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Why the Adriatic Is 2025’s Most Underrated Cruise and Sailing Destination

If you’re already dreaming about where to set sail in 2025, you’re not alone. With travel booming again and travelers craving more meaningful, less crowded experiences, the Adriatic Sea is quickly climbing the charts as Europe’s best-kept cruising secret. But while the Mediterranean often steals the spotlight, this northern arm—bordered by Croatia, Montenegro, and Italy—quietly offers everything you’d want from a sailing trip: pristine islands, UNESCO-packed ports, and a coastline dotted with medieval towns and olive groves.

And yet, many travelers still treat it as a “maybe someday” spot. That’s changing fast.

Croatia, especially, is entering its golden era. With a charter-friendly coastline and a big push toward sustainable tourism, it’s becoming the laid-back but luxe alternative to the over-touristed hubs of the Med. For those looking into catamaran sailing in Croatia, the experience feels more like discovering a floating boutique hotel than joining a traditional cruise. Fewer crowds, better food, more freedom—that’s the Adriatic promise.

Island Hopping Without the Herd

Big ships can’t quite do justice to Croatia’s geography. While they’re restricted to major ports like Split or Dubrovnik, smaller vessels and charters can weave through the Kornati Islands, drop anchor in Vis, or dock in a private cove near Hvar just in time for sunset.

This kind of flexibility is what makes sailing the Adriatic feel like an adventure curated just for you. Instead of rushing back to the boat before the gangway closes, you’re setting your own schedule—lounging at beach bars until dusk, strolling through sleepy fishing villages, or snorkeling off your boat’s ladder with no other tourists in sight.

With over 1,200 islands and islets, Croatia is built for sailing, not squeezing into mega liners. And in 2025, that’s exactly what more people are craving: independence over itineraries.

More Than Just Pretty Ports

Sure, the views are stunning—limestone cliffs, turquoise bays, and sun-drenched vineyards. But Croatia’s appeal runs deeper than its aesthetics.

Start in Trogir, where Romanesque and Renaissance buildings reflect in the calm harbor. Cruise to Korčula, rumored birthplace of Marco Polo, and wander its compact stone alleys. End in Šibenik, a coastal gem where Gothic and Baroque architecture mix with modern art scenes and world-class seafood.

Every stop feels like a masterclass in cultural layering—ancient Greek colonies, Venetian fortresses, Napoleonic ruins. And the best part? You’re not herded around with thirty strangers holding cameras. You walk at your own pace, soaking it all in.

The Catamaran Advantage

Let’s talk comfort. Traditional sailboats have their charm, but catamarans offer the kind of space, stability, and onboard amenities that feel borderline indulgent. Think roomy cabins, panoramic lounges, al fresco dining, and easy water access.

This is especially appealing for travelers who want the sea breeze without sacrificing a hot shower or espresso in the morning. You’re not crammed into a cabin the size of a shoebox. You’re waking up to a sea view with your toes practically in the water.

For families, catamarans provide room to spread out. For couples, they’re romantic without being cramped. And for anyone new to sailing, their stability can be a game-changer.

A Growing Hotspot for Luxury Travelers

Once the secret of budget backpackers and yachties, the Adriatic is now getting attention from a more refined crowd. High-end resorts are opening along the Dalmatian coast. Michelin-awarded restaurants are popping up in once-sleepy towns. And luxury charter companies are expanding fleets to meet rising demand.

But unlike other parts of the Med, Croatia hasn’t lost its soul in the process. You can still buy fresh figs from a harbor vendor or stumble into a wine cellar with no signage—only now, you might wash down your cheese platter with a sommelier’s flight of local Plavac Mali reds.

In 2025, Croatia is poised to be where luxury meets authenticity. Not manufactured opulence, but something rooted in place and tradition.

Short Distances, Big Variety

One of the best things about the Adriatic? You don’t have to travel far to feel like you’re somewhere new. Hop a few nautical miles and the vibe completely shifts.

One day you’re sipping cocktails in Hvar’s stylish beach clubs, the next you’re hiking pine-covered trails on Mljet or exploring 4th-century ruins in Split. This kind of compressed diversity is a rare gift for sailors—less time in transit, more time actually enjoying each destination.

