5 Changes I’m Hoping for from Carnival in 2025

The new year brings new opportunities for Carnival to introduce exciting additions and innovations. With cruise lines fiercely competing to attract new passengers, the industry has seen incredible advancements, from Carnival’s BOLT rollercoaster at sea to Royal Caribbean’s groundbreaking Icon Class ships and Norwegian’s thrilling go-kart tracks. As a dedicated Carnival fan, I want to see them lead the pack and set new standards for cruising. To do that, I’ve put together my personal wishlist of changes and enhancements, ideas inspired by the best features from other cruise lines and my own dream upgrades. So, without further ado, here are the 5 changes I’m hoping to see from Carnival in 2025. Let’s dive in!

Onboard Activities Viewable in the Carnival Hub App Before the Cruise

Planning your days onboard can feel overwhelming when you first connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi and open the Carnival Hub App. Right now, you can only view the full schedule of daily activities, dining options, and cruise information after boarding the ship, leaving little time for thoughtful planning. This is especially challenging for first-time cruisers or those eager to make the most of their vacation. A game-changing improvement would be allowing guests to access this information through the app one to two weeks before sailing. Imagine being able to preview daily schedules, browse dining menus, explore entertainment options, and even mark activities you don’t want to miss. Families and groups could coordinate plans in advance, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy their favorite events without the stress of last-minute decisions.

This feature could provide guests with an early look at daily schedules, onboard dining menus, entertainment lineups, and kids' club activities, allowing them to create a tentative schedule ahead of time. Additionally, a preview of shore excursions and booking reminders would help ensure no opportunity is missed. By making the app accessible before the cruise, guests could start their vacation with a clear plan, saving time and eliminating the initial rush to figure everything out onboard. Not only would this build excitement by giving guests a sneak peek at their vacation, but it would also enhance engagement by encouraging them to participate in activities they might have otherwise overlooked. It would also simplify coordination for larger groups, helping them align schedules and plan shared experiences with ease.

Allowing pre-cruise functionality would elevate the Carnival Hub App into a must-have tool for vacation planning. It would make the entire experience feel more seamless, exciting, and stress-free from the moment the cruise is booked. This enhancement could take Carnival’s customer experience to the next level, making vacations even more memorable and enjoyable.

Enhanced Suite Amenities

Carnival has made significant strides in elevating its suite offerings, particularly with the introduction of the Excel Class ships. Suites like the Presidential Suite and Aft Excel Suite are now comparable to those offered by Carnival’s competitors, and the Excel Suites come with a few added perks not available with other suite types. However, there’s still room for improvement in Carnival’s suite program. While the new amenities are a step in the right direction, Carnival could take things further to better align with the expectations of cruisers who typically sail on premium or luxury lines. Enhancements such as an included beverage package and a Royal Genie-style concierge service for top-tier suites would be transformative.

Carnival has invested considerable effort in increasing the perceived value of its offerings, working to shed the “Walmart of the seas” perception that a few critics have unfairly attached to the brand. Enhancing the suite program would continue this trajectory, allowing Carnival to compete more effectively in the premium segment. By introducing a tiered suite amenities system, the cruise line could better differentiate its offerings and create additional value for guests. These upgrades would appeal to cruisers who prioritize luxury and personalized service but still want the FUN and lively atmosphere Carnival is known for. A more robust suite program would elevate Carnival’s reputation, making it a stronger contender for cruisers who currently lean toward premium or luxury lines, while simultaneously delighting Carnival’s loyal fans.

Smart Wristbands

Princess has the Medallion, and Royal Caribbean has the WOW Bands, so it’s only natural to wonder when Carnival might introduce their own smart wristband to enhance the onboard experience. While these wristbands wouldn’t replace the classic Sail & Sign card, they could complement it by offering added convenience and fun. With today’s technology, a Carnival smart wristband could open doors to a host of possibilities, making every moment onboard more seamless and engaging.

The wristbands could function as room keys and a cashless way to make purchases, eliminating the need to carry a card around the ship. Guests could also enjoy location-based features, such as finding their family or travel group through the Carnival Hub App or even ordering food and drinks that are delivered directly to their location. Imagine lounging poolside and having a refreshing cocktail or snack brought right to you without lifting more than a finger.

