In this episode of Cruise News Daily, we explore major developments shaping the cruise industry, from sustainability and food recovery to new loyalty benefits and destination growth across Europe and Latin America.
Carnival Expands Meal Donations to Latin America
Carnival Corporation is deepening its commitment to social responsibility with an expansion of its meal donation program into Latin America. The initiative delivers unserved, high-quality meals from cruise ships to communities in need, supporting the company’s “Less Left Over” strategy to reduce food waste and repurpose surplus prepared meals.
The expansion includes formal partnerships in:
- Mexico: A pilot program launched in Ensenada with Bancos de Alimentos de México, with plans to expand to additional ports.
- Honduras: Collaboration with local authorities in Roatán to provide meals to schools, hospitals, and community groups.
- Dominican Republic: Agreements with the Catholic Diocese of Puerto Plata and Banco de Alimentos República Dominicana to distribute meals locally.
Since starting in 2017 with Costa Cruises, the program has delivered more than 300,000 meals across 19 destinations worldwide. Carnival is the first cruise company to formalize meal donation programs in these Latin American markets, working with Global FoodBanking Network affiliates to ensure safe delivery and lasting community impact.
Norwegian Unveils Cross-Brand Loyalty Perks
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. is introducing the Loyalty Status Honoring Program, giving guests recognition across its three brands: Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
- Launch: Guests may request eligibility starting September 29, 2025, for cruises departing October 15 or later.
- How it works: Travelers submit a request before each sailing to have their loyalty tier recognized across brands.
- Benefits: Complimentary beverages, priority embarkation, and access to exclusive events.
The program is part of the company’s Charting the Course strategy, encouraging cross-brand exploration while rewarding repeat travelers. Although the per-cruise application step has prompted mixed reactions, it reflects a growing focus on loyalty integration across premium and luxury lines.
Wales Embraces Cruise Tourism
Wales continues to see strong growth in cruise tourism, welcoming nearly 80,000 passengers last year and generating about £7.5 million in visitor spending. Holyhead on Anglesey serves as the main gateway and now accounts for roughly 10 percent of Wales’ international tourism.
Regional operators are emphasizing authentic, local experiences:
- Cultural Immersion: Tours highlighting Welsh language, history, and heritage.
- Unique Excursions: Visits to Bragdy Cybi brewery and traditional hill farms.
- Growth Ahead: Viking Cruises plans a 40 percent increase in calls to Holyhead by 2026.
Local leaders are focused on sustainable growth that supports cultural exchange and community development, positioning Wales as a distinctive European cruise destination.
Subscribe to Cruise News Daily for continuing coverage of industry trends, sustainability initiatives, and destination insights. Visit CruiseNews.io to read daily stories and sign up for free email alerts.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Ruthie's Table 4
For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com