For cruise-style travelers used to long sea days, this change of pace is a revelation. You can sail in the morning and be moored by lunch, ready to explore another pocket of the Adriatic.

Shoulder Season Sweet Spot

While most European coastal hotspots are swamped from June to August, Croatia’s best sailing months are arguably May, early June, September, and even early October. The seas are calmer, the weather is warm but not blistering, and the crowds? Almost non-existent.

That means lower prices, more flexible bookings, and a better shot at scoring the best moorings or anchor spots. And let’s be honest—everything tastes better when you’re not stuck in line at the marina restaurant.

If you’re planning a 2025 escape and have the freedom to travel outside peak season, the Adriatic delivers serenity that’s increasingly hard to find elsewhere.

Smart Tech Meets Seamless Travel

Croatia has embraced tech in ways that make travel smoother. Digital mooring apps, real-time weather updates, and mobile booking for marina services make it easy to plan as you go. Even Wi-Fi is surprisingly solid in many anchorages, meaning you can post that perfect sunset without waiting for a port day.

This matters more than ever in 2025, when digital nomads and remote workers are blending leisure and lifestyle. With smart connectivity and growing marina infrastructure, the Adriatic fits neatly into that hybrid travel mindset—one where you don’t have to fully disconnect to unwind.

The “Why Now” Factor

Part of what makes Croatia so appealing in 2025 is the sense that it’s right on the edge of blowing up. It’s still possible to find quiet coves and uncrowded towns, but maybe not for long.

More direct flights, tourism investments, and a post-pandemic shift toward slower, more personal travel have all put the Adriatic on the radar. Booking a sailing trip here now feels a little like getting in early—while it’s still just under the mainstream cruise crowd’s radar.

For travelers who love to say “we went before it was trendy,” this is your window.

What Kind of Traveler Will Love It?

  • Couples who want intimacy without isolation
  • Families seeking adventure that’s safe and flexible
  • Luxury travelers who value authenticity over flash
  • Cruise veterans curious to try a smaller, customizable journey
  • Solo explorers looking for calm, culture, and community on the water

Whether you’ve spent years hopping Caribbean cruises or you’re new to the sailing scene, Croatia offers something refreshingly different without asking you to compromise.

Final Thoughts: The Sea Is Calling

There’s no shortage of cruise and sailing options for 2025, but the Adriatic checks a lot of boxes that other destinations just don’t. It’s stunning without being crowded, rich in history without feeling like a museum, and full of local character that still feels genuine.

Catamaran charters give you the comfort of a boutique hotel with the freedom of a floating villa. And Croatia delivers the kind of variety that keeps every day interesting.

So if you’re looking to shift your cruising compass next year, don’t follow the masses. Look east. The Adriatic is waiting.

Celebrity Edge Breaks Loose In Alaska

A visit from a cruise ship in Juneau, Alaska became unexpectedly thrilling when the Celebriy Cruises vessel ‘Celebrity Edge’ loosened from its dock and began to drift away. Check out this video to witness how a sudden intense storm triggered this alarming event.

Another View of This Incident

A representative from Royal Caribbean Group verified that the 1,004-foot vessel Celebrity Edge was blown away from the dock during a ‘sudden gust of wind.’

‘Our Captain skillfully navigated the ship back to the pier where travelers and crew members boarded to continue the planned itinerary,’ the representative noted.

The U.S. Coast Guard Sector Southeast Alaska reported that it is probing the event, which transpired as nearly 60 mph winds swept through the region.

Almost Ten Harmed When a 400 Passenger Yacht Strikes Manhattan Pier in NYC

A colossal yacht carrying 400 passengers collided with a dock in New York City, resulting in injuries to nearly a dozen individuals.

Shortly after 4:15 p.m., the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) received an alert regarding a yacht with roughly 400 individuals onboard that impacted a dock at 130th Street adjacent to the Hudson River, according to Fox News.

