Terrible Changes Coming to Cruises in 2026
Key Moments
Editorial Summary
The creator examines various upcoming changes in the cruise industry slated for 2026, noting that some developments may benefit passengers while others increase costs. The video details shifts in loyalty programs, such as Royal Caribbean Group's new flexible points system and Carnival's transition to a rewards program based on spending rather than just cruise nights. The discussion moves to rising expenses, including new fees for additional entrees on Norwegian Cruise Line, increased childcare costs for Royal Caribbean, and the removal of inclusive gratuities for Virgin Voyages. The creator also highlights a new tiered pricing structure for Virgin Voyages and Princess Cruises' shift toward non-refundable deposits as the default option. Furthermore, the video addresses rising tourist taxes in destinations like Hawaii, Mexico, and Greece, which are passed on to passengers. Finally, the creator covers investments in private destinations, such as Norwegian's water park expansion at Great Stirrup Key and the opening of Royal Caribbean's new beach clubs in the Bahamas, Greece, and Mexico, noting that these amenities often require additional day passes or fees.
Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.
How This Review Compares
This review is more critical than the all-time creator consensus.
Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.
Creator's Key Takeaways
Cruise lines are rolling out major changes for 2026. Some that might actually benefit you and others that will hit your wallet hard.
Now, the big difference, instead of earning status based on cruise nights, it'll now factor in how much you spend both on fairs as well as onboard purchases.
Norwegian Cruise Line is charging $5 extra for an additional entree in the main dining room or included restaurant.
Gratuitities are now a separate line item. They are $20 per person per day if you pay them in advance.
Creator's Tips & Advice
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Scale: 0–5 strips in half-step increments. 0 = “meh”, 5 = “bacon bliss”. Aggregated from creator-review sentiment, weighted by channel expertise.
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