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.

Discover Greece Like Never Before — Blue Zephyr Cruises Introduces Boutique Small‑Ship Voyages Around the Greek Isles

Blue Zephyr Cruises has officially launched a new luxury small‑ship cruise operation in the Greek Isles with the 114‑passenger Blue Zephyr, offering travellers intimate eight‑day and 13‑day itineraries departing from Athens starting in 2026. The Greek‑American owned company, leveraging deep maritime and hospitality experience, aims to appeal to travellers seeking personalized, culture‑rich voyages exploring both iconic and hidden destinations across the Aegean Sea.

In a major development for boutique cruise travel, Blue Zephyr Cruises has entered the Mediterranean market with its first small‑ship operation, centred on bespoke journeys around the Greek Isles from Athens. With just 57 cabins accommodating 114 guests, the newly launched Blue Zephyr blends personalized service, cultural immersion and exclusive access to hidden coves and boutique ports — experiences larger vessels cannot match.

Company leaders say the product is crafted for discerning travellers who value privacy, slow travel, time ashore and authentic local engagement, rather than the crowded itineraries typical of mainstream cruise lines. The Blue Zephyr — originally built in 1991 and fully renovated in 2025 — is scheduled to operate eight‑day and 13‑day Aegean itineraries departing from Athens beginning in 2026, marking a strategic expansion of Greece’s intimate cruise offerings.

For travellers, this launch represents more than a new ship: it signals a fresh luxury option for Mediterranean exploration that combines comfort with cultural discovery, gastronomy and authentic island experiences. At the same time, the boutique nature of the operation comes with its distinct travel considerations.

A DEEPER LOOK — BLUE ZEPHYR’S CRUISE OFFERINGS

• Vessel & Capacity: The Blue Zephyr carries just 114 passengers in 57 cabins, interacting closely with a dedicated crew.
• Renovation & Character: Fully renovated in 2025, the ship blends classic maritime charm with modern interiors and luxury amenities.
• Departure Hub: All cruises begin in Athens, Greece, a prime gateway for Mediterranean travel.
• Itineraries: Eight‑day journeys start at €3,050 per person, while the 13‑day Grand Aegean Journey begins at €5,550 per person — offering multiple island stops with local cultural themes.
• Target Audience: The cruise line targets travellers seeking personalized service, fewer crowds, time to explore each destination deeply, and a refined boutique travel experience.

WHY THIS MATTERS FOR TRAVELLERS — ADVANTAGES

Intimate, Customized Cruise Experience

Unlike large cruise ships with thousands of passengers, boutique vessels like the Blue Zephyr offer personalized service, tranquil onboard environments and tailored experiences ashore. This appeals to travellers seeking calm, luxury and more meaningful cultural interaction.

Access to Hidden Gems

Smaller vessels can dock in boutique ports and secluded coves unreachable by mega‑ships, offering travellers a chance to explore authentic Greek island life — from quiet beaches to local tavernas and less‑visited towns.

Cultural Immersion & Slow Travel

Itineraries emphasize deep cultural discovery rather than rushed multi‑stop tourism. Guests can spend more time ashore in each destination, enjoy regional Greek cuisine, meet local guides and take part in curated experiences emphasizing heritage and hospitality.

Luxury Onboard Comfort

Renovated cabins, attentive service and gourmet dining are hallmarks of the Blue Zephyr experience — a step above standard cruising for passengers who prioritize comfort and refinement.

Flexible Seasonal Expansion Opportunities

Although 2026 focuses on the Greek Isles, the company is exploring niche winter destinations that align with its boutique ethos, potentially opening year‑round options for travelers.

DISADVANTAGES & TRAVELLER CONCERNS

Higher Fares Than Mass Market Cruises

Luxury small‑ship cruises typically cost more than mainstream larger ship alternatives. The Blue Zephyr eight‑ and 13‑day itineraries start at premium price points, meaning travellers must be prepared for a higher budget range in exchange for boutique experiences.

Limited Capacity & Early Booking Needs

With only 114 passengers per voyage, cabins can fill quickly — especially for sought‑after sailing dates. Travellers may need to book well in advance to secure preferred itineraries and staterooms.

