Why Do Cruise Lines Make Changes To Itineraries Before Sailing?
With some cruise ports tightening rules on port calls in part due to protests, some cruise lines are dorced to change itineraries.
Many cruise lines make alterations to their itineraries before sailing. In late 2024, Carnival guests were notified of itinerary adjustments for five cruise ships in early 2025 and 2026, impacting various ports in the Bahamas.
These changes include port replacements, modified times, and shifts to 11 itineraries, giving guests at least four months to modify their plans if necessary.
While Carnival's adjustments were minor, cruise lines can make significant changes before or even during sailings. For example, many world cruises planned for 2025 and 2026 have seen major changes due to the need to avoid certain parts of the world.
Let's explore why these changes happen, and how you can minimize the risk of booking a cruise that ends up being changed.
Cruise lines may adjust itineraries well in advance for several reasons, often tied to global events or local regulations. For instance, political instability or conflict can make certain destinations inaccessible or undesirable.
A prominent example is the suspension of cruises to Saint Petersburg following travel restrictions and security concerns following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Baltic cruises now typically feature additional stops in Scandinavian cities like Stockholm, Helsinki, and Copenhagen to compensate for the change.
Regulatory changes in specific regions also play a significant role. Norway's World Heritage fjords ruling, which aims to ban polluting ships from several iconic fjords, has influenced itinerary planning.
While the regulation's implementation has been postponed to 2032, some cruise lines preemptively altered their routes to comply with expected environmental standards.
With anti-cruise protests gathering pace, some destinations are cracking down on the type, size and number of ships that can visit. As itineraries are planned years in advance, this can force lines to change their plans.
Economic factors can also drive changes. If a particular cruise isn't selling well, lines might rework itineraries to include more desirable or profitable ports. Similarly, underperforming destinations may be swapped out for trending hotspots that attract more bookings.
These adjustments allow cruise lines to optimize revenue while meeting passenger demand.
Finally, operational considerations such as port infrastructure upgrades, berth availability, or seasonal weather patterns might necessitate changes.
Booking a trip on a cruise ship's maiden voyage has great appeal, being among the first people in the world to set sail on a brand new ship. However, the risk of delays or cancelations to maiden voyages are high.
New cruise ships are incredibly complex, and construction delays are common. Also, before a new cruise ship can carry paying guests, it must undergo extensive sea trials and receive certifications from regulatory bodies. Sometimes, unexpected issues are found that must be addressed before the ship is cleared.
Such issues don't just impact new builds. In the worst case, entire cruises can be canceled shortly before sailing due to overrunning maintenance. For this reason, booking a cruise immediately following a period of maintenance (known as 'dry dock') carries a higher risk of disruption.
The most likely reason for a change in itinerary is the weather and/or sea conditions. Safety always comes first on a cruise, and it is the captain's decision that will ultimately decide.
However, local maritime pilots and port authorities will also provide influence. Local pilots have extensive knowledge of the specific conditions and challenges in their waters, including currents, tides, and harbor limitations.
Some ports are more difficult to enter than others. For example, Libson often proves challenging due to its exposure to the Atlantic Ocean and tidal influence along the navigation through the Tagus River. In Northern Norway, the narrow channels entering Bodø can be difficult to navigate during high winds.
Medical emergencies can also lead to sudden itinerary changes. If a passenger or crew member requires urgent medical attention that cannot be managed onboard, the captain may divert the ship to the nearest port with adequate facilities.
In some cases, this might mean bypassing or delaying scheduled stops, particularly if the medical need is critical and the ship is far from land.
Mechanical issues are another possible reason for itinerary adjustments. While modern cruise ships undergo rigorous maintenance and safety checks, unforeseen mechanical problems can arise, sometimes affecting propulsion or essential systems.
In these cases, the captain and operations team may decide to shorten or skip a port to ensure repairs are completed safely and efficiently, minimizing disruption to the overall cruise experience.
Potential itinerary changes are just one reason why obtaining adequate cruise-specific travel insurance is essential. Many policies cover expenses related to canceled excursions and may even offer compensation if a port is missed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Travel Weekly
36 minutes ago
- Travel Weekly
With new menus and excursions, Seabourn is doing a culinary revamp
Seabourn is introducing new dinner menus, culinary shore excursions and more seafood offerings shipwide as part of a culinary revamp focused on fresh and local cuisine. The new dinner menu at The Restaurant has 24 new appetizers and main courses. New dishes that the cruise line is highlighting are marinated diver scallops with smoked trout carpaccio and Ossetra caviar, and a grilled beef sirloin and lobster spring roll with pomme puree. The menu, like all other dining venues onboard, will incorporate freshly caught seafood more prominently. The line will also be sourcing more local ingredients and incorporating more regional cuisine specific to the sailing's destinations. Focus on culinary travel: Navigating celebrity chef partnerships In those destinations, Seabourn will offer new food-related shore excursions, such as a cooking demonstration with a local chef in Alaska, oyster shucking on Prince Edward Island and lobster tastings in Bar Harbor, Maine. The existing "shopping with a chef" program, which enables guests to accompany the executive chefs at local markets, will be expanded to new destinations, including Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, Penang in Malaysia, Nagasaki in Japan and Quebec City in Canada. "After traveling across the fleet and listening closely to our guests, onboard teams and travel partners, we're exploring even more ways to spotlight regional flavors and locally sourced ingredients, with freshness and flavor at the heart of every dish," said Seabourn president Mark Tamis.