Vessel crashes into pier in Manhattan
The festive boat crashed into the dock on June 21, 2025, on the Hudson River. (FNTV)

ENORMOUS SAILING SHIP HITS BROOKLYN BRIDGE IN DRAMATIC NYC COLLISION CAPTURED ON VIDEO

Nine individuals were transported to local hospitals for minor injuries, as reported by FDNY officials.

No deaths have been reported.

Vessel crashes into pier in Manhattan
A festive boat collided with a dock on Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Manhattan, New York. (FNTV)

The fire department towed the festive yacht to a southern marina at 125th Street, though its current status remains unclear.

NYC Mayor Eric Adams had yet to issue a public statement regarding the incident as of 6:05 p.m.

Carnival Cruise Line Passengers Outraged Over Planned Changes

Angry Passenger
Carnival’s new loyalty strategy mirrors that of airline reward programs and past guests are not happy about this and other changes.

Carnival Cruise Line passengers are outraged following the announcement of its revamped loyalty program, Carnival Rewards, which is set to launch in June 2026.

While many devoted Carnival cruisers knew that an overhaul of the loyalty program was anticipated, they were unprepared for just how drastically different the new offering would be from the existing Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) program.

Carnival Cruise Line Passengers Outraged

Departing entirely from the VIFP structure, Carnival’s new loyalty strategy mirrors that of airline reward programs. This updated points-based framework focuses on expenditure rather than cruise duration.

However, that’s not the only significant adjustment.

VIFP Loyalty Program

Carnival has removed lifetime status after the VIFP system became overly weighted in recent years, leaving many cruisers bewildered and infuriated. Instead of enjoying lifelong benefits, passengers will accrue their status over two years and maintain it for an additional two years under the new Carnival Rewards program.

This transition feels like a betrayal for numerous Carnival cruisers who have diligently worked over the years to accumulate their VIFP status and attain the top tiers, Platinum and Diamond.

Carnival Cruise Line passengers revolt against new loyalty program

Carnival Cruise Director Schedule 2025/2026

Cruise Director's often lead games shows like Family Feud onboard.
Cruise Director's often lead games shows like Family Feud onboard.

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Carnival Cruise Line has released a schedule of Cruise Directors from 2025 to 2026, which specifies the name of the cruise director assigned at a particular time. This schedule is accessible to the public, and Carnival ensures it is frequently updated to reflect changes.

Carnival Cruise Director Schedule

Carnival’s Brand Ambassador and Senior Cruise Director, John Heald, recently posted and announced that the latest cruise director assignments had been updated across the Carnival fleet, covering some ships well into 2026.

Here is the cruise director’s schedule for the Carnival. This is a complete assignment listing for Carnival Cruise Director Schedule 2025-2026 for all active Carnival ships as follows:

Carnival Adventure Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign On / Off
ABBIE LOCKETT05/30/2025-09/30/2025
FELIPE DO COUTO09/22/2025-11/24/2025

Carnival Adventure Cruise Directors’ Schedule

Carnival Breeze Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign On / Off
LOUIE CLARE06/12/2025-09/08/2025
SOPHIE GIDEON06/30/2025-07/12/2025
SINCLAIR HAMMERBACH09/08/2025-01/12/2026
Carnival Breeze Cruise Directors’ Schedule

Carnival Celebration Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign On / Off
JOSEPH BOYES05/11/2025-07/06/2025
MARTY PITTS07/06/2025-11/09/2025
LOUIE CLARE11/02/2025-01/11/2026
Carnival Celebration Cruise Directors’ Schedule

Carnival Conquest Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign On / Off
DEAN POMPEY05/05/2025-07/07/2025
ROBBY HOWELL07/07/2025-11/07/2025
Carnival Conquest Cruise Director Schedule

Carnival Dream Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign On / Off
LAWRENCE WEST04/27/2025-08/31/2025
LEO ALEXANDER08/23/2025-11/01/2025
LAWRENCE WEST11/01/2025-02/01/2026
Carnival Dream Cruise Directors’ Schedule

Carnival Elation Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign On / Off
STJEPAN NERAL04/28/2025-07/03/2025
FRANCO SPIES07/03/2025-11/06/2025
Carnival Elation Cruise Directors’ Schedule

