Carnival Expands Down Under, Wi-Fi Prices Rise, and Royal Caribbean’s New Loyalty Play

Carnival Cruise Line makes big moves in Australia and New Zealand, quietly raises Wi-Fi prices, and Royal Caribbean shakes up loyalty across its brands.From new homeports to higher onboard costs and cross-brand points, here’s what cruisers need to know right now.Carnival is expanding its presence Down Under with new seasonal homeports in Adelaide and Auckland for the 2027–2028 season, adding more ships, more destinations, and new itinerary options across Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. At the same time, the line has quietly increased pre-purchase Wi-Fi prices across all plans, with some guests already seeing higher rates for future sailings.We also break down Royal Caribbean Group’s upcoming Points Choice program, which will let cruisers use loyalty points across Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea. It’s a notable shift in cruise loyalty strategy as Carnival prepares its own rewards overhaul.