8 Changes You Need to Know About Carnival Cruises

If you’re planning a Carnival cruise in 2025, you’ll want to familiarise yourself with the exciting changes and updates the cruise line has in store. While there won’t be any brand-new ships joining the fleet, Carnival is making bold moves to elevate the guest experience—and some decisions have even sparked debate among loyal cruisers.

From price hikes on popular packages to the launch of a stunning private destination and revamped itineraries, there’s plenty to look forward to (and plan for). These eight big changes will undoubtedly shape your next cruise.

1. Carnival’s Brand-New Private Port

Celebration Key Aerial View with Carnival cruise ships docked in the sea

Carnival is making waves with the introduction of Celebration Key, a private port on Grand Bahama Island set to open in July 2025. This destination has been designed exclusively for Carnival guests and will feature a mile-long beach, a freshwater lagoon, authentic Bahamian shopping and dining, and activities for both families and adults.

The new port will be able to host two of Carnival’s largest ships simultaneously, making it a central hub for the line’s itineraries. With over 100 sailings already planned to visit Celebration Key, including departures from Miami, Port Canaveral, Tampa, and New Orleans, this promises to be a highlight for cruisers looking for a unique and luxurious island experience.

For those seeking a premium experience, Celebration Key will feature the Pearl Cove Beach Club, an adult-only retreat offering a massive 11,000-square-foot infinity pool with a DJ, swim-up bar, water lounges, and a private beach.

Celebration Key Calypso Lagoon Supervilla Rendering

Entry to Pearl Cove will be ticketed, but for adults looking to relax without paying extra, Calypso Lagoon provides an alternative adult-friendly atmosphere, complete with Surf N’ Sauce BBQ, Brews, above-water swinging seats, and two restaurants.

Guests can also rent exclusive floating cabanas or treat themselves to shopping at Lokono Cove, making Celebration Key a destination that blends relaxation and indulgence seamlessly.

Find out more details in this article: Carnival’s New Cruise Port in The Bahamas Opens This Week – This is What You Can Expect

2. Exciting New European Cruises on Carnival Miracle

For summer 2025, Carnival Miracle will embark on 16 European cruises, sailing from ports like Lisbon, Dover, and Civitavecchia. These cruises range from 9 to 15 nights and include stops at incredible destinations such as Iceland, Greece, Istanbul, and Amsterdam.

Guests will have the chance to explore iconic landmarks such as the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, the Acropolis in Athens, and the canals of Amsterdam, making each itinerary an unforgettable cultural experience.

The Carnival Miracle cruise ship sails in the open ocean, its blue and white exterior gleaming under the clear blue sky, with the ship's red funnel adding a pop of color to the serene marine scene. — Carnival Miracle

Highlights include a special Northern Europe itinerary featuring ports in Norway and Sweden, offering breathtaking views of fjords and vibrant Scandinavian cities. Carnival Miracle will also include Mediterranean-focused itineraries, visiting Italy, Spain, and Turkey, where guests can immerse themselves in rich history and local cuisine.

After its European season, Carnival Miracle will return to Tampa for Caribbean sailings, offering a mix of 6- to 8-night cruises. These itineraries highlight Carnival’s commitment to providing diverse experiences for guests who want to explore the world while enjoying their signature fun atmosphere. The Caribbean sailings will feature stops at pristine beaches and tropical ports, making them ideal for both relaxation and adventure seekers.

3. Itinerary Tweaks for Enhanced Experiences

Carnival is making adjustments to itineraries for several ships, ensuring smoother operations and optimal guest experiences. Among the changes:

Carnival Freedom will swap stops between Nassau and Princess Cays on select itineraries, and replace visits to Bimini with Nassau on others. Some itineraries will also have port times adjusted to align with local schedules and enhance shore excursion availability.
Carnival Magic will see time and port order changes for Grand Turk and Half Moon Cay, ensuring more time at these popular destinations to accommodate guest demand for excursions and relaxation.
Carnival Sunrise has updated itineraries, including replacing Half Moon Cay with Princess Cays on certain sailings, while also adjusting port orders and times to optimise guest experiences. This ensures smoother transitions between ports and a more seamless cruising schedule.

The image presents an aerial view of the Carnival Sunrise docked at Princess Cays, a resort owned by Princess Cruises. The vibrant tropical setting features colorful buildings, a sprawling pool area with sun loungers, and a beautiful beachfront, all under the watchful presence of the cruise ship. Its signature red funnel and the name "Carnival Sunrise" are visible on the vessel, which towers over the idyllic island getaway, with the turquoise sea extending into the horizon beneath a dramatic sky. — Carnival Sunrise at Princess Cays

These tweaks not only enhance the guest experience but also reflect Carnival’s commitment to fuel efficiency, streamlined sailing routes, and maximising the enjoyment of its private destinations, particularly as Celebration Key becomes a focal point.

