Cruise lines revise loyalty, dining and fare policies
Carnival, Norwegian and several other operators have introduced changes affecting rewards, food orders and advertised prices.
According to the report, Carnival replaced its longtime VIFP loyalty program with Carnival Rewards on Sept. 1, 2026. Members now collect Status Qualifying Stars through eligible spending rather than nights sailed. Most loyalty tiers must be earned again every two years, while Diamond members retain lifetime status.
The report also says Norwegian now charges $5 for each main-dining-room entrée ordered beyond the first two. Room-service breakfast orders are limited to one hot and one cold item per person, while the all-day menu allows two items per person. Additional items require a second paid delivery.
Ship capacity and passenger reviews also remain points of attention. MSC Grandiosa accommodates 4,842 passengers at double occupancy and as many as 6,334 at full capacity, according to the report. MSC Cruises received 2.7 out of five and placed last among 25 mass-market cruise lines evaluated in a YouTube ranking by Tips for Travelers.
Pricing displays have changed following California’s 2024 prohibition on so-called junk fees. The state requires advertised cruise fares to include mandatory taxes, fees and port expenses. Although the requirement applies in California, Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Holland America adopted similar total-fare displays nationwide, the report says.