Focus on Seasonal Mediterranean Only Initially

While expansion is planned, 2026 itineraries focus primarily on the Greek Isles. Those seeking varied global cruise experiences may find the initial offerings narrow compared to larger lines with year‑round, multi‑region routes.

Less Amenity Variety Than Larger Ships

Boutique ships trade scale for intimacy; services like casinos, water parks or large entertainment venues common on big ships are absent, which may not suit all travellers’ preferences.

TRAVEL INDUSTRY CONTEXT

The launch of Blue Zephyr Cruises’ small ship operation reflects a broader trend toward boutique, experience‑driven cruising that caters to travelers prioritizing culture, comfort and deeper engagement with destinations rather than packed schedules and large crowds. Smaller ship cruising continues to grow in popularity worldwide, with travelers valuing unique itineraries and destinations larger fleets cannot access.

In regions like the Greek Isles, where geography favors smaller harbours and intimate coastal experiences, boutique cruising opens up exploration opportunities beyond mass tourism hotspots, contributing positively to local economies and sustainable tourism development.

CONCLUSION — TRAVELLER IMPACT SUMMARY

The inaugural cruises of Blue Zephyr Cruises signal an exciting addition to Mediterranean travel options for 2026 — particularly for travelers who crave personalized service, cultural immersion, and boutique luxury at sea. With eight‑day and 13‑day Aegean journeys departing from Athens, the Blue Zephyr carve out a niche in small‑ship cruising that emphasizes quiet exploration, authentic experiences and time ashore, enriching how travelers experience the Greek Isles.

While premium pricing and limited seasonal routes may not suit every holidaymaker, this launch offers a compelling choice for those seeking meaningful journeys that combine maritime elegance with cultural discovery. As cruising trends continue to evolve, small ships like the Blue Zephyr are expanding the possibilities for boutique travel around historic and scenic destinations like Greece.

The post Discover Greece Like Never Before — Blue Zephyr Cruises Introduces Boutique Small‑Ship Voyages Around the Greek Isles appeared first on Travel And Tour World.

Carnival Corp (CCL) is bringing back dividend payouts after a record-breaking full year performance.

The group’s 2025 full year results saw a 60% jump in adjusted net income to $3.1 billion, driven by $26.6 billion in revenue, an all-time record high.

Record High Full Year Revenue

The results and the dividend reinstatement pushed Carnival’s share price up nearly 10% the day of the announcement.

It also announced an upcoming change is planned to scrap its US and UK dual-listing. It aims to become a single New York-listed business subject to shareholder approval.

“2025 was a truly phenomenal year,” said CEO Josh Weinstein. “We set new records across our business, achieved investment grade leverage metrics and, as announced reinstating our dividend.”

“We’re always trying to figure out how to make the experience onboard meet and exceed expectations. “We have a tremendously ridiculous price-to-experience ratio gap between what we give to our guests and what you can get in land-based alternatives. That value proposition, I think, is getting clearer and clearer when it comes to how we can market this.”

The fourth quarter adjusted earnings exceeded analysts’ forecasts of $454m, with quarterly revenue at $6.33 billion.

With two-thirds of capacity sold for 2026, the company expects to increase earnings further in 2026 with adjusted net income of around $3.5 billion.

It was the fourth time in 2025 it outperformed guidance thanks to strong last-minute booking volume.

Carnival announced a 15 cents per share dividend is payable in late February 2026.

Carnival Corp CFO David Bernstein said the company structure will be simplified by delisting Carnival PLC from the London stock exchange.

Delisting From UK Stock Exchange

“We believe it will also increase liquidity for stock trades and increase weighting of the stock in major U.S. stock indices,” he said. This means unifying into a single corporate entity listed only in New York.

This will then “streamline governance and reporting, and reduce administrative costs,” Bernstein added. Existing Carnival PLC shareholders would be issued Carnival Corp. shares on a one-for-one basis, making Carnival PLC a UK subsidiary wholly owned by Carnival Corp.

This will be formally proposed at shareholder meetings in April, with an expected completion in the second quarter.

Carnival’s move follows Royal Caribbean (RCL), which reinstated its dividend in 2024 as cruise line across the industry return to shareholder payouts after the pandemic recovery period.