Cruise Lines Start Charging for Shows? Another Joins the Trend

Editorial Summary

Doug Parker reports on several significant developments within the cruise industry. A growing trend of charging extra for onboard entertainment is highlighted, specifically noting that Cunard Line has introduced entrance fees for certain live shows on its newest ship, the Queen Anne. Examples include fees for performances at the Bright Light Society bar, such as Fizz and Noir and Bittersweet Symphony. Parker notes that similar paid experiences are already present on other lines like MSC Cruises and Princess Cruises. In regional news, Disney Cruise Line has announced it will exit the Australia and New Zealand market following the 2025-2026 season. The Disney Wonder will reposition after a farewell season that includes voyages from Sydney, Melbourne, and Auckland. This move coincides with Disney preparing to launch the Disney Adventure from Singapore. Additionally, Princess Cruises is expanding its presence in Alaska for 2027, planning its largest program to date with eight ships and numerous itineraries. Finally, the report provides a summary of recent cruise line stock performance, noting mixed results for Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Viking.

Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.