Interactive wristband features could also take onboard entertainment to the next level. Ship-wide games, like scavenger hunts or trivia quests, could be brought to life with checkpoints activated by tapping the wristband. For those looking to stay active, it could track steps and activity levels, encouraging cruisers to explore the ship and meet fitness goals. On the wellness side, wristbands could integrate with spa bookings, allowing quick and easy access to appointments and classes.

Carnival’s wristbands could also play a vital role in accessibility. Features like guided navigation using vibrations or lights could assist visually impaired guests, while simple service request functions would provide extra support for those with mobility challenges. With these thoughtful additions, the wristbands wouldn’t just make cruising more convenient—they would make it more inclusive and FUN for everyone onboard.

It’s easy to see how a Carnival smart wristband could transform the cruise experience, blending convenience, entertainment, and accessibility into a single wearable device. Hopefully, this idea sets sail soon!

VFIP Enhancements

Carnival’s Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) loyalty program has been a great way to reward repeat cruisers, but it’s time for an upgrade. While the current tiers offer some nice perks, they lack the wow factor that truly elevates the cruising experience. To stay competitive with other cruise lines and continue to reward Carnival’s most loyal fans, the VIFP program could use more perks at each tier and the introduction of new, higher tiers with significantly better benefits.

At the higher levels, exclusive perks like complimentary drink packages, priority spa and specialty dining reservations, and even free shore excursions could transform the program into a true loyalty powerhouse. Adding tiers above Diamond, such as Diamond Elite or Platinum Plus, could offer perks like dedicated concierges, upgraded Wi-Fi packages, or private cocktail parties with senior officers.

The lower and mid-level tiers could also see a boost to ensure loyal guests feel rewarded as they climb the ranks. Additional benefits like onboard spending credits, discounted shore excursions, or priority access to activities and shows would make these tiers more enticing and encourage cruisers to keep coming back.

These changes wouldn’t just enhance the guest experience—they would also reinforce Carnival’s reputation for delivering incredible value. By making the VIFP program more dynamic and rewarding, Carnival can inspire even greater loyalty from its fans while attracting new cruisers looking for a brand that values their commitment. A refreshed VIFP program could set a new standard in cruise line loyalty, proving that being a Very Important Fun Person is more rewarding than ever.

Smaller Ship Class

Carnival has made it clear that they’re not currently looking to build smaller ships, but that doesn’t stop me from wishing for the return of a smaller ship class. With the retirement of most Fantasy-class ships, there are only two left in the fleet, leaving a gap for cruisers who enjoy a more intimate onboard experience. Smaller ships offer a charm and convenience that simply can’t be replicated on the megaships Carnival has been focused on in recent years.

One of the biggest advantages of a smaller ship is the ability to visit ports that megaships simply can’t access. These vessels could open up new markets by sailing to smaller cities or unique, less-traveled destinations. Imagine being able to depart from a smaller homeport closer to your hometown or visiting quaint, hidden-gem ports of call that are off the beaten path. Smaller ships are also perfect for regions where port infrastructure can’t support the size and capacity of today’s mega-cruise ships.

For cruisers, smaller ships offer a more personal and relaxed atmosphere. With fewer passengers onboard, it’s easier to enjoy onboard amenities without the crowds and to connect with fellow guests and crew. Smaller ships could be ideal for themed cruises, creating a cozy environment for like-minded travelers to share unique experiences. Additionally, they could appeal to those seeking shorter itineraries or niche markets like river and coastal cruising, offering Carnival a way to diversify its offerings while staying true to its FUN brand.

Of course, Carnival’s focus on larger ships is understandable—they’re designed to maximize capacity and revenue. However, a smaller ship class could play a strategic role in expanding Carnival’s reach to new audiences and regions while catering to those who long for a more intimate and classic cruising experience. While it may not be likely in the current climate, a smaller ship class remains at the top of my wish list for Carnival’s future. Who knows—maybe one day the tide will turn, and Carnival will once again embrace the charm of the small-ship experience.

Conclusion

Carnival has always been about delivering FUN, and these ideas could take that experience to new heights in 2025. From smarter wristbands to enhanced suite perks, a revamped VIFP program, and the dream of a new smaller ship class, there’s plenty of room for innovation and growth. While some of these wishes are ambitious, they reflect the evolving expectations of loyal cruisers like myself. Whether these changes come to life or remain just a dream, I’ll be keeping an eye on Carnival throughout the year. Be sure to check back at the end of 2025 for a follow-up to see which, if any, of these ideas were implemented. Here’s to another year of exciting possibilities and unforgettable adventures with Carnival!