Adventures by Dawn

06/02/2026

If money and time (or safety) weren’t an issue, where would you book a vacation to right now and why? ✈️ 🚢 ⛱️ 👇 any guesses where this was?

04/05/2026

MUST READ If you have a cruise booked, there’s a new line item you may want to watch for: a fuel surcharge. With oil prices climbing sharply since the start of the Iran conflict in late February, cruise passengers are asking whether the major lines will start passing those costs along. What’s driving the concern
Since the Iran conflict began on February 28, global oil prices have jumped more than 40%, with Brent crude topping $100 per barrel amid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, according to reporting by MarketWatch. That’s well above the trigger thresholds written into most cruise contracts.
Cruise fuel costs are significant. Carnival Corporation spent more than $1.8 billion on fuel in 2025 alone, and Royal Caribbean Group spent roughly $1.1 billion.
Due to recent geopolitical developments in the Middle East, oil prices have increased significantly, leading to higher fuel and related costs,” the companies said in letters to passengers.
Closer to home, one U.S. cruise line is already charging passengers a fuel surcharge and has been for nearly two years. Margaritaville at Sea has collecteda $15 per person per night fuel supplement on sailings aboard the Paradise since June 2024. The fee does not apply to the line’s newer ship, the Islander, which launched from Tampa in 2024.
What the major lines say now
For now, the three biggest cruise companies are holding the line. Norwegian Cruise Line said it does not expect “any immediate impact on ticket prices or the guest experience.” Carnival said it has “no plans to change our current pricing model.” Royal Caribbean did not respond to requests for comment from MarketWatch.
But the fine print in cruise contracts tells a different story. Norwegian reserves the right to impose a surcharge of up to $10 per passenger per day with no prior notice if West Texas Intermediate crude tops $65 a barrel.

Carnival’s contract allows up to $9 per person per day above a $70-per-barrel threshold. Oil is currently trading well above both levels. MSC Cruises has a cap as high as $12 per person per day under similar conditions.
Crucially, these surcharges can be applied even after a cruise has been paid in full.

The math adds up fast. A family of four on a seven-night sailing could see an extra $252 added to their bill under Carnival’s contract terms, or $280 under Norwegian’s policy, if either line chose to act.
Fuel Purchasing Strategies
Not all cruise lines are equally exposed to rising oil prices.

Royal Caribbean has hedged roughly 60% of its fuel needs for 2026, giving it a financial buffer against the current spike and helping explain why the line has said it will not impose surcharges.
Norwegian Cruise Line also uses fuel hedging strategies to lock in costs in advance.

Carnival Corporation is a different story. The company does not hedge fuel purchases at all, making it the most directly exposed of the three major cruise groups to oil price swings.
That vulnerability is already showing up on Carnival’s bottom line. When the company reported first quarter results, it cut its full-year earnings guidance, absorbing more than $500 million in adverse fuel cost impacts compared to earlier projections.

Maritime attorney Michael Winkleman, told MarketWatch that cruise contracts are written to give lines flexibility. The cruise contract is a powerful document entirely in favor of the cruise lines,” he said.
The last time cruise passengers actually paid fuel surcharges on a widespread basis was nearly 18 years ago, during the 2007-2008 oil price spike that pushed crude above $100 a barrel. Since then, even when oil spiked sharply in 2022, the big lines held off.

03/09/2026

$45 fee for adult only circus themed show on the Luna. What do we think?

Cruise news today. Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship is already drawing attention for an entertainment charge some guests didn’t expect.Princess Cruises ha...

03/07/2026

Preview pic from Mayan ruins. Pretty cool history.

03/06/2026

Not a bad place to spend the end of my "work week" floating in the ocean with the sun on my back. I love this life and appreciate all my clients that help make it possible.

01/27/2026

Norwegian Cruise Line’s NCL Air program changes!
Norwegian Cruise Line’s NCL Air program now requires guests to fly to their homeport at least one day ahead of sailing.

The change takes effect from January 26, 2026 and applies to all new bookings or existing reservations that are repriced.
Guests will be responsible for their own hotel reservations unless using the NCL Hotel or Hotel Plus programs.

