September 2025 Newsletter

Ahoy JGOOT Cruisers!

Welcome to the September edition of the JGOOT Cruises Membership Newsletter! As always, we’re here to bring you top tips, exciting updates, and must-book deals to make your cruising experiences even better. Let's dive in!

CAPTAIN’S TIP: DON'T GET LEFT BEHIND—CHECK THE CLOCK

🕒 Ship time isn’t always port time.

Just because you crossed a time zone doesn’t mean your cruise ship did. Some ships stay on "ship time" the entire sailing, while local ports may be an hour (or more!) ahead or behind.

That means if you’re exploring on your own and not back by ship time… they will leave without you. ⛴️💨

📱 Pro tip: Set your phone to manual time so it doesn’t auto-adjust to local time and throw you off.

You can also wear a cheap analog watch and manually change it to match the ship’s time when you board.

Different cruise lines have different time keeping policies, so check when you board. Stay in sync. Avoid the sprint. Don’t become the next viral “pier runner” video. 😉

Upcoming Multiplier Dates in Las Vegas (for info on how to use these dates, see lesson 5 in the course):

• October 13th - 17th

• Slots: 5X

• Tables: 7X

• November 10th - 19th

• Slots: 5X

• Tables: 7X

• December 15th - 26th

• Slots: 5X

• Tables: 7X

• January 12th - 18th

• Slots & Tables: 10X

10X Multiplier Dates have just been added for January 12th - 18th!

MARGARITAVILLE AT SEA BRINGS BACK PARADISE PASS WITH NEW FLEXIBLE OPTIONS: Margaritaville at Sea has relaunched its fan-favorite Paradise Pass, now offering two upgraded options: the Silver Pass and the Ultimate Gold Pass. These passes allow passholders and a guest to enjoy unlimited, non-consecutive cruises in Oceanview or Balcony cabins through December 2026.

The Silver Pass, starting at $799, includes access to two- and three-night weekend sailings with perks like $25 casino free play and onboard discounts. The Ultimate Gold Pass, priced at $1,499, unlocks longer four- to seven-night cruises, $50 in casino free play, and deeper savings on onboard purchases. Both passes offer early booking privileges, upgrade eligibility, and discounted rates for additional guests.

CARNIVAL FESTIVALE TO DEBUT BIGGEST WATERPARK IN FLEET HISTORY: Launching in May 2027 from Port Canaveral, the Carnival Festivale will debut Waterworks Ultra, the largest waterpark Carnival has ever built. Part of the new Sunsation Point family zone, the waterpark will include six slides, splash pads, and even nighttime fun with a live DJ.

Sunsation Point will also offer kid-friendly dining, a new Treehouse play space, and retro arcade games. The ship, currently under construction in Germany, will sail 7-night Caribbean and Bahamas cruises.

PRINCESS CRUISES ANNOUNCES BIGGEST-EVER ALASKA SEASON FOR 2027: Princess Cruises will launch its most expansive Alaska program ever in 2027, featuring eight ships, 187 departures, and 17 itineraries from Seattle, Vancouver, Anchorage (Whittier), San Francisco, and Los Angeles. The Star Princess returns with weekly Inside Passage cruises from Seattle.

Cruise highlights include 85 visits to Glacier Bay National Park and scenic cruising through iconic areas like College Fjord and Endicott Arm. Ports of call span favorites like Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Sitka, and Victoria, B.C. Guests can also pair their cruise with land-based Cruisetours at five wilderness lodges, with up to four national parks visited on a single itinerary. Options include same-day rail service to Denali and exclusive stays at two Princess lodges near the park. The season opens for booking August 12, 2025.

CELEBRITY XCEL UNVEILS SEVEN BRAND‑NEW ONBOARD SPACES: Celebrity Cruises has unveiled highlights of its newest Edge-class ship, Celebrity Xcel, set to debut in late 2025. The standout feature is The Bazaar—an immersive, festival-style marketplace with regional food, drinks, and live performances that blend guests and entertainers in an unscripted, interactive experience.

Other exciting additions include Bora, a day-to-night Mediterranean restaurant, The Attic, a retro gaming and karaoke lounge, and a spa with a brand-new Hydra Room and Vitamin D Deck. Xcel begins sea trials in October and is expected to launch on October 23.

DISNEY CRUISE LINE ANNOUNCES FALL 2026 & SPRING 2027 ITINERARIES WITH EXPANDED WEST COAST & TEXAS SAILINGS: Disney Cruise Line’s fall 2026 to spring 2027 season adds more sailings from San Diego and Galveston. For the first time, two ships—the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder—will sail from San Diego, offering three- to seven-night cruises. The Magic will then reposition to Galveston, where it continues with four- to seven-night sailings, including some to the Bahamas. Early booking is open.

MAGIC RETURNS ABOARD THE NEW STAR PRINCESS: Princess Cruises has announced an upgraded Spellbound by Magic Castle experience debuting with the Star Princess this October. Inspired by the famed Hollywood Magic Castle and magician Cardini, the enhanced venue features immersive themed spaces including the whimsical Cardini Bar, a backstage speakeasy area, and the Peacock Theater. Admission is $45 and includes two signature cocktails and a magic show, now open to all guests with multiple nightly showtimes. Unlike the original, dinner is no longer included—guests are encouraged to dine two hours beforehand.

NORWEGIAN TO ADD MASSIVE WATERPARK AT GREAT STIRRUP CAY: Norwegian Cruise Line is adding a huge new attraction to its private island, Great Stirrup Cay, with the debut of Great Tides Waterpark—set to open by summer 2026. The park will feature 19 slides, a nearly 800-foot-long dynamic river with bioluminescent tunnel, cliffside jumps, and a 9,000-square-foot kids’ splash zone with an oversized tipping bucket. Highlights include the 170-foot Tidal Tower with eight thrilling slides, family raft rides, and the Caribbean’s only four-person family slide. Guests can relax at The Grotto Bar or rent cabanas near the splash zone and river for a more leisurely experience.