Cruise passengers, at least experienced ones, know all the tricks.
Sometimes they use those tricks to get around the rules when it comes to Carnival Cruise Line's Cheers beverage package.
Carnival wants to close a loophole that some passengers have been using while also creating a better on-board atmosphere for other passengers.
Related: Carnival Cruise Line passengers share key safety tip
The cruise line requires all passengers over 21 staying in the same room to purchase a Cheers beverage package if anyone in the room buys one. That policy is stricter than the one at rival Royal Caribbean which allows adults to opt for its Refreshment Package, a lower-priced plan that includes all beverages except alcohol.
Carnival does not have a similar all-you-can-drink-everything-but-alcohol package, just the all-or-nothing policy.
Some families get around that by booking two rooms with one adult in each room. Carnival has not enforced who sleeps in which room — but that's going to change.
The cruise line has adopted new rules regarding the ages of passengers who actually stay in specific rooms, and it plans to use its room stewards to enforce them (although that seems like a very difficult proposition).
Doug Parker has the full story on Cruise News Today.
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Carnival Cruise Line changes key kids' rule
Transcript:
This is Cruise News Today with Doug Parker.
Good morning, here's your cruise news for Thursday, January 23.
Carnival Cruise Line is tightening its booking rules for minors, starting on February 1.
Now, under the new policy, guests under 21 must travel with a relative or guardian who is at least 25 years old. Children 14 and younger must stay in the same or directly connecting cabin as their guardians, while teens 15 to 17 can have their own cabin, but it must not be any more than three doors away.
Previously, there were no strict proximity rules, allowing staterooms across the hall or in connecting locations.
The changes are designed to prevent unruly behavior and close those loopholes, like cabin swapping to bypass drink-package rules. Bookings made before February 1 will not be impacted on this new change.
Disney Cruise Line increases fee; Iceland adds new tax
And Disney Cruise Line has announced a gratuity hike, effective for all sailings starting today.
Now, for non-concierge guests, prepaid gratuities will rise by $1.50 to $16 per person per day. The big hike, though, will be for concierge guests. Gratuities there will increase by $3.75 to $27.25 per person per day.
Gratuities help offset salaries of housekeepers, dining staff, and other positions around the ship.
And Iceland will impose a daily infrastructure fee of $18 on all cruise passengers arriving in its ports. The fee applies per port visit, including overnight stays and regardless of where the passenger debarks.
Cruise lines like MSC Cruises have already began notifying passengers that they will be charged on board for these fees. The revenue is said to support infrastructure improvements and sustainability efforts.
(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)
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Have yourself a great Thursday.
I'm Doug Parker with Cruise News Today.
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