CNET
an hour ago
- CNET
Essential Summer Travel Hack: Here's How to Find Free, Safe Wi-Fi Wherever You Go
I know, I know -- summer vacations are for unplugging and disconnecting. But the truth is that you'll likely need some kind of internet connection while you're traveling -- if just to find directions, book a reservation or post pictures of your travel shenanigans. You may not have a mobile connection everywhere you go, so knowing where to get secure, accessible Wi-Fi is a must for a safe (fun!) trip. Whether you're on the go for a long weekend beach getaway or an extended stay in the tropics, finding secure Wi-Fi can be difficult. In this guide, we'll cover the basics of finding and using an internet connection while travelling and vacationing. While you might not have access to your secure home network during your travels, you can still connect to a reliable internet connection, provided you know where to look. Here's everything you need to know. How to get online quickly using a hotspot A hotspot is a central location (or a device) that offers wireless access to the internet. Any network device can connect to the hotspot with the right access. Depending on your mobile provider and plan, you may be able to use your smartphone as a hotspot. A mobile hotspot relies on the cellular network of your mobile carrier and is generally much slower and unreliable than a fixed home internet connection, but it can still be a lifeline if you need to connect to the internet on the go. That said, there are some things you should keep in mind about using a hotspot. There are two different types of hotspots: Public vs. private If you've paid your mobile provider for the ability to create a hotspot with your smartphone, your device acts as a private hotspot and can create wireless access for other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, like laptops, desktop computers and streaming devices. That's a pretty secure way to get internet on the go, but it's not always available to everyone. Locating local internet providers On the other hand, public hotspots are much easier to find and are usually created by a business to provide internet service when visitors, customers and clients are on site. Many free, public Wi-Fi connections are hotspots. For instance, you can connect to a public hotspot in areas like cafes or shopping malls. That said, public hotspots come with a lot of security and privacy risks. Wi-Fi vs. hotspot: Knowing the difference Hotspots are a physical location or device; Wi-Fi is a wireless technology that devices can use to send information to each other. If you have Wi-Fi at home, it's because you have a Wi-Fi router quarterbacking all of your wireless gadgets, and an internet service provider that's connecting that router to the internet. So long as you set a strong password, a private Wi-Fi network like that will be much more secure than a public hotspot because you're controlling who and what connects to it. Public hotspots, on the other hand, are open to anyone within range and are not often encrypted. In other words, you're more susceptible to hackers stealing your information and intercepting your network with malware and other viruses with a public hotspot. This is why it's a good idea to use a VPN if you need to do anything sensitive, like shopping or sending money, while using a hotspot. CNET's recommendation for the best VPN service overall is ExpressVPN, for its simple-to-use features, and it is excellent for streaming. Here are some other safety measures to take when using public Wi-Fi: Use a VPN : A virtual private network will encrypt and protect your internet activity. : A virtual private network will encrypt and protect your internet activity. Do not access sensitive information : Unless you really have to, don't access your bank account or websites with sensitive personal information on a public network. : Unless you really have to, don't access your bank account or websites with sensitive personal information on a public network. Turn off auto-connect : It's convenient to reconnect to the same Wi-Fi network automatically, but it could happen without you knowing and potentially expose your personal information. : It's convenient to reconnect to the same Wi-Fi network automatically, but it could happen without you knowing and potentially expose your personal information. Only visit secure or encrypted websites : You can check to see if a website is secure if it has a padlock icon in your browser's address bar or if the websites start with 'HTTPS.' : You can check to see if a website is secure if it has a padlock icon in your browser's address bar or if the websites start with 'HTTPS.' Log out: If you've signed into an account, even just your Google account, always sign out when you're finished on a public network. How to find free Wi-Fi or public Wi-Fi hotspots almost anywhere You probably can't get a hotspot from home unless you create one with your smartphone (or you happen to live really close to someone who has an unsecured network). There are lots of options for finding free Wi-Fi or public hotspots in businesses like coffee shops, parks, libraries, hotels, museums, restaurants, fitness centers and much more. Some public transportation, like buses or the metro, offer free Wi-Fi. If you're about to head out for the day in search of free internet, try using these helpful apps first: Instabridge -- Android or iOS WiFi Map -- Android or iOS WiFi Around -- iOS Wiman -- Android WeFi -- Android Apps like these display a map of your area or list free public Wi-Fi or hotspots. Most also let you track login requirements