were also plans to limit the number of river cruise ships.

The next phase of this original plan was to relocate the passenger terminal to outside the city by 2035, although this is still pending the publication of a full feasibility report.

Call for full cruise ship ban by 2035

Based on the cost of a new passenger terminal and the reduced revenues due to the cruise ship restrictions, some city officials now say it makes sense to just impose a complete ban on cruise ship traffic in the city.

However, it is not an official proposal up for debate yet. That decision will be taken by the city council after local elections in March. Councilman Rob Hofland said: “We are finally going to free Amsterdam from these floating apartment blocks.” 

If a complete cruise ship ban is implemented, it doesn’t mean cruise ship guests won’t get the opportunity to explore Amsterdam. 

Nearby Rotterdam is being touted as an alternative port of call. In fact, some cruise lines already call there instead of the capital. This is partly due to public opposition to large cruise ships and demonstrations by anti-cruise activists. Rotterdam is around a one-hour drive from Amsterdam.

Royal Caribbean Group is detailing Points Choice, a new loyalty program capability that allows guests to earn cruise points on any of its three brands and apply them wherever they choose across Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea.

The program, launching January 30, 2026, connects the company’s existing loyalty programs (Crown & Anchor Society, Captain’s Club, and Venetian Society) giving guests flexibility to direct their earned points to the program where they’ll have the most value. Casino rewards programs give players perks that go from free credits, cashback on losses, to food vouchers and free rooms.

How Point Conversions Work

Guests continue earning cruise points as they always have, based on stateroom category and nights sailed.

The new points comes after the sailing, when guests have up to 14 days to decide which loyalty program receives their earned points. It should be noted that point values vary by brand.

A Royal Caribbean balcony stateroom earns 1 Crown & Anchor point per night, which converts to 3 Captain’s Club points on Celebrity or 1 Venetian Society day for every 3 Royal nights on Silversea.

Celebrity’s top suites earn 24 Captain’s Club points per night, converting to 2 Crown & Anchor points or 1 Venetian Society day.

Silversea’s expedition suites earn 1 VS day per night, worth 2 Crown & Anchor points or 24 Captain’s Club points.

Points Choice is designed with our guests at the center,” said Jason Liberty, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. “Our guests are exploring more of our brands than ever before, and we believe our loyalty experience should grow with them.”

Building on Status Match

Points Choice builds on Royal Caribbean Group’s Status Match program, introduced in May 2024, which allows loyalty members to enjoy equivalent tier status across all three brands.

A Crown & Anchor Diamond member, for example, receives equivalent recognition when sailing Celebrity or Silversea.

Together, Status Match and Points Choice create what the company calls the most integrated loyalty ecosystem in the cruise industry.

The program eliminates the need for guests to “start over” when exploring different brands within the Royal Caribbean Group portfolio.

Moving Between Brands

Royal Caribbean Group designed Points Choice to show how cruisers move between brands, from multi-generational trips to couples getaways and milestone celebrations.

Rather than operating brand loyalty programs in isolation, the company now enables guests to guide their loyalty journey across its entire portfolio.

Exchange rates will be published annually and may change. Additional information on point conversion details and frequently asked questions is available on Royal Caribbean Group’s website.

Last summer, Carnival Cruise Line announced it would be revamping its loyalty program this year, but it wasn’t well received, as many VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) Club guests looked to other cruise lines.

Norwegian Cruise Line also lets guests status match between brands.

Will Carnival Cruise Line follow suit? And is this the new way to keep guests within the cruise line’s own ecosystem? We’ll have to wait and see.

Don’t forget you can also snag some great last minute cruise deals from companies like Dunhill by doing a quick google search. Cruise companies are always trying to fill up ships last minute so you can usually find some steep discounts!

Cruises that cross multiple climate zones offer variety and contrast within a single trip. You might experience tropical heat one day and cool coastal weather the next, sometimes within the same week.

Packing effectively for these shifts requires planning rather than simply bringing more items.

