If you’re planning a cruise, this week’s news includes several changes that could affect what you pack, what you pay, the type of cruise you book, and even how you choose your cabin. Carnival is changing expectations around Cruise Elegant Night on some short sailings. Princess Cruises has increased the cost of having your Medallion…
The Wake Report — Week of August 21, 2026 Royal Caribbean now charges $30 to learn your cabin assignment early, Disney Cruise Line announced a brand-new ship class for 2029, Princess and Celebrity opened 2028 itineraries, and Norwegian revealed new details on Norwegian Aura. Below is the full rundown — and my take on each…
Private islands, cruise-exclusive destinations and beach clubs are becoming a much bigger part of cruising. But are they making cruising better—or slowly taking away the reason many of us cruise in the first place? Cruise lines are building their own version of the world. Their own beaches. Their own lagoons. Their own water parks. Their…
Several major cruise changes were announced this week that could impact how you plan, budget, and book your next cruise vacation. Princess Cruises is changing its final payment policy and increasing deposits. Norwegian Cruise Line is changing how it prices future sailings. Mexico has begun collecting a new cruise passenger tourism fee. Santorini has temporarily…
Norwegian Cruise Line just raised the bar—again. NCL has officially revealed Norwegian Aura, the largest and longest ship in the brand’s history, and she’s already on sale. Set to debut in Europe in May 2027 before sailing her inaugural Caribbean season from Miami in June 2027, this ship is shaping up to be a game-changer…
If you’re a loyal Carnival cruiser—or planning your first fun-filled voyage—this is a change you need to know about. Starting June 1, 2026, Carnival Cruise Line will officially retire its VIFP Club and roll out a brand-new, two-part loyalty program: Carnival Rewards. What Is Carnival Rewards? Carnival Rewards is Carnival’s new and improved loyalty program,…
If you’re dreaming of the ultimate cruise getaway, you’ll want to keep your eyes on the horizon—because Celebrity Cruises is bringing new life to its beloved Solstice Series ships, starting with a bold, bow-to-stern transformation of the Celebrity Solstice. With more than $250 million invested into this modernization, this isn’t just a facelift—it’s a whole…
MSC Cruises has just raised the bar for specialty dining at sea, rolling out a fresh new approach across its fleet that promises more flexibility, transparency, and incredible value for guests. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or a cruiser looking to elevate your onboard dining experience, these new specialty dining upgrades are designed with you…
Get ready, cruisers—Royal Caribbean is taking vacation adventures to thrilling new heights with its just-announced Perfect Day Mexico, the next evolution in the brand’s record-breaking lineup of private destinations. Slated to open in fall 2027, this all-new exclusive island experience on Mexico’s Caribbean coast promises to combine jaw-dropping thrills, luxurious chill zones, and authentic local…
Exciting news for cruise lovers and Jimmy Buffett fans! Margaritaville at Sea just announced the newest chapter in its fleet expansion: the acquisition of Costa Fortuna, a beloved ship currently sailing under Costa Cruises (A Carnival Company). This announcement comes as the cruise line celebrates its third anniversary, and the buzz is real—this move marks…