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New Royal Caribbean Tip!
Now you can book your entertainment 90 days prior to your sailing in the Pre-Cruise Planner section of your Royal Caribbean app. Previously, this was only available 30 days prior to the sail date.
Happy Cruising!

2 days ago | [YT] | 1

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Here's a recap of some big cruise news this week on The Wake Report

🛳️ Norwegian Cruise Line is loosening the exclusivity of its luxury Haven experience—just a little. The cruise line now allows certain non-suite guests to dine in The Haven restaurant, but there’s a catch: it only applies to passengers staying in connecting staterooms with Haven guests, and they must dine together. These non-Haven guests won’t get access to any other perks like the private pool or lounge, keeping most of the “ship-within-a-ship” experience intact. While some cruisers see this as a convenient option for families traveling together, others worry it could chip away at the exclusivity that Haven guests pay a premium for.

🛳️ Royal Caribbean is testing a new option aimed at easing one of cruising’s biggest booking frustrations—waiting for your cabin assignment. With its new “Early Assign” program, guests who book a guarantee cabin can pay a $30 fee per stateroom to find out their room within 24 hours after final payment, instead of potentially waiting until just days before sailing. The optional add-on also gives cruisers more time to request a different cabin within the same category if available, offering a bit more control and peace of mind.

🛳️ Norwegian Cruise Line is making waves with a targeted price increase that impacts shorter sailings. The cruise line has raised the daily gratuities tied to its popular “Free at Sea” drink package on cruises lasting 2–5 nights, bumping the cost to about $32 per person per day—roughly a 12% increase—while longer sailings remain unchanged. The change was rolled out quietly with little advance notice, meaning many guests missed the chance to lock in the lower rate. While the package is still marketed as a strong value, this move is sparking frustration among cruisers who feel nickel-and-dimed, especially as it only affects those quick getaway sailings.

What do you think? Do you think NCL's new Haven rule is chipping away at their exclusive perks? Would you pay an extra $30 to know your guarantee cabin assignment earlier?

3 days ago | [YT] | 1

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Here is your weekly digest of cruise news in this week's The Wake Report

🛳️Carnival Cruise Line is tightening up its onboard rules with a clearer (and stricter) prohibited items policy—especially when it comes to wagons. While guests can still bring collapsible wagons, they can’t be used on the ship, during embarkation, or even at Carnival’s private destinations like Celebration Key, mainly due to safety concerns and damage to ship decks. The updated list also expands bans on items like Bluetooth speakers, certain communication devices, and appliances with heating elements, while clarifying that some gear—like drones or fishing equipment—can only be used in port and must be stored onboard. Bottom line: if you’re cruising with Carnival, double-check what you pack—because more items than ever are now restricted or limited in where you can use them.


🛳️Royal Caribbean has launched a pilot program called "Early Assign" to address a common frustration with guarantee cabin bookings. Guarantee staterooms are typically the most budget-friendly option, but cabin assignments often aren't confirmed until just a day or two before embarkation — or even on the day of sailing. Cruise Hive For $30 per cabin, guests can now have their stateroom assignment revealed within 24 business hours of Royal Caribbean receiving their final payment. Royal Caribbean Blog The program is currently a pilot available only for U.S. bookings, with specific pre-sailing windows: 30–60 days out for cruises of five nights or less, and 50–80 days out for cruises of six nights or longer. TravelHost A notable perk is that once assigned, guests can request a switch to another available cabin within the same category at no extra charge Cruise Fever — useful if you end up under the pool deck or near a noisy area. The $30 fee is per stateroom (not per guest), strictly non-refundable even if the cruise is cancelled, and is not available on casino fares.


