7 Big Changes Carnival Is Making In 2025
Carnival Cruise Line is gearing up for an exciting year in 2025, with several big changes that will impact both new and returning passengers.
Whether you’re planning your first Carnival cruise or are a seasoned cruiser, the cruise line is shaking things up with new destinations, fleet changes, and some pricing updates that may affect your vacation budget.
From private island getaways to changes in the fleet and revamped amenities on board, Carnival is making sure there’s something for everyone.
However, not all of these changes are without their drawbacks—price hikes and the end of some popular perks might leave some passengers a bit disappointed.
Here’s a closer look at the biggest changes coming to Carnival in 2025!
1. Introducing “Celebration Key” – A New Private Island
Carnival is debuting a brand new private island destination called Celebration Key in the Bahamas, set to open in July 2025.
This stunning 65-acre island is designed to offer a wide variety of experiences, with five distinct “portals” that cater to different types of vacationers.
Families can dive into the fun with exciting water slides and sports courts in one portal, providing plenty of energy-filled activities. For those seeking a more tranquil escape, another portal will be dedicated to relaxation, featuring serene adult spaces and an infinity pool that overlooks the breathtaking Bahamian waters.
Shopping enthusiasts will also find a portal just for them, complete with duty-free stores offering both luxury items and local souvenirs. The island will be carefully curated to provide something for everyone, whether you’re looking to relax, explore, or indulge in a bit of shopping.
With its perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and luxury, Celebration Key is sure to become a must-visit destination for Carnival guests seeking a truly unforgettable island getaway.
2. Expanded Alaska Cruises
For those eager to explore the majestic beauty of Alaska, Carnival is significantly expanding its offerings in 2025, providing more opportunities than ever to experience the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Last Frontier.
The Carnival Spirit and Carnival Luminosa will now operate weekly 7-night sailings from Seattle, giving guests a chance to immerse themselves in the stunning natural wonders of Alaska.
These sailings will take you on a scenic journey through Alaska’s iconic ports, including Juneau, Skagway, Tracy Arm, Ketchikan, and the charming Victoria in Canada.
Each stop offers a unique experience, from glacier views and wildlife sightings in Tracy Arm to the rich gold rush history in Skagway, and the picturesque harbor town of Ketchikan.
With weekly departures, this expansion makes it easier than ever to experience the unparalleled beauty and adventure of Alaska.
Whether you’re kayaking through tranquil waters, hiking through lush forests, or simply taking in the stunning panoramas, these Alaskan sailings promise to be a bucket-list journey for all types of travelers.
Carnival’s expanded Alaska cruises are a fantastic way to discover the rugged charm of this incredible destination in 2025.
3. No New Ships in 2025
While many competitors are adding new ships to their fleets, Carnival is taking a different approach in 2025 by not introducing any new vessels. Instead, the cruise line is focusing on strengthening its existing fleet by acquiring ships from other brands.
This strategy allows Carnival to enhance its offerings without the high costs and lengthy timelines associated with building brand-new ships.
One of the most notable moves involves the absorption of ships from P&O Australia, which will be rebranded under the Carnival name. Specifically, ships like Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter will join the Carnival fleet, offering expanded options for passengers without the need for entirely new vessels.
These ships will undergo rebranding to align with Carnival’s signature style and amenities, ensuring a consistent guest experience across the fleet.
This approach allows Carnival to expand its presence in key markets, such as Australia, while avoiding the significant expenses that come with constructing new ships.
By leveraging existing vessels from sister brands, Carnival can provide fresh experiences for guests while maintaining its focus on delivering affordable, fun, and memorable vacations.
This strategy, though unconventional, is a smart way for Carnival to remain competitive while continuing to grow its fleet in a cost-effective manner.
4. Drink Package Price Increase
One change that might sting for some passengers in 2025 is the price hike for Carnival’s Cheers! drink package. For those who enjoy indulging in cocktails, wine, or specialty beverages throughout their cruise, this popular drink package is a must-have.