and view user hotspot reviews. Some locations, like libraries or college campuses, are generally predictable sources for free public Wi-Fi, but if you're not using a Wi-Fi finder app, it's a good idea to call first to make sure. In addition, your internet provider's network might offer access to hotspots. For instance, AT&T customers can access over 30,000 Wi-Fi hotspots nationwide under its network, as can customers of Cox Communications, Spectrum, Xfinity and more. How to set up and use free Wi-Fi Make sure the device you plan to use is Wi-Fi capable. If it is, turn on Wi-Fi. Once you've arrived at the location where you'll use public Wi-Fi or a hotspot, open a browser and then either open up your computer's network settings or click on the Wi-Fi icon on your screen. Next, select the public Wi-Fi connection you intend to use. If the connection is public, you will now be connected, but watch for an opt-in site to pop up in your browser. Some businesses require you to agree to their terms of service or provide an email address before they'll let you use their free Wi-Fi. Some businesses provide a login and password to their customers and offer a secure network. If the connection you intend to use shows up as secured, look around for the login and password posted in the business, or ask someone for help. Yes, if you're somewhere like a coffee shop, it'd be polite to buy a pastry or a latte while you're at it. This hotspot device from HTC uses an incoming 5G connection to provide Wi-Fi internet access for nearby wireless devices. Andrew Hoyle/CNET How to set up and use your mobile hotspot They aren't free, but if you need an internet connection and have a good cellular signal, a paid hotspot is another way to get Wi-Fi on the go. For example, maybe you're traveling to a rural area with limited ISP options or the Wi-Fi where you're staying isn't as fast as you'd like it to be. Depending on your mobile provider and the plan you pay for, you might already have personal hotspot capabilities. If not, speak with your provider to determine how much they'll charge you for that option. Be prepared to pay more if you're seeking unlimited data. After you've considered pricing, you'll need to decide whether to use your smartphone as a hotspot or purchase a dedicated Wi-Fi hotspot device. Enlarge Image Check your phone's settings for hotspot capabilities. Screenshots by Ry Crist/CNET Should I use my smartphone or a separate hotspot device? A hotspot device is a separate device on your mobile plan with its own separate data limit. While the downside is the extra cost, the upside is that you won't have to worry about your smartphone usage eating up your hotspot data. Another positive: If you set a strong password, using a hotspot device to get online is just as secure as any ISP-provided Wi-Fi connection, and it'll often provide a greater range of coverage. We're also seeing a growing number of full-fledged Wi-Fi routers and mesh routers that are designed to get their incoming signal over a cellular connection, such as LTE or 5G. Both smartphone hotspots and dedicated hotspot devices can be used anywhere, although using a smartphone hotspot in public places may be more convenient, especially if you're just trying to get your laptop online for a few minutes. It's worth noting that using a smartphone as a hotspot can be convenient temporarily. For instance, if your mobile provider experiences a network outage, you won't be able to get online. In addition, a mobile hotspot is only ideal until your smartphone's battery eventually runs out. What Wi-Fi options does my internet provider offer? In response to the pandemic, the Federal Communications Commission created the Keep Americans Connected initiative to help people keep their broadband and telephone connectivity in 2020. Additionally, providers like Xfinity, Spectrum and Optimum extended free Wi-Fi to anyone (customers and noncustomers). Most of these programs are no longer active in these post-pandemic times, but it's still worthwhile to check with your local ISP. Occasionally, as in the example of the devastation of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, these providers activate hotspots for noncustomers so everyone can stay online even while structural damage may inhibit people from using the Wi-Fi at home. What's the bottom line? Whatever path you take, you have more than one option for getting online. If you're still struggling to find free Wi-Fi on your travels, it's worth checking with your provider's hotspot map (if it offers one) to see if there are any hotspots near you. Just remember to use a VPN if you decide to join a public network and take other safety measures to keep your personal information safe. Find Free Wi-Fi FAQs What's the difference between Wi-Fi and a hotspot? Hotspots are a physical location or device that offers wireless access to the internet. In contrast, Wi-Fi is a wireless technology that devices can use to send information to each other. In most cases, Wi-Fi is accompanied by a Wi-Fi router and an internet service provider that connects all your devices to the internet. Where can you find free Wi-Fi? There are many ways to find free Wi-Fi. First, knowing the difference between a public and private hotspot is essential. Private hotspots are not free. The good news is that most public establishments -- such as businesses, coffee shops, shopping malls, libraries, hotels and even parks (limited for some) -- typically offer free public hotspots. Certain apps like Instabridge, WiFi Map and WiFi Around can help narrow your search for free Wi-Fi hotspots available near you.