Limited cabin space and airline luggage restrictions make overpacking impractical. The goal is to prepare for changing conditions while keeping your wardrobe and gear manageable. Smart packing focuses on adaptability, layering, and thoughtful item selection.

Preparing for Changing Conditions Early

Before packing anything, review the itinerary carefully. Note the regions, typical seasonal weather, and whether the cruise includes sea days or overnight port stays. This context informs every packing decision that follows.

Some travelers also think about communication tools during port days or excursions. Mobile radios are occasionally used in group travel situations, and keeping essentials like Motorola radio batteries organized ensures equipment remains usable if brought along.

While not required for most cruisers, planning for accessories follows the same logic as preparing for weather changes.

Layering as a Core Strategy

Layering is one of the most effective ways to handle varying climates. Lightweight base layers can be worn alone in warm destinations or combined with insulating pieces in cooler regions. This approach reduces the need for bulky, single-purpose clothing.

Mid-layers such as light sweaters or fleece jackets provide warmth without taking up much space. Outer layers, like a packable jacket, protect against wind or rain and can be easily removed. Together, these pieces adapt to a wide range of temperatures.

Fabrics That Work Across Climates

Choosing the right clothes for traveling is essential. Look for garments made from breathable, moisture-wicking materials that help regulate body temperature in warm and humid environments. These fabrics also dry faster, which is helpful when laundry access is limited.

In cooler climates, the same materials can be layered effectively. Natural fibers like merino wool are often favored because they provide insulation while remaining breathable. Selecting versatile fabrics reduces the total number of items you need to pack.

Footwear for Diverse Destinations

Footwear presents a common packing challenge on multi-climate cruises. Space constraints limit how many pairs you can reasonably bring. Selecting shoes that perform well in multiple settings is essential.

Comfortable walking shoes are usually the highest priority, as they suit both sightseeing and casual onboard activities. A second pair, such as sandals or dress shoes, can cover warm-weather excursions or formal evenings. Weather-resistant options add flexibility in cooler or wetter ports.

Accessories That Add Flexibility

Small accessories can significantly expand your comfort range. Scarves, hats, and lightweight gloves take up minimal space but provide warmth when temperatures drop. They can be easily removed and stored when not needed.

Sun protection accessories are equally important in warmer regions. Sunglasses and a packable hat help manage intense sunlight without adding bulk. These items offer practical benefits across multiple climates.

Managing Cabin Storage Efficiently

Cruise cabins are designed for efficiency, not excess storage. Using packing cubes or compression bags helps keep clothing organized and accessible. This is particularly helpful when rotating outfits for different climates.

Separating warm-weather and cool-weather items allows you to retrieve what you need quickly. Keeping rarely used items stowed reduces clutter and makes daily routines smoother. E

Efficient storage supports adaptability throughout the trip.

Laundry Planning on Longer Cruises

Many multi-climate itineraries span more than a week. Laundry services or self-service facilities are often available onboard, though availability varies by ship. Planning to do laundry once can significantly reduce how much you need to pack.

Quick-drying fabrics make hand-washing feasible if needed. Rewearing versatile items after laundering helps maintain a streamlined wardrobe. This approach supports smart packing without sacrificing comfort.

Balancing Comfort With Practicality

Packing for multiple climate zones is ultimately about balance. You want to be prepared without feeling burdened by excess gear. Each item should earn its place by serving multiple purposes.

Thoughtful selection reduces decision fatigue during the trip. When everything works together, adjusting to a new climate becomes routine rather than stressful. This balance enhances the overall cruise experience.

Adapting as the Journey Unfolds

A cruise that spans different climates highlights the value of flexibility. Weather can change unexpectedly, and personal comfort needs may shift over time. Packing with adaptability in mind allows you to respond with ease.

Rather than aiming for perfect preparation, focus on readiness.

When your clothing and gear can adjust along with the itinerary, you spend less time managing logistics and more time enjoying the journey itself.