Carnival Encounter Cruise Directors

Carnival Cruise Director Schedule 2025/2026 | 3
Cruise Director Ben Kitchen (Photo by Carnival Cruise Line)
Cruise DirectorSign On / Off
BEN KITCHEN06/11/2025-10/11/2025

Carnival Encounter Cruise Directors’ Schedule

Carnival Firenze Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign On / Off
KEEGAN VAN ZYL03/10/2025-07/10/2025
FILIPE MENDES06/26/2025-09/09/2025
KEEGAN VAN ZYL09/09/2025-10/20/2025
KEEGAN VAN ZYL10/30/2025-01/12/2026
Carnival Firenze Cruise Directors’ Schedule

Carnival Freedom Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign On / Off
LEO ALEXANDER03/31/2025-07/10/2025
GABBY GAMBOA07/05/2025-11/08/2025
Carnival Freedom Cruise Directors’ Schedule

Carnival Glory Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign On / Off
RICO BETANCOURT03/14/2025-07/07/2025
SAM THURGOOD06/30/2025-09/08/2025
RICO BETANCOURT09/08/2025-01/09/2026
Carnival Glory Cruise Directors Schedule

Carnival Horizon Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign On / Off
TYLER MEEHAN03/29/2025-07/27/2025
SOPHIE GIDEON06/15/2025-06/29/2025
GEORGE CROSS07/27/2025-09/27/2025
TYLER MEEHAN09/27/2025-02/22/2026
Carnival Horizon Cruise Directors Schedule

Carnival Jubilee Cruise Directors

Cruise Director Kyndall Fire
Cruise Director Kyndall Fire (Photo by Carnival Cruise Line)
Cruise DirectorSign On / Off
KYNDALL FIRE05/17/2025-08/23/2025
ANDREW MERCER08/09/2025-01/10/2026
Carnival Jubilee Cruise Directors’ Schedule

Carnival Legend Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign On / Off
FRANKIE PORTERA05/08/2025-07/07/2025
ADAM GILBERT07/07/2025-11/10/2025
Carnival Legend Cruise Directors Schedule

Carnival Liberty Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign On / Off
GABRIEL COPPOLLA06/24/2025-09/21/2025
ALEX SIEGLER09/14/2025-11/09/2025
GABRIEL COPPOLLA11/09/2025-02/22/2026
Carnival Liberty Cruise Directors’ Schedule

Carnival Luminosa Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign On / Off
WILLIAM “PAULLY” MUNHOLLON05/01/2025-06/26/2025
ZACK PAIEMENT-DOCKRILL06/26/2025-11/02/2025
MICHELLE O’CALLAGHAN10/26/2025-01/11/2026
Carnival Luminosa Cruise Directors’ Schedule

Carnival Magic Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign On / Off
TODD EVANS04/13/2025-07/26/2025
SOPHIE GIDEON07/13/2025-10/06/2025
GEORGE CROSS09/28/2025-11/15/2025
RAINIER SCHOLTZ11/09/2025-03/15/2026
Carnival Magic Cruise Directors Schedule

Carnival Mardi Gras Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign On / Off
JACKY TANG05/10/2025-09/27/2025
DEON WILLIAMS06/28/2025-07/13/2025
DEON WILLIAMS10/11/2025-12/06/2025
Carnival Mardi Gras Cruise Director Schedule

Carnival Miracle Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign On / Off
GARY BLAIR05/05/2025-11/22/2025
FRANKIE PORTERA11/20/2025-01/17/2026
Carnival Miracle Cruise Directors Schedule

Carnival Panorama Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign On / Off
ANDREW MERCER02/22/2025-07/05/2025
FILIPE MENDES06/07/2025-06/24/2025
RAINIER SCHOLTZ07/05/2025-09/07/2025
SIMON LONDON08/30/2025-01/11/2026
Carnival Panorama Cruise Directors Schedule

Carnival Paradise Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign On / Off
JOHN LONEY04/10/2025-08/10/2025
WILLIAM “PAULLY” MUNHOLLON08/04/2025-10/13/2025
Carnival Paradise Cruise Directors’ Schedule