🛳️ Due to construction delays at PhilaPort's new cruise terminal along the Delaware River — slowed by winter weather — Norwegian Cruise Line has implemented revised parking and embarkation procedures for its Philadelphia sailings aboard the Norwegian Jewel. Passengers driving to the port must first go to the Clarion Hotel Philadelphia International Airport, which serves as a temporary hub for parking, luggage drop-off, and check-in, before being shuttled to the ship. Cruise Hive The inaugural sailing on April 16 did not go smoothly, with long lines, heavy traffic, and crowded conditions in the hotel ballroom causing the ship to depart over three hours late Cruise Hive, prompting NCL to issue updated arrival guidance. Guests are encouraged to prepay for parking by contacting the hotel directly, which grants access to a dedicated traffic flow and parking area. Cruise Hive Notably, wheelchair assistance is not available at the hotel, though it will be provided at the port for guests who requested it in advance. Cruise Hive On the return side, passengers without vehicles at the hotel are shuttled complimentarily to Philadelphia International Airport's Terminal C for rideshare and taxi access, while those who parked at the hotel are returned there to retrieve their cars — and no rideshare or private pickups are permitted directly at the pier.


🛳️ Carnival Corporation is investigating a potential data breach after the hacking group ShinyHunters listed the company on its "pay or leak" extortion portal on April 18, 2026, claiming to have stolen over 8.7 million records containing personal and internal corporate data. Cruise Hive Carnival confirmed it detected suspicious activity tied to a phishing incident involving a single user account and moved quickly to block the unauthorized access, while working with external security experts to assess the full scope. Security Boulevard After the April 21 deadline passed, ShinyHunters published the data publicly; it contained 8.7 million records with 7.5 million unique email addresses, appearing to relate to Holland America's Mariner Society loyalty program and including names, dates of birth, genders, and loyalty program status. Have I Been Pwned If confirmed, the breach could expose guests across all Carnival Corporation brands — including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America, and others — to identity theft and financial fraud. This is not the company's first breach; a 2020 incident ultimately resulted in a $1.25 million settlement. Cruise Hive Guests are advised to be cautious about suspicious emails and monitor their personal accounts for unusual activity


What news story did you find the most intriguing?

1 week ago | [YT] | 1

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Happy Earth Day!
The cruise industry is undergoing a significant transformation, investing billions into technology and operational changes to make sailing more environmentally responsible. With a collective goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, cruise lines are proactively reducing their ecological footprint.
Here is how cruise lines are making a conscious effort to be greener:
🌎Adopting Cleaner Fuels & Tech: Many new ships are powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), which significantly reduces sulfur and nitrogen emissions. Additionally, 15% of new ships entering service over the next five years will feature battery storage for hybrid power, or fuel cell technology.
🌎"Plugging In" at Port: Over 60% of global cruise capacity is now equipped with shore power connectivity, allowing ships to turn off their engines while docked to eliminate emissions in port cities.
🌎Advanced Wastewater Treatment: Today, 80% of CLIA-member ships are equipped with Advanced Wastewater Treatment Systems (AWTS), treating water to higher standards than many land-based municipal systems.
🌎Plastic & Waste Reduction: Lines are phasing out single-use plastics—removing items like straws and bottles—and utilizing AI to monitor food waste in kitchens, with some ships reducing food waste by up to 60%.
🌎Innovative Ship Design: Modern vessels utilize air lubrication systems, creating a bed of bubbles to reduce hull friction and enhance fuel efficiency by roughly 10%.
Through these advancements and stringent, voluntary environmental commitments, the industry is creating a more sustainable future for ocean travel.

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 0

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🚢 THE WAKE REPORT (Weekly Cruise News Briefing)
Your weekly cruise news update by Grab Your Bags Travel
Here’s what’s making waves in the cruise world this week 👇


🛳️Holland America Line is investing $500 million in its fleet with major upgrades and enhancements across six ships: Oosterdam, Zuiderdam, Westerdam, and Noordam, Nieuw Amsterdam and Eurodam. Enhancements will include new dining venues, more capacity and new categories including solo balcony options.


🛳️ Effective May 11, 2026, MSC cruises is raising their gratuities (hotel service charges) to $1 for standard cabins going to now $17 a day and Yacht Club up $3 to $23 a day. Anyone who has previously prepaid or would like to prepay their gratuities before May 11th will get the old rate.


