Cruise Line Policy Changes & Bans for 2026

Host: Jason, The Travel Scouts

Norwegian Cruise Line: Drink Package Restrictions at Great Stirrup Cay

Effective Date: March 1, 2026

Policy Change:

• Drink packages purchased for use onboard Norwegian ships will no longer be valid at Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian's private island in the Bahamas)
• Great Stirrup Cay is located directly next to Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay
• This policy has not been well received by guests

Competitor Comparison:

• Royal Caribbean: Drink packages still work at CocoCay (treated as extension of ship)
• MSC Cruises: Drink packages valid at Ocean Cay (their private island)
• Royal Caribbean: Drink packages work at their new Royal Beach Club in the Bahamas

Royal Caribbean: Duck Hiding Ban in Central Park

Policy:

• Hiding rubber ducks is now prohibited in the Central Park area
• Applies only to Oasis Class and Icon Class ships
• The rubber duck scavenger hunt has been a popular passenger activity

P&O Cruises: Chair Hogging Enforcement

New Policy:

• Unattended deck chairs will be tagged with time notation
• Crew conducts walkthroughs every 30-40 minutes
• Items will be removed if chair remains unattended at next walkthrough
• Several other cruise lines have already implemented similar policies

Discussion Point: Is this enforcement effective? Chair hogging has been a long-standing issue.

The Bahamas: Jet Ski Age Restriction

New Requirement:

• Age restrictions for jet ski rentals have changed
• Implemented after multiple accidents and fatalities
• U.S. State Department has issued cautions regarding jet ski safety in the Bahamas
• Cruise lines are notifying affected guests of new guidelines

Royal Caribbean: Bluetooth Speaker Ban at CocoCay

Policy:

• Personal Bluetooth speakers are officially banned at CocoCay
• Music will play throughout the island
• Guests may use personal headphones for their own music
• CocoCay is consistently recognized as the best private destination among cruise lines

Official Statement: "You'll find music to set the soundtrack to your day playing throughout the island, but if you'd prefer to listen to your own selection of music, we ask that you please do so with personal headphones."

Industry Context:

• Carnival Cruise Line banned all speakers on their vessels approximately one year ago
• Royal Caribbean has NOT banned speakers from their cruise ships (only CocoCay)

Passenger Survey Results (September 2024):

• 6,000 respondents
• 70% believe Bluetooth speakers should be prohibited
• New survey planned for 2026

Disney Cruise Line: Smart Glasses Ban

Policy:

• Smart glasses with video recording capabilities are banned

Reasoning:

• Could be improperly used for filming in prohibited areas (restrooms, spas, etc.)
• Privacy and invasive filming concerns

Controversy:

• Some family members use smart glasses as prescription eyewear
• Some smart glasses are manufactured specifically to help individuals with disabilities
• Critics argue the outright ban may be an overreach given technology advances
• Ongoing discussion expected throughout 2026

Royal Caribbean: Drink Package Exception Rule Eliminated

Policy Change:

• If one adult in a stateroom purchases the Deluxe Beverage Package (unlimited alcohol), ALL adults in the same stateroom must purchase it

Previous Policy:

• Adults unwilling or unable to drink alcohol could call for an exemption

Reason for Change:

• Previous exemption policy was being abused
• Passengers would have one adult buy the package, another get the exemption, then share unlimited drinks to save money

Reception:

• Mixed feedback from cruise passengers
• Important for anyone with Royal Caribbean sailings scheduled in 2026

Key Takeaways

These policy changes reflect cruise lines' efforts to address safety concerns, improve guest experiences, and prevent policy abuse. Passengers should review these updates while planning and packing for 2026 cruises.