Carnival Pride Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign On / Off
AMBER LYNNE CELEN05/04/2025-07/06/2025
Carnival Pride Cruise Directors Schedule

Carnival Radiance Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign On / Off
KIERAN WILSON03/23/2025-08/15/2025
LIA STIVERS08/15/2025-10/18/2025
Carnival Radiance Cruise Directors Schedule

Carnival Spirit Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign On / Off
SINCLAIR HAMMERBACH05/20/2025-07/15/2025
ALEX SIEGLER07/15/2025-09/09/2025
FRANKIE PORTERA09/02/2025-11/08/2025
JAMES LOVE11/02/2025-03/08/2026
Carnival Spirit Cruise Directors Schedule

Carnival Splendor Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign On / Off
ELIZABETH CLOUGH04/18/2025-07/07/2025
MICHELLE O’CALLAGHAN06/28/2025-09/17/2025
LIZZIE CLOUGH09/17/2025-01/24/2026
Carnival Splendor Cruise Directors Schedule

Carnival Sunrise Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign On / Off
EDGAR TOSCANO MURILLO05/12/2025-07/17/2025
DEON WILLIAMS07/17/2025-09/29/2025
JOHN LONEY09/29/2025-11/30/2025
Carnival Sunrise Cruise Directors Schedule

Carnival Sunshine Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign On / Off
JAMES LOVE05/25/2025-09/14/2025
AMBER CELEN09/06/2025-01/10/2026
Carnival Sunshine Cruise Directors Schedule

Carnival Valor Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign On / Off
LIA STIVERS06/03/2025-07/12/2025
FELIPE DO COUTO07/12/2025-09/20/2025
DEAN POMPEY09/15/2025-01/15/2026
Carnival Valor Cruise Directors’ Schedule

Carnival Venezia Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign On / Off
MICHAEL D’AURIA03/09/2025-07/09/2025
JOSEPH BOYES07/09/2025-09/02/2025
MIKE D’AURIA09/02/2025-10/01/2025
MIKE D’AURIA10/06/2025-01/04/2026
Carnival Venezia Cruise Directors’ Schedule

Carnival Vista Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign On / Off
MARQ ANTHONY05/03/2025-09/06/2025
Carnival Vista Cruise Directors’ Schedule

PLEASE NOTE: ALL SCHEDULES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

NOTE: The list was updated on 06/19/2025 - You can also check the schedule regularly for real-time updates and changes. - Click Here

The Cruise Director’s assignments and schedule are subject to change as the needs aboard different ships change. Schedules often overlap with another Cruise Director at the beginning and end of assignments. This allows the new Cruise Directors to become accustomed to a new ship and learn what activities and entertainment the ship offers.

The schedules are fluid and may also have gaps that will be filled closer to the actual calendar date in the future. Many famous cruise directors are not currently on the assignment schedule. This often only means they may be on vacation leave or haven’t finalized a contract commitment yet.

This schedule can change frequently, and if you want to sail with a particular cruise director, you should check the schedule regularly to learn where your favorite cruise director may be assigned.

FAQs About Carnival Cruise Directors?

What does a Carnival Cruise Director do?

On a Carnival Cruise, the Cruise Director is the most visible and “the voice” of the ship, making many public announcements. The Cruise Directors often host deck parties, game shows, and more. They also help keep guests informed about what’s happening on the ship during the cruise.

How many cruise directors does Carnival have?

Carnival has around 30 to 40 cruise directors. Its fleet consists of 25 ships, each with a Cruise Director onboard. The schedule often shows two Cruise Directors onboard. This is frequently for training, orientation purposes, and transitional periods at the beginning and end of contract periods. Cruise directors’ contract periods can often last four months, with time off in between.

What does a Carnival Cruise Director do?

On a Carnival Cruise, the Cruise Director is the most visible and “the voice” of the ship, making many public announcements. The Cruise Directors often host deck parties, game shows, and more. They also help keep guests informed about what’s happening on the ship during the cruise.

How long do Carnival cruise directors stay?

