Cruise lines have been quietly making changes to their rules and policies over the last few months, and some of these updates could affect your next sailing. While some changes might not be popular with all cruisers, many seem necessary for improving the cruise experience.
If you’re planning a cruise in 2026, understanding what’s included in your cruise price and what’s not is more important than ever. Here’s what you need to know about the latest policy changes across major cruise lines.
11 New Policies Cruise Lines Have Implemented This Year
1. Tightened Drink Package Rules
Carnival Cruise Line has been getting a lot of attention lately for tightening up their drink package rules. The waiting time between drinks has increased from 5 minutes to 10 minutes, and you’re no longer allowed to order double shots.
This isn’t unique to Carnival, though. Many cruise lines have similar restrictions that prohibit getting more than one drink at a time. Celebrity Cruises has this policy clearly stated on their website as well. The changes could help reduce overconsumption issues and cut down on package sharing.
2. Dining Limits in Main Dining Rooms
Norwegian Cruise Line recently implemented an extra $5 charge for ordering a second main dish in the main dining room. Your first entree is still included, and appetizers and desserts remain unlimited. The buffet and casual restaurants are also still unlimited.
This change puts NCL in line with other cruise lines. Carnival charges $5 for a third meal, while MSC follows Norwegian’s policy. The cruise lines say this is to reduce food waste, which is definitely an issue if you’ve ever cruised before.
3. Room Service Changes on Norwegian
Norwegian Cruise Line has also limited the amount of food that can be ordered to your cabin under their delivery charge. NCL charges between $5 and $10 for room service delivery. Now, if you want to order more than one hot and one cold main dish in the evening, an additional delivery fee will apply.
Some cruisers appreciate this change, saying it could reduce the trays left sitting in hallways. Others feel it limits convenience. Room service is one of the differentiators between cruise lines that can influence your choice.
4. Hair Dryer Confiscations on Disney
Disney Cruise Line has started confiscating certain hair dryers due to voltage issues. This change occurred recently and is specific to certain types of dryers. If you’re sailing with Disney, you’ll want to check if your hair dryer meets their requirements before packing it in your carry-on luggage.
It remains to be seen whether other cruise lines will follow Disney’s lead on this policy.
5. Relaxed Dress Codes
Two cruise lines are actually going less formal, reflecting changing preferences among cruisers. Regent Seven Seas has done away with its more formal dress code. Guests can still dress up if they want to, but the requirements are now more relaxed while still maintaining standards.
Cunard has also made quieter changes to their dress code. While they still have formal nights and maintain their traditional atmosphere, their smart casual nights no longer require men to wear a jacket and tie. This gives cruisers more flexibility while keeping the elegant experience Cunard is known for.
These changes help debunk outdated cruise misconceptions about formal dress requirements that might have kept some people from booking.
6. Virgin Voyages’ Three-Tier Pricing Model
Virgin Voyages has introduced a major change to the cruise industry with their three-tier pricing model. The basic tier has limited flexibility. You can’t choose your cabin, and you have a shorter window for dining reservations.
Since Virgin Voyages doesn’t have a single main restaurant for dinner, dining reservations are really important. The upper tier gives you much more flexibility, benefits, and premium WiFi, making it a better value overall.
This model is similar to what we’re seeing with Princess Cruises. Princess has raised their internet prices, and many people say it’s not worth it unless you bundle with Princess Plus or Princess Premier. These bundles are such good value that they encourage people to spend more, which likely helps cruise lines increase revenue.
Virgin Voyages Unbundles Gratuities
In another significant change, Virgin Voyages no longer includes crew gratuities in the cruise price. You’ll need to factor this in separately when budgeting for your cruise. This change puts Virgin more in line with other cruise lines that charge gratuities separately.
7. Private Island Drink Package Changes
Cruise line private islands are changing what is and isn’t included. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay is getting a big refurbishment, and drink packages will no longer be valid on the island. NCL will offer a new package that you can opt into instead.
This is similar to Carnival’s Celebration Key but different from Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay or MSC’s Ocean Cay, where drink packages are still included.
If you’re sailing with Princess Cruises after a certain date in 2026, many Caribbean itineraries will visit Celebration Key instead of Princess Cays. When you’re on Celebration Key, you won’t be able to use your Princess Plus or Princess Premier drink package. While Celebration Key is an impressive destination, this change was implemented pretty quietly.
8. WiFi Router and Mini Starlink Restrictions
Any tips or tricks people were using with WiFi routers and mini Starlinks no longer work. You’re not able to bring them on any cruise line. Recent tests have confirmed these devices simply don’t function onboard.
The only potential alternative for light-to-moderate internet users is the Gig Sky Cruise and Land eSIM, which may be more cost-effective than cruise ship Wi-Fi packages.
9. Social Media Enforcement
Cruise lines are coming down hard on people who post on social media about breaking rules. If they see anyone posting about sneaking in alcohol or violating other policies, they’re enforcing consequences, including lifetime bans or removal from the cruise.
With how quickly things spread on social media, cruise lines have to enforce these policies to maintain order and deter rule-breaking.
10. Wine Packing Rules
Make sure you pack wine in your carry-on bag and not your checked luggage. People have recently reported that wine in checked luggage is being confiscated and not returned.
Even if it seems easier to pack wine in checked luggage, especially when coming straight from the airport, you need to move it to your carry-on before boarding.
11. Power Cube Confusion
There’s been some confusion about non-surge-protected power cubes. Royal Caribbean banned them a few months ago, but this is NOT across all cruise lines. Carnival’s John Heald has confirmed these are not banned on Carnival.
If you’re using a non-surge-protected power cube for extra outlets and USB charging, you can still use it on most cruise lines. USB charging hubs are also allowed as an alternative.
Related & Popular Posts:
- 25 Cruise Packing Tips All Cruisers Need to Know
- 75 Genius Cruise Hacks & Tips (save money, get organized, cruise better)
- 27 Awesome Things To Do on a Cruise on Sea Days
- What to to Pack in Your Cruise Carry-On Bag
- 10 Things NOT to Pack for a Cruise
What These Changes Mean for Cruisers
These policy changes reflect the cruise industry’s ongoing evolution. Some changes address practical concerns, such as food waste and overconsumption. Others align with changing passenger preferences for more relaxed experiences.
If you encounter issues with these new policies on your cruise, knowing how to handle a complaint on a cruise can help you get results. The key is to stay informed about the specific policies of your cruise line before you sail.
What’s allowed on one cruise line might not be on another, and policies continue to evolve. Reading the fine print and checking with your cruise line directly will help you avoid surprises and make the most of your cruise vacation. If you’re trying to plan an amazing family cruise on a budget, these policy changes become even more important to understand.
Have you noticed any of these policy changes on recent sailings? Some of these updates make cruising easier, while others might require adjusting your expectations and planning.