Disney cruise ship adds new fee; Royal Caribbean upgrades benefit
Taking a Disney cruise in Asia is a very different experience from taking a Disney cruise from the U.S. or in Europe, and the gap between the experiences is now getting bigger.
Not only is the Singapore-homeported Disney Adventure the only Disney cruise ship to sail cruises to nowhere and more like a theme park than other Disney ships, some of its onboard policies vary from the rest of Disney's fleet.
While Disney just updated its fleetwide policies to tighten rules for alcohol brought on board and stateroom door decorations, it went even further with policy updates for sailings on board the Disney Adventure.
Now, one complimentary perk of the standard Disney cruise experience comes with a fee on board the newest Disney cruise ship, further expanding the difference between the onboard experience in Asia and what longtime passengers expect. Many families take advantage of the perk on a Disney cruise, but the new fee will likely cause some vacationers to adjust their cruise habits for sailings on the Disney Adventure.
Doug Parker shared more details on the Disney Adventure's surprising new fee, an upgrade Royal Caribbean made to its trip protection plans, and more cruise news, on the June 1 edition of Cruise News Today.
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Disney Cruise Line introduces room service fee on the Disney Adventure
Cruise News Today Transcript:
Cruise News Today with Doug Parker.
Good morning, here's your cruise news for Monday, June 1st.
Disney Cruise Line is reportedly introducing its first-ever room service delivery fee aboard its brand-new ship, Disney Adventure. Now this is marking a change from its long-standing complimentary perk.
Related: How much to tip your cruise cabin attendant
According to information shared with guests, room service orders on Disney Adventure will carry a $5 service charge plus an automatic 18% gratuity. Breakfast orders submitted through the traditional door hanger system and room service for concierge guests will remain exempt.
While Disney has not commented on this change, the new policy would make the Disney Adventure the first ship in the fleet to charge a room service delivery fee.
Royal Caribbean increases coverage of its trip insurance plans
And Royal Caribbean is increasing its coverage of its travel protection plans, giving guests higher medical and evacuation benefits at no additional cost.
Now according to notices sent to passengers, emergency medical coverage has increased from $25,000 to $100,000, while medical evacuation coverage has jumped from $50,000 to $500,000.
Royal Caribbean says the enhanced benefits are being added automatically for guests with eligible protection plans as travel costs and medical expenses continue to rise.
Norwegian Cruise Line extends partnership with Port of Seattle
And Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has signed a long-term agreement with the Port of Seattle, keeping the company there until at least 2035. The deal includes a commitment to bring a minimum of 325,000 cruise passengers through Seattle each year, and also adding shore power with alternative fuels.
The agreement also includes workforce development, local supplier partnerships, and an anti-human trafficking program. Norwegian currently sales four ships from Seattle to Alaska.
Related: Norwegian Cruise Line island waterpark set for late summer opening
And cruise stocks were mostly green Friday. Carnival Corporation: up a half percent, 28.06. Royal Caribbean: up 1.2%, 284.63. NCL: up a half, 18.34. And Viking: down slightly, 92.11.
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Here aboard the Carnival Sunrise, about to head over to RelaxAway - what are they calling it here - RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay for their grand opening with the pier and the new development. I'm Doug Parker with Cruise News Today. Have yourself a great Monday.
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This story was originally published June 1, 2026 at 10:16 AM.