Carnival cruise directors typically have contractual assignments that last for a certain period. The duration of their stay can vary depending on the specific assignment and ship. Cruise directors may stay on board a vessel for several months before being reassigned to another ship or taking a break. The schedules are subject to change as the needs aboard different ships change. It’s important to note that schedules often overlap with another cruise director at the beginning and end of assignments to allow for transition and familiarization with the ship’s activities and entertainment. If you have a specific cruise director in mind, checking the schedule regularly for any updates or changes is recommended.

How much do cruise directors make on Carnival?

Cruise directors’ salaries at Carnival Cruise Line can vary based on experience, qualifications, and specific contract terms. A new cruise director’s salary ranges from $45K to over $100K annually. Additionally, cruise directors receive complimentary travel, accommodations, meals, and more benefits.

Is the Carnival Cruise director schedule final?

The Carnival Cruise Director’s schedule is subject to change. While the schedule provided may be accurate when publishing, it is always a good idea to check it for updates or changes. The needs aboard different ships can change, and schedules often overlap with another Cruise Director at the beginning and end of assignments to allow for transition and familiarization with the ship’s activities and entertainment

Carnival Cruise Directors On Social Media

Stay connected with your favorite Carnival Cruise Director through social media.

  • Adam Gilbert – Public Facebook Page: Click Here
  • Alex Siegler – Public Facebook Page: Click Here
  • Andrew (Andy) Mercer – Public Facebook Page: Click Here
  • Cam Chavis – Public Facebook Page: Click Here
  • Christian De La Rosa – Instagram Page: Click Here
  • Chris (Donkey) Salazar – Public Facebook Page: Click Here
  • Christian Deon Williams – Public Instagram Page: Click Here
  • Chris Williams (The Flying Scotsman) – Public Facebook Page: Click Here
  • Georgia Craig – Public Facebook Page: Click Here
  • Erin Weigand – Public Facebook Page: Click Here
  • Jacky Tang – Public Facebook Page: Click Here
  • James Love – Public Facebook Page: Click Here
  • Jasper Wade – Public Facebook Page: Click Here
  • Jonathan Adams (Cruise Director Cookie) – Public Facebook Page:  Click Here
  • Lawrence West – Public Facebook Page: Click Here
  • Lee Mason (Lee Your Cruise Director) – Public Facebook Page: Click Here
  • Leon Smith – Public Facebook Page: Click Here
  • Marq Anthony – Public Facebook Page: Click Here
  • Melessa Durrant – Public Instagram Page: Click Here
  • Ryan Rose – Public Instagram Page: ​Click Here
  • Savannah Mitchell – Public Facebook Page: Click Here
  • Simon London – Public Facebook Page: Click Here
  • TJ Partida – Public Facebook Page: Click Here
  • Kyndall Fire – Public Facebook Page: Click Here

Carnival Cruise Director Interviews & Insight

I had the opportunity to cruise aboard the Carnival Celebration, and we sat down with Cruise Director Lee Mason. Watch as we learn how Lee started in the cruise business and came to work for Carnival Cruise Line. We talk about his assignment aboard the Carnival Celebration, his favorite places onboard, cruise tips, and much more. Lee has now become a Fleet Cruise Director and often travels to many different ships and fills in at times.

Cruise Director Lee Mason Interview

You can also listen to this interview via our Cruise Addicts Talk Show podcast – Click Here to listen.

Carnival Cruise Line to Launch New Loyalty Program in 2026 Dubbed ‘Carnival Rewards’™

Carnival Cruise Line announced today it will launch its new loyalty program with a cruise industry first, adding new features, new ways to earn status, new reward categories and a new name: Carnival Rewards™. The new program will take effect in June 2026, providing guests plenty of time to learn about the changes while they continue to earn status in the current Very Important Fun Person (VIFP)™ program that will be their entry point into the new program. 