Norwegian Cruise Line has updated its NCL Air policy, effective immediately, requiring all airfare bookings through the NCL Air program to schedule guests to arrive at least one day ahead of their cruise ship’s departure date, regardless of homeport or sailing date.

The policy change takes effect from January 26, 2026, and now applies to all new reservations, including air arrangements, as well as any existing reservations that may be repriced from this date forward.

“We know that flight delays (particularly day-of-sailing arrivals) have, in some cases, resulted in guests missing embarkation for their cruise and having to downline to embark at a later port of call,” the cruise line explained to travel advisors.

“This update reflects our shared goal of protecting your clients’ vacations by allowing more time for unexpected travel disruptions such as flight delays or weather interruptions, ensuring a smoother, more relaxed start to their cruise journey.”

This update comes coincidentally as the northeastern US continues to experience extensive flight delays due to Winter Storm Fern. On Monday, January 26, FlightAware has reported more than 5,100 flight cancellations in the US, and more than 15,100 flight delays.

Over the previous few days, tens of thousands of flights were cancelled or delayed across the country, impacting cruise guests to multiple homeports regardless of whether their ships were individually impacted by the storm.

Guests Responsible for Hotel Arrangements

It must be noted that when using NCL Air for flight arrangements under the new requirement, guests are responsible for their own pre-cruise hotel accommodations, even when the cruise line schedules their flights.

This may initially seem controversial as guests will be required to fly to the homeport at least one day early. However, giving guests the responsibility of choosing and paying for their own hotel does permit greater flexibility for individual hotel preferences and budgets.

Guests could, for example, choose a hotel near local attractions or amenities they are interested in, or they might select a hotel where they can already use rewards points or programs not necessarily affiliated with Norwegian Cruise Line.

NCL’s Hotel and Hotel Plus program is available as well, if guests prefer to let the cruise line make all the arrangements.

Reactions Generally Positive

Experienced cruise guests are pleased with the update, noting that it’s always wise to fly in early to a cruise homeport.

Admittedly, there will always be some guests upset at changes, especially if it means they have to pay for the hotel night. Nevertheless, that extra expense would be well worthwhile to minimize the risk of missing one’s cruise ship.

01/11/2026

Some ports are definitely worse then others. What do you think?

01/10/2026

Norwegian Cruise Line Offers First Look at Great Stirrup Cay Enhancements
Image: A Vibe Shore Club day bed at Great Stirrup Cay (Photo Credit: Norwegian Cruise Line)

Last updated: 11:10 AM ET, Wed January 7, 2026
Norwegian Cruise Line is offering a first look at some of the enhancements it’s making at Great Stirrup Cay, its private island in the Bahamas.
The cruise line has shared new images of the Great Life Lagoon, a new 1.4-acre pool area with a heated pool, a splash pad for young guests, a Vibe Shore Club for adults and more.
The Waves Bar at Great Stirrup Cay (Photo Credit: Norwegian Cruise Line)

The pool is larger than two Olympic-sized pools and features a beach-style entrance that leads to a splash area. Adults can enjoy the two swim-up bars, private cabanas and the adults-only Vibe Shore Club, accessible by an all-day pass. The cruise line is also debuting a new welcome center and tram system.
“Great Stirrup Cay has always been a favorite for our guests, and these new enhancements make it even easier for guests to trade the winter weather for the warm tropics,” says Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “We’ve created an island where everyone can unwind, play and make lasting memories. This transformation is all about offering premium experiences and unparalleled guest services to our guests and giving them the freedom and flexibility to enjoy their vacation their way.”

01/09/2026

I really enjoy these videos. Now I just need to figure out how to prompt it to do specific videos 😂 baby steps people baby steps

01/08/2026

Travel sleeve check list:

✔️ start sleeve
✔️ Add passport stamps ⏹️ Decide what stamps. would help complete the collection
⏹️ purchase plane ticket
⏹️ go get stamps 😀
⏹️ complete sleeve

This is one of the fun ways I keep some of these memories alive and fluid. I plan to complete the top with more things that represent me as not only a travel agent but a avid traveler myself. If anyone has any suggestions for destinations or questions I might be able to help you with let me know. I'm very happy to hear either.