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CHANGES TO CRUISE SHIP LOYALTY PROGRAMS - CONTINUED For 2026, the major cruise lines are taking distinctly different approaches to their loyalty programs. Royal Caribbean Group is introducing groundbreaking flexibility across its three brands, while Carnival is making both proactive enhancements and operational adjustments to manage its growing elite member base. Here is a summary of the key changes for 2026: 🚢 Royal Caribbean Group: Unprecedented Cross-Brand Flexibility The most significant industry change comes from Royal Caribbean Group, which is launching Points Choice in January 2026 . This new feature is designed to give travelers who sail with multiple brands in the group more control over their loyalty rewards. How Points Choice Works: Members of Royal Caribbean International's Crown & Anchor Society , Celebrity Cruises' Captain's Club , and Silversea's Venetian Society will continue to earn points as usual on their sailings. The key difference is that aft...
CHANGES TO CRUISE SHIP LOYALTY PROGRAMS - CONTINUED   Cruise Line Program Name(s) Key Changes for 2026 Effective Date Carnival Cruise Line VIFP Club (transitioning to Carnival Rewards) Proactive Enhancements: Grandfathering current Diamond/Platinum members with extended or lifetime status in the new Carnival Rewards program. Operational Adjustments: Temporary removal of select Platinum perks (like priority embarkation) on a few specific, high-density sailings due to high demand.  June 1, 2026 (new program launch)  MSC Cruises MSC Voyagers Club Cross-Industry Partnership: Named the exclusive cruise partner for the Wynn Rewards program, offering Wynn members cruise benefits like preferred fares and access to the MSC Yacht Club.  February 2026 
  Changes to the cruise ship loyalty programs in 2026 Over the next several days we will explore the changes the various cruise lines are making to their loyalty programs in 2026. For 2026, the major cruise lines are taking distinctly different approaches to their loyalty programs. Royal Caribbean Group is introducing groundbreaking flexibility across its three brands, while Carnival is making both proactive enhancements and operational adjustments to manage its growing elite member base. Lets Start with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Program Name(s) Key Changes for 2026 Effective Date Royal Caribbean Group (Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Silversea) Crown & Anchor Society, Captain's Club, Venetian Society Points Choice allows members to earn points on any of the three brands and allocate them to the program of their choice. This is in addition to the existing Status Match program.  January 30, 2026 
 Travel to Mexico - What you need to know!! Due to a significant security event following the death of a cartel leader on February 22, 2026, the security situation in Mexico is currently very dynamic  . Multiple governments have issued urgent travel advisories. You should  avoid all non-essential travel  to the states listed below and  follow shelter-in-place orders  if you are currently in the affected areas  . The table below summarizes the current travel advisories from official sources like the U.S. State Department and Global Affairs Canada. 🚨 Areas to Avoid in Mexico Right Now Risk Level / Advisory States / Regions Affected Key Details & Popular Tourist Locations Level 4: Do Not Travel Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas   Highest risk due to crime and kidnapping.  Includes Acapulco (Guerrero)  and Mazatlán (Sinaloa)  . Level 3: Reconsider Travel / Avoid Non-Essential Travel Baja California, Chiapa...
 So now might mot be the time to go to Puerto Vallarta or other nearby places. 🚨 Details of the Unrest The violence erupted after Mexican special forces killed  Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes , also known as "El Mencho," the leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), in his home state  . In retaliation, cartel members have blocked roads with burning vehicles and buses, creating scenes of chaos across the city  . Eyewitnesses have described terrifying scenes. Tourists have reported seeing multiple vehicles on fire, hearing gunshots and detonations, and fleeing for safety  . One Quebecer described it as "being in a bad nightmare or a movie"  . A Las Vegas couple on vacation is on lockdown at their hotel and cannot leave the property  . ✈️ Impact on Travel The violence has caused major travel disruptions: Flight Cancellations:  Numerous U.S. and Canadian airlines, including United, American, Delta, Air Canada, and WestJet, have c...