New Loyalty Program

Carnival Rewards is introducing a dual-earning structure where guests accumulate both Carnival Rewards points that can be redeemed on Carnival purchases and status qualifying stars that will determine a guest’s tier status. Instead of focusing solely on the number of nights guests sail, which is the model Carnival currently follows under its VIFP program, Carnival Rewards will offer more opportunities to earn rewards and achieve higher status levels based on spend, including cruise fare and onboard activities. The new program will be closely tied to everyday spending on the co-branded credit card with Barclays – the Carnival Rewards Mastercard – giving cardmembers the opportunity to earn points and status even faster. More details on the credit card will be announced later. 

“The evolution of our loyalty program to Carnival Rewards represents our commitment to creating more meaningful recognition for our valued guests. Our current VIFP program has served us well for many years and while we’ve enjoyed truly extraordinary growth in our loyal customer base, it has become challenging to deliver the exceptional experience our Diamond and Platinum members deserve,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “By introducing a points-based system, we’re enabling greater flexibility so guests can personalize their rewards in ways that matter most to them. This transition honors our past while building a future where loyalty is recognized through both cruising frequency and overall engagement with the Carnival experience, bringing Carnival Rewards into the top tier of travel loyalty programs that provide our guests with ways to earn status and points through their everyday spending on the Carnival Rewards Mastercard.”

Guests will earn Carnival Reward points as well as status qualifying stars on every eligible Carnival purchase, including cruise fares and onboard purchases. The dual structure gives guests more control over their rewards and status. 

  • Points can be redeemed for almost anything Carnival offers including onboard activities, spa treatments, specialty dining and even toward a future cruise. 
  • Stars introduce a new way to unlock higher status among four tiers: Red, Gold, Platinum and Diamond. Status is earned over a two-year period and retained for the following two years. 

 As part of the transition to Carnival Rewards’ launch on June 1, 2026, members’ existing status will carry over and serve as a new entry point into the program for a two-year period through May 31, 2028. Diamond members will retain their status for a six-year period through May 31, 2032. This ensures that all current loyalty status is honored while giving members time to familiarize themselves with the enhanced rewards. Guests will continue earning VIFP status as usual until the new program launches. In addition, upon launch of the Carnival Rewards program, current cardmembers, as well as any new cardmembers between now and the launch of the updates, will have the balance of their Fun Points converted to Carnival Rewards points in their Carnival Rewards account.  

To learn more about Carnival Rewards and explore what’s to come, guests can visit carnivalrewards.com and current Carnival loyalty members will receive emails throughout the transition process ahead of the June 2026 conversion with the latest updates. Carnival will provide detailed information, tools to track status, point balances and tips to maximize rewards under the new system.  

Gambling at Sea: The Loopholes and Laws Behind Online Casinos on Cruise Liners

Online casinos have literally been everywhere. From websites to mobile apps, they definitely offer a variety of casino games with a simple tap. Accordingly, online casinos are also offered in cruise liners providing entertainment options for travellers looking to indulge with some of the games. 

As part of every cruise liners’ extensive array of entertainment options, many of them have now embraced the digital revolution and introduced online casinos aboard their ships. This approach to entertainment is well within its reputation of luxury and adventure providing a twist to the cruising experience on a classic pastime. 

However, legal concerns arise and many are curious as to what laws may apply to these online casinos. Below, let us get to know various casino games offered in these online casinos in cruise liners and let us explore and find out how Australian laws regulate gambling onboard these cruise liners. 

Online Casinos at Sea 

a person holding a tray of casino chips
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels.com

Gambling has always been a socially accepted behavior in Australia. Aussie social circles encourage gambling as it has become the symbolic gesture of friendship. Accordingly, this is the reason why there is an estimated 6.8 million Australians considered to be regular gamblers that participate mainly with lotteries and playing the pokies. 

With this penchant for gambling among the population, it is not surprising that even their cruise liners also offer it as an entertainment option. For most cruise ships, they have long offered physical casinos as part of their entertainment such as online pokies and table games such as poker and blackjack. This integration of online casinos may also signal their response to the increasing popularity of digital gaming and the increasing demand for diverse entertainment options. 

Cruise ship patrons may be able to access select online casino platforms via onboard Wi-Fi or ship intranet systems. Depending on how it is offered in various cruise lines, some of them offer it by allowing their patrons to create gaming accounts tied to their cruise or cabin identification information. 

