Would You Ditch Loyalty Perks for a Child-Free Cruise?
DESTINATION: LUXE by Alec
ESCAPE THE GRIND. EXPERIENCE MORE.
Tired of living for the weekend? The Destination: Luxe Weekly Newsletter helps busy professionals turn travel daydreams into real departures—with cruise news, theme park tips, and smarter ways to vacation more often. Subscribe and start planning the trip your 9-to-5 self really needs
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Hi Reader
Welcome Back to Destination: Luxe Weekly This week, the cruise world is serving up curveballs and magic. Carnival just unveiled an adults-only sailing. Finally, it comes with a surprising twist. Princess is fusing luxury with mystery by bringing the legendary Magic Castle onboard, and I’ve already got my ticket to the show. And if spontaneity is your love language, Margaritaville at Sea is reviving a pass that practically dares you to cruise more often
Let’s get into it
The Luxe Lowdown
🚫Carnival’s Adults-Only Cruise… with a Catch
Carnival has finally taken the plunge into adults-only cruising—and their first sailing is already raising eyebrows. The pitch is dreamy: no kids, no splash zones, just a ship full of grown-ups ready for cocktails, comedy, and quiet pool decks. But here’s the shocker: guests won’t receive their usual loyalty perks. That means Platinum and Diamond members lose access to priority boarding, free laundry, and those other hard-earned extras
It’s a bold move by Carnival, and the big question is whether they’ll expand this model beyond one sailing. Would you sacrifice perks for peace and quiet?
The Star Princess, debuting in 2025, will host an exclusive evolved version of Spellbound by Magic Castle. If you’ve never heard of it, imagine Los Angeles’ iconic Magic Castle— an ultra-private club where Hollywood’s elite watch close-up illusions, sip off-menu cocktails, and uncover hidden passageways
Now picture that at sea. Princess is betting big that cruisers want more than Broadway-style shows, they want once-in-a-lifetime experiences. I’m booked on this ship next May, and trust me, this is going to redefine what onboard entertainment looks like
🌴 Margaritaville at Sea Brings Back the Unlimited Pass
Back by popular demand: the Unlimited Paradise Pass. This little account status unlocks as many cruises as you can handle on Margaritaville at Sea’s ship, which sails short hops to the Bahamas. For frequent cruisers (or anyone who loves the idea of a spontaneous weekend escape), it’s a game-changer. No massive bill every time you book —just grab your bag, cue the Jimmy Buffett playlist, and head for the gangway. If flexibility and island vibes are your thing, this is the budget-friendly hack you’ll wish you jumped on sooner
Don’t assume your go-to security lane is always the fastest. Sometimes PreCheck is flying while Clear is crawling (and vice versa). Take a quick glance before committing — it could save you precious minutes and a whole lot of stress
Alec Reviews
Taking a short pause on reviews until I’m back onboard my next ship. Fresh, unfiltered takes are coming soon. I promise they’ll be worth the wait
Tired of living for the weekend? The Destination: Luxe Weekly Newsletter helps busy professionals turn travel daydreams into real departures—with cruise news, theme park tips, and smarter ways to vacation more often. Subscribe and start planning the trip your 9-to-5 self really needs