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Cruise News Mayhem: Carnival’s Loyalty Controversy, New Fees & Overboard Drama

Professor Melissa
Professor Melissa
🏅Authority
👁️ 9K views📅 10 months ago⏱️ 15:03
What This Creator Said
Creator Had Mixed FeelingsTips & Advice🏅Authority Creator
Veteran Cruiser

Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.

Creator's Key Takeaways

Carnival just changed its loyalty program, and loyal cruisers are not happy.

It's all about spending now. Plus, Mexico's added a sneaky new tax, private islands are charging $20 for pool noodles, and drink packages aren't working where they should.

A 5-year-old went overboard on Disney. She's okay, but the story is wild.

I know cruisers. I know cruise culture. I know myself. I know that I understand business decisions and I tend to be level-headed about these things and understand hard business decisions that need to be made. But this this, my friends, is a major misstep.

Creator's Tips & Advice

Carry travel insurance for all trips.
Pay attention to Carnival's announcements about drink package policies at private islands.
Consider skipping expensive beach club passes and opt for independent excursions.

🆕New to Cruising? This Creator Addresses:

Safety of falling overboardRailings are tall and ships have safety features; adult supervision is crucial.
Unexpected fees and costsBudget for taxes, private island charges, and consider travel insurance.

Questions This Creator Answers

QHow does Carnival's new loyalty program affect loyal cruisers?
QWhat is Mexico's new cruise passenger tax and how does it impact itineraries?
QWhy are private islands charging for amenities like pool noodles and how do drink packages work there?
QWhat happened in the Disney Dream overboard incident and how was it handled?

Topics Covered

Loyalty Program4 Sad BaconValue Pricing3 Sad BaconDrink Package2½ Sad BaconShip Condition4 Sad Bacon

Port Highlights

Costa Maya1½ Sad Bacon
Cozumel1½ Sad Bacon
Galveston2½ Happy Bacon
How to read the Trip Bacon Score
Happy Bacon — creators loved this aspect
Sad Bacon — creators took issue with this
Meh — no strong opinion either way

Scale: 0–5 strips in half-step increments. 0 = “meh”, 5 = “bacon bliss”. Aggregated from creator-review sentiment, weighted by channel expertise.

About our Bacon Score methodology
YouTube Video Description

Carnival just changed its loyalty program, and loyal cruisers are not happy. If you’ve spent years racking up nights to hit Platinum or Diamond, you might be in for a shock. It’s all about spending now. Plus, Mexico’s added a sneaky new tax, private islands are charging $20 for pool noodles, and drink packages aren’t working where they should. Oh, and a 5-year-old went overboard on Disney. She’s okay, but the story is wild. We’re breaking it all down: what’s changing, what’s fair, and what might make you rethink your next cruise. ** Learn about Travel Insurance** https://www.profmelissa.com/travelinsurance **Book smart with me (for free!)** https://www.profmelissa.com/travelagent Nassau Alternatives: ** British Colonial: https://www.resortforaday.com/british-colonial-nassau-day-pass/?Click=96370 ** Margaritaville: https://www.resortforaday.com/Margaritaville-Beach-Resort-Nassau/?Click=96370 ** Breezes (all-inclusive): https://www.resortforaday.com/breezes-resort-nassau/?Click=96370 ** Baha Mar: https://www.resortforaday.com/Baha-Bay-Waterpark-at-Baha-Mar-Nassau/?Click=96370 ** RIU (all-inclusive & adults-only): https://www.resortforaday.com/riu-palace-nassau-1/?Click=96370 **Chapters** (0:28) Did Carnival just wipe out your loyalty perks? (4:06) Will Mexico’s new cruise tax change your travel plans? (5:44) Would you pay $20 to rent a pool noodle? (6:47) Why doesn’t your drink package work at Carnival’s private islands? (8:10) Is Royal Caribbean’s beach club worth $170 a day? (9:51) What really happened during the Disney overboard rescue? (13:01) Should every cruiser have travel insurance? (14:18) Is Galveston becoming the next cruise hotspot? ----------------------------------------------- PODCAST Want this video in audio form? Stream my podcast: Spotify: https://profmel.com/spotify Apple: https://profmel.com/apple ----------------------------------------------- LINKS 🛳 Shop my favorite cruise outfits and essentials: https://profmel.com/shop 🛳 Want to become a travel agent? https://www.profmelissa.com/travelagent 🛳 Get my top recommended travel card: http://www.profmel.com/card 🛳 Want to book a cruise or take a cruise with me? https://profmel.com/book 🛳 Get FREE Port Guides, cruise advice, and more at https://www.profmelissa.com/ 🛳 Get my FREE Cruise Packing List & Planning Guide: https://profmel.com/subscribe 🛳 Want to book my favorite private drivers? http://www.profmel.com/drivers ------------------------------------------------- CONNECT WITH ME TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@professormelissa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProfMelissaCruises/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_melissa_newman/ ------------------------------------------------- Please note that sometimes, my posts contain affiliate links. This means I may receive a commission through purchases, but this does not affect you as a consumer or cost you more in any way. I appreciate your use of my links, as this helps support my channel. ♥️