For example, a cruise ship may offer access to an online pokies real money app to patrons who are pokies enthusiasts looking to enjoy their favorite games while at sea. Some may even offer progressive web apps where their patrons do not need to download the app and can access the games directly through their mobile browsers. 

When it comes to deposits and withdrawals, cruise ships may arrange this with their patrons through room charge accounts or ship currency cards. In doing so, cruise ship patrons can easily deposit money through their account or easily withdraw their winnings. 

Applicable Laws Behind Online Casinos on Cruise Liners 

close up of person with cards in casino
Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels.com

This set up of online gambling at sea may probably be the most convenient thing to have ever been offered to gambling enthusiasts aboard cruise ships. However, such convenience and accessibility has a significant downside particularly when it comes to laws governing it. 

International laws provide that within twelve nautical miles from land, ships are generally governed by the laws of the country or state. Outside the limit, they generally come under the laws of the nation in which the ship is registered. 

This means that if a ship offering gambling entertainment to its patrons is within 12 nautical miles from Australia, they will be governed by its laws. As such, we have to keep in mind that current Australian laws typically prohibit overseas-based operators not holding relevant state or territory licenses to provide online gambling service or even advertise it to Australian residents.  

Therefore, when the ship sets sail, they are technically free from the local gambling laws that may bind them. This freedom has then become the huge selling point for cruise ships since gambling commissions only apply when the ship is docked on the territory. As such, when the ship is docked for example in Australia, they restrict such entertainment options to bypass any Australian law that may apply.  

For other cruise ships, they often fly flags of convenience whereby the owners of the ship register it to another country other than that of the ship’s owners. This practice has become as prevalent as it allows ship owners to take advantage of minimal regulation and even low or no taxes especially when it involves gambling.  

Final Thoughts

Gambling at Sea: The Loopholes and Laws Behind Online Casinos on Cruise Liners | 3
Gambling at Sea: The Loopholes and Laws Behind Online Casinos on Cruise Liners 38

Online casinos in cruise liners represent dynamic and exciting development in the world of maritime entertainment. By combining the thrill of gambling with the exciting allure of ocean travel, cruise lines offer passengers a more unique and modern gaming experience. 

However, Aussie casino gamers should always bear in mind the regulatory laws that may be applicable on them. For some cruise ships, they even offer self-exclusion programs to help players manage their gambling activities responsibly. Yet, critics exclaim that relying on a gambler to self-exclude is not so effective as they envision it to be. 

Accordingly, nations should really come together and strengthen their regulations over gambling activities not only on land but also in high waters. 

LIVE TODAY 1 pm ET: Your Cruise Contract: What You Sign Away Before You Sail – LIVE Q&A

LIVE TODAY 1 pm ET: Your Cruise Contract: What You Sign Away Before You Sail - LIVE Q&A | 3

Your Cruise Contract: What You Sign Away Before You Sail – LIVE Q&A With A Cruise Ship Lawyer

Join us LIVE with Attorney Tom Scolaro, the founding partner of Scolaro Law in Miami, who specializes in personal injury and has handled many cruise and maritime cases. We will also answer your questions during our live Q&A with a “Cruise Ship Lawyer” and Member Check-In. Set your clocks and tune in on Tuesday, June 17th at 1 pm Eastern.

You have rights on land you don’t have at sea. Let’s talk about that.

video preview

Your Cruise Contract: What You Sign Away Before You Sail

Join us LIVE with Attorney Tom Scolaro, the founding partner of Scolaro Law in Miami, who specializes in personal injury and has handled many cruise and maritime cases.

We will also answer your questions during our live Q&A with a “Cruise Ship Lawyer” and Member Check-In. Set your clocks and tune in on Tuesday, June 17th at 1 pm Eastern.

We will also be covering these topics:

  • Statute of Limitations (shortened to 1 year)
  • Forum selection (why Florida matters, and when it doesn’t)
  • Arbitration clauses vs. litigation rights
  • General maritime law vs. Florida tort law (esp. damages and defenses)
  • Why does this matter even in cases of serious injury

You have rights on land you don’t have at sea. Let’s talk about that.