🛳️ This past week MSC made news with their private island adjacent to Ocean Cay, Sandy Cay, coming in 2028. MSC also made announcements that they are partnering with Casa de Campo Resort & Villas to re-develop Catalina Island in the Dominican Republic La Romana pot. The destination will be upgrade with new dining, water sports and amenities like daybeds, cabanas as well changing rooms and showers.


🛳️ As announced yesterday, Princess will be adding a new class of ships to their fleet in 2035- 2039. The Voyager class will have 3 ships that will be Princess' largest ships in their fleet. Each one will hold nearly 4600 passengers. It will have redesigned outer decks, new stateroom concepts, and a reimagined Piazza as it will expand on the recent Sphere class ships.


🛳️ Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) released their State of the Industry report which found that 2025 brought record numbers of cruisers with 37.2 million passengers. It was surveyed that 90% of those cruisers said they would cruise again. I'm sure the other 10 just haven't found the right ship for them 😉


🛳️ Carnival SEA (Sailings Exclusively for Adults) cruises have become quite popular that they are now offering new SEA cruises with expanded opportunity to be on one. Previously these limited sailings were for cruisers who were invited through casino offerings or elite level loyalty members. Now, 4 SEA cruises on the Carnival Firenze are open to book for anyone for the late 2026 cruises.


🛳️ After 15 years, cruising is back in Philadelphia. Norwegian Jewel sailed out on April 16th. Cruisers however needed to pack a lot of patience as embarkation was reported to be quite grueling due to check in taking place at a hotel 7 miles away. This temporary procedure is due to the construction that has not finished at the cruise port terminal.


What news item do you find the most interesting?! Come back next week for more news updates.

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 1

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COMING IN 2028!
MSC Cruises just announced their second private island adjacent to Ocean Cay. This one is called Sand Cay. It will offer more luxurious, nature driven experiences for both MSC and Explora Journeys cruisers.
Don't know for sure, but it may be offered an an excursion option when porting at Ocean Cay. Much like Royal's Beach Clubs.
Additionally, the group will enhance Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve with new dining venues, new beach concepts for families and adults, more areas to relax and immersive conservation experiences that tie in the island as a designated marine reserve.
An aerial rendering shows that Sandy Cay will feature at least three pools, several beach areas and coves for swimming, a small marina, several buildings and solar panels to power the island’s electricity needs.

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 1

Grab Your Bags Travel

Lots of Cruise News to report! Here is a summary of what's happening.
🛳️ Carnival Cruises has raised their gratuities by $1 a day which now makes their standard staterooms $17 and their suites $19 per day/per person. Carnival also raised their prices for their Bottomless Bottles drink package
🛳️ Holland America also announced and $1 increase for gratuities bringing them to $18 a day for standard cabins. They are also increase their service charge to 20%.
🛳️ Norwegian Cruise Line will no longer offer pre-cruise reservations for their entertainment fleetwide. This policy shift has been slowly implemented across their ships and has none become practice across all ships.
🛳️ If anyone is sailing out of Boston, the cruise port will have a temporary check in tent outside the building. This is due to the terminal's ongoing construction.
🛳️ Now that the cruise port in Manatee County in Florida is dead, Tampa will still be seeing an expanded cruise ship presence as the port is now going to build a new terminal to accommodate not only more ships but larger ships. They will accomplish this by dredging the channel to accommodate larger than what is able to come in now.

4 weeks ago | [YT] | 1

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Share this with someone who deserves a cruise.

1 month ago | [YT] | 2

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🗞️New policy change at NCL: After much pushback, NCL is reversing their new policy and will allow their Free At Sea Drink Package to be used at their private destination, Great Stirrup Cay.

1 month ago | [YT] | 1

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Where Have I Been? 🦗🦗

Hey friends! 👋 I know it’s been quiet around here, but I promise I’m still here! The past few months brought some big life changes in my household, and I needed to step back and focus on those.

The good news? Things are finally starting to settle down, and I’m excited to get back to sharing cruise news, tips, and all the fun travel content you’ve come to expect. 🚢✨

Thank you so much for sticking with me—I truly appreciate your patience and support. Stay tuned… even better content is on the way! 🙌

7 months ago | [YT] | 0