Forbes
an hour ago
- Forbes
The Safest Countries In The World, Per 2025 Global Peace Index
The Giant's Causeway, North Antrim, Northern Ireland—one of the safest countries in the world as per the 2025 Global Peace Index With the political landscape as volatile as it is, it's beneficial to know how safe your travel destination is. Every year, the Institute for Economics and Peace publishes its Global Peace Index, a comprehensive analysis of the world's safety. The results of the 2025 study highlight the safest countries in the world, and according to the new rankings, the top five most peaceful countries are: All top five countries rank highly because they have resilient institutions, low corruption, and well-functioning infrastructure, what the research calls positive peace indicators, making them ideal destinations for travel. The U.K. ranks at number 30 (up two places from last year), and the U.S. ranks at number 128, maintaining its position directly below Mozambique, South Africa, and Kenya. In 2020, Iceland was in first place, with New Zealand, Portugal, Austria, and Denmark rounding out the top five. The annual studies frequently note that most of these safest countries in the world are also places that regularly appear on lists of the best places to visit. Canada, Singapore, the Czech Republic, Japan, and Switzerland were among the top ten that year. In 2025, Singapore, Portugal, Denmark, Slovenia, and Finland are now among the top ten. It makes sense, of course; a less peaceful world leads to increased economic instability and a significant reduction in global GDP. If people are preoccupied with fighting or concerned about their lives, they cannot create art, build homes, run businesses, or host visiting families. In 2023, Steve Killelea, founder of the IEP, said, "We all want to relax when we're on holiday, and there is no better place to do so than in countries that are free of violence. This is one of the reasons why each of the top ten most peaceful countries are also some of the most popular tourist destinations in the world." Killelea adds, "This should show governments that peace comes with substantial economic benefits, as well as improving the health and well-being of their citizens. So, next time you consider where to go on holiday, why don't you vote with your feet by choosing a peaceful country?" In 2020, the Global Peace Index noted that the economic impact of COVID-19 could negatively affect political stability, international relations, conflict, civil rights, and violence, potentially undoing many years of socio-economic development. At that time, it noted that "the gap between the least and most peaceful countries continues to grow" and that climate change would only exacerbate world safety as climate refugees become increasingly common. All of these conclusions have been borne out. By 2022, the Global Peace Index ranked eight of the world's safest countries in Europe, with Iceland still being the most peaceful. New Zealand, Denmark, Portugal, and Slovenia rounded out the top five safest countries. The U.S. ranked 122nd, one place lower than in the previous two years, and the U.K. ranked 33rd. It noted that, yet again, the gap between the most peaceful and least peaceful countries continued to grow. Afghanistan was the least peaceful country in the world for the fourth consecutive year, with Yemen, Syria, South Sudan, and Iraq rounding out the bottom five. In 2023, the Global Peace Index reported that global conflict had reached its highest level in 15 years. The U.K., amongst other countries, had recently added 15% of the world's landmass to a list where travel was ill-advised. The study found too that U.S. homicide rates were 6 times greater than the average across Western Europe, driven by gun violence and political tensions. Afghanistan was the least peaceful country (for the eighth consecutive year), followed by Yemen, Syria, and South Sudan—the Democratic Republic of the Congo surpassed Iraq to take fifth place. And now, in 2025, the study finds that the trend is continuing and that "global peacefulness continues to decline and that many of the leading factors that precede major conflicts are higher than they have been since the end of World War Two." It notes that more countries are increasing their levels of militarization in response to rising geopolitical tensions and conflict. Additionally, it notes that traditional alliances are dissolving, leading to increased economic uncertainty. None of this makes the world more ideal for travelers. There are currently more than 59 active state-based conflicts, more than at any other time since World War Two and three more than last year. Conflicts are also being less successfully resolved and are increasingly internationalized—78 countries are involved in conflicts beyond their borders. In 2025, Russia is the least peaceful country, according to the Index, for the first time in the world, with Ukraine, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Yemen rounding out the bottom five. And while Western and Central Europe is the most peaceful region, home to eight of the ten most peaceful countries, its peacefulness is falling too and has been over the past four years. The Middle East and North Africa region is, globally, the world's least peaceful place. In 2025, Killelea says that "rising conflict deaths, accelerating geopolitical fragmentation, and the erosion of social cohesion are driving 'The Great Fragmentation" – a fundamental reshaping of the global order not seen since the Cold War." In this context, it makes even more sense to know everything about your travel destination before you book. MORE FROM FORBES