Starting in 2025, the price for the Cheers! package will increase to $82.54 per day, up from the previous rate of $70.74 per day for cruises lasting six nights or longer.
This represents a significant increase of $11.80 per day, which could impact passengers planning longer vacations and looking to include this package as part of their cruise experience.
However, the good news is that shorter cruises—those lasting five days or less—will not see a price increase. The Cheers! package will remain at the old price for these shorter sailings, providing some relief for those planning a quick getaway or shorter voyage.
While it’s great news for shorter trips, passengers on longer cruises will need to factor in the increased cost of the drink package when budgeting for their trip.
For many guests, the Cheers! package is worth the price tag, offering unlimited drinks throughout the cruise, including cocktails, beer, wine, and even specialty coffees.
However, for those on a budget or planning a longer sailing, the price increase might make them reconsider if the package is the right choice.
If you’re planning a longer cruise in 2025, be prepared for a bit of a price bump and take the time to decide if the extra cost aligns with your vacation plans.
5. Fleet Changes with P&O Australia Ships
In 2025, Carnival will officially absorb P&O Australia’s operations as the brand phases out its Australian services.
This significant shift will see Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter—two of P&O Australia’s prominent ships—be rebranded as Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter, joining Carnival’s growing fleet of vessels.
As part of the rebranding process, both ships will undergo significant updates to align their interiors and overall design with Carnival’s signature aesthetic.
This includes refreshing the ships’ décor, dining options, and entertainment offerings to ensure that guests experience the same level of fun and excitement they expect from a Carnival cruise.
Carnival Adventure will be based in Sydney, while Carnival Encounter will homeport in Brisbane, allowing Carnival to strengthen its presence in Australia, a market with growing demand for cruising.
By incorporating these ships into its fleet, Carnival expands its reach in the region, offering more options for Australian travelers and positioning itself as a stronger global player.
This move is not just about fleet expansion—it’s about solidifying Carnival’s standing as a leading cruise line with a worldwide presence.
For guests in Australia and beyond, the rebranded ships will offer even more opportunities to enjoy Carnival’s signature fun-filled, family-friendly experiences in their own backyard.
6. AARP Discount Ends
A significant disappointment for senior travelers is that Carnival has ended its partnership with AARP, eliminating the popular discount on cruises.
As of January 2025, Carnival no longer offers discounts for AARP members, a perk that many passengers aged 50 and older enjoyed.
Previously, the discount had been reduced from 10% to 5%, and now it’s no longer available at all. This move has left many long-time passengers unhappy, but Carnival continues to market itself as the most affordable cruise line for fun.
7. New Lido Deck Buffet Menu
In an effort to elevate the onboard dining experience, Carnival is reworking its Lido Deck buffet in 2025. The revamped menu aims to enhance the variety of offerings and better accommodate passengers with food allergies, including those who are sensitive to seafood.
This change follows valuable feedback from guests and Carnival’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, who confirmed that a more inclusive and diverse buffet experience is on the way.
Expect to see a fresher selection of dishes, with an increased focus on accommodating various dietary preferences and restrictions, while still maintaining Carnival’s signature fun and flavorful approach to dining.
Whether you’re craving classic favorites or something new and exciting, the updated Lido Deck buffet will provide a wide range of options designed to please every palate.
With this buffet overhaul, Carnival Cruise Line is taking a thoughtful step toward enhancing the cruise dining experience for all passengers, ensuring that no one feels left out when it comes to meal options.
Along with other major changes, like the debut of new private islands and expanded cruises in Alaska, it’s clear that Carnival has a busy and exciting year ahead, promising guests more variety, convenience, and memorable experiences on their cruises.
However, price hikes and the loss of senior discounts might have some passengers reconsidering their options.
What’s clear is that Carnival is focusing on enhancing the guest experience while keeping things fresh and exciting.