4. Over 500 New Sailings Over 500 New Sailings

Carnival has announced over 500 new cruises for 2025-2026 across 18 ships, with a significant focus on itineraries visiting Celebration Key. For instance:

Carnival Paradise will sail from Tampa on shorter cruises ranging from 4 to 6 nights, visiting key destinations like Cozumel and Celebration Key. This allows guests to experience Carnival’s newest private destination on convenient, family-friendly itineraries.
Carnival Vista and Carnival Venezia will sail from Port Canaveral. Carnival Venezia will also offer seasonal Caribbean sailings and three unique 14-night Carnival Journeys cruises, including an itinerary featuring the iconic Panama Canal and stops in Central America.
Carnival Valor will homeport in New Orleans, providing guests with both short Western Caribbean cruises and longer Carnival Journeys sailings that explore destinations like Grand Cayman, Jamaica, and Mexico.

Carnival Valor cruise ship sailing on the ocean, showcasing its distinctive blue and white exterior with a red funnel, against a bright blue sky with fluffy clouds.

Additionally, several ships will offer itineraries focused on Celebration Key, further solidifying its place as a premier destination in Carnival’s lineup. These new offerings cater to a variety of cruisers, from families seeking shorter, action-packed getaways to adventure-seekers looking for longer, immersive experiences.

5. Two Classic Ships Join the Carnival Fleet

Carnival Cruise Line is welcoming two additional ships to its fleet: Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter. Unlike the brand-new ships we’ve come to expect, these ships are seasoned cruisers with a history.

Originally built for Princess Cruises as part of the Grand Class, these ships sailed as Golden Princess and Star Princess before transferring to P&O Australia as Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter.

These 109,000-gross-ton ships were designed with spacious atriums, multiple swimming pools, and a unique elevated nightclub at the stern, earning them the nickname “shopping trolley” for their distinct appearance. They’ve been a staple in the Australian market since 2022, offering vibrant interiors and standout dining venues like Dragon Lady and Angelo’s Italian. However, their transfer to Carnival will mark a new chapter as they join the fleet in March 2025.

While it’s unclear whether the specialty restaurants will remain, the ships will adopt Carnival branding, including signature colours on their funnels—though not the iconic whale tail. These ships will continue sailing in Australia, offering a unique blend of classic design and modern Carnival fun, making them an exciting option for cruisers Down Under.

6. Price Changes

A couple toasting with orange drinks on a cruise ship balcony, enjoying the expansive ocean view under a bright blue sky.

Carnival is making changes to pricing for onboard amenities and services in 2025. The Cheers! drink package has seen a price hike, now costing $82.50 per day when purchased in advance, or $88.40 when bought onboard.

Similarly, Wi-Fi packages have increased by up to 22%, with the premium plan now costing $23.80 daily for pre-cruise purchases. While these increases have disappointed some loyal customers, the benefits and inclusions of these packages remain unchanged.

7. Midnight Buffet and Lido Marketplace Updates

Carnival is making a few tweaks to its late-night food offerings in 2025. The pizza station, a fan-favourite for post-party cravings, will now close at midnight. But don’t worry—soups, chicken fingers, and sandwiches will still be available to keep those midnight munchies satisfied.

Changes are also on the horizon for the Lido Marketplace buffet. While details haven’t been confirmed yet, many guests are hoping the updates will improve food layout and allergen safety, making the buffet experience smoother and more enjoyable.

8. Carnival’s Loyalty Program Is Getting a Major Makeover

The image features Carnival Breeze's red VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) Club card and promotional materials laid out on a textured orange and white striped surface, highlighting the exclusive perks and information provided to members. This represents a welcoming gesture for guests, enhancing their onboard experience with a personal touch.

Lastly, big changes are coming to Carnival’s loyalty program and not everyone’s thrilled. Starting June 1, 2026, the current VIFP Club will be replaced by Carnival Rewards, a new system that focuses on how much you spend rather than how often you sail. That means things like cruise fares, onboard purchases, and even charges to the new Carnival Rewards Mastercard will all count towards your status.

The new setup introduces a rolling two-year window, so your tier will now depend on how much you’ve spent in that timeframe – no more lifetime status. You’ll earn three stars for every dollar spent, and those stars can be redeemed for onboard perks and future cruises. It’s a shift that Carnival says offers more flexibility, but some long-time cruisers aren’t convinced.

Reactions have been mixed, with some guests frustrated that their hard-earned status might disappear if they don’t cruise regularly. Others appreciate the chance to earn rewards without having to sail multiple times a year. Either way, if you’re a loyal Carnival fan, it’s worth reading up on how the changes could impact you.

👉 Read the full breakdown here.