Cruise Line Cuts, Price Hikes, and an Alaska Itinerary Change

What happens when cruise lines quietly change the rules after you’ve already booked? Let's talk about where cruise policies, loyalty perks, and onboard costs are headed. Norwegian reversed its change to the Great Stirrup Key drink package after major backlash, but the bigger lesson is how easily cruise lines can test cuts in the fine print.

Melissa also looks at Norwegian’s loyalty match downgrade, Carnival’s new gratuity increase, the loss of Tracy Arm on Holland America’s 2026 Alaska sailings, a recent norovirus outbreak, and why cruise travel insurance still matters more than many travelers realize. If you want clearer cruise advice without the fluff, this update helps you think through what these changes mean before your next booking.

**Travel Insurance for Cruisers** https://www.profmelissa.com/travelinsurance