In July, we celebrated a major milestone for our country: America’s 250th Anniversary of Independence. A critical part of this celebration was giving thanks to the men and women who have defended our nation and the freedom we cherish. While every American is familiar with the fireworks and BBQs of the 4th of July, many people are unaware of the day in July dedicated to recognizing the service and sacrifices of Korean War Veterans: National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day on July 27th. This remembrance marks the anniversary of the 1953 armistice agreement signed by the United States, North Korea, and the People’s Republic of China, which ended the short but violent conflict.
Often called the “Forgotten War,” the Korean War was fought between World War II and the Vietnam War and ended with the Korean Peninsula divided at the 38th parallel, where a demilitarized zone remains to this day. Here in Texas, we strive to ensure that no Veteran is ever left behind or forgotten. It is an honor to uplift the Veterans of the Korean War and to honor their bravery and the sacrifices they made to uphold democracy and aid a people they had never met in an unfamiliar land thousands of miles from home.
More than 289,000 Texans served during the Korean War, and of them, 1,723 were either killed in action or missing in action. One of these brave souls was Staff Sergeant Ambrosio Guillen. Born in La Junta, Colorado, Guillen was raised in El Paso, Texas, and attended Bowie High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at 18, rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant, and served with Company F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division.
In the dark of night on July 25, 1953, near Songuch, Korea, Guillen and his platoon were defending an outpost forward of the resistance’s main line. Despite the impenetrable darkness, lit only by hostile fire, and the unfamiliar terrain, he managed to organize the platoon into fighting positions. An enemy force of two battalions pinned them down, but this did not deter Guillen. He endured heavy mortar and artillery fire to continue directing his men and ensuring the wounded were evacuated. When he was critically wounded, he refused medical treatment and continued directing his men until the enemy was defeated.
He would die of his wounds hours after the battle, but his legacy of selfless sacrifice lives on in his Medal of Honor, awarded by Dwight D. Eisenhower for his heroic leadership. The Texas Veterans Land Board’s (VLB) Ambrosio Guillen Texas State Veterans Home in El Paso, Texas, where he grew up, is named in honor of his life, given in the name of freedom as the ultimate sacrifice.
Whether through our long-term care homes, land and home loans, or by helping Veterans access the benefits they have earned, the VLB works every day to ensure no Veteran is left behind or forgotten. Texas Veterans who served in any conflict, from WWII to the War on Terror, can find support and information at the Texas Veterans Call Center by calling 1–800–252–8387 or emailing VLBinfo@glo.texas.gov.
I encourage all Texans to learn more about our courageous Veterans of the Korean War and how their service helped shape democracy across the globe.
“Curiosity Has No Age Limit” Inspires This Year’s National Observance
The official 2026 poster for September Is Healthy Aging® Month has been released, providing organizations, healthcare providers, libraries, senior centers, workplaces, fitness centers, and community groups with the signature visual for this year’s national observance.
Featuring the 2026 theme, “Curiosity Has No Age Limit,” the poster encourages adults to embrace lifelong learning, explore new experiences, and remain engaged with the world around them throughout every stage of life.
Founded in 1992, September Is Healthy Aging® Month was created to draw attention to the positive aspects of growing older and to encourage adults to take greater responsibility for their physical, mental, social, and financial well-being.
“The theme reminds us that curiosity doesn’t disappear with age—it becomes even more valuable,” said Carolyn Worthington, founder of September Is Healthy Aging® Month. “Whether learning a new skill, traveling someplace you’ve never been, discovering a new hobby, or simply asking more questions, curiosity helps keep life meaningful, rewarding, and full of possibility.”
Research has shown that lifelong learning, social engagement, physical activity, and maintaining a sense of purpose can contribute to overall well-being and quality of life. This year’s observance encourages individuals and organizations to celebrate the idea that growth, discovery, and personal development continue throughout adulthood.
The official 2026 poster features the theme “Curiosity Has No Age Limit” in an elegant design intended to inspire conversation and participation throughout the September observance. Displayed in public spaces, it serves as a reminder that every stage of life offers opportunities to learn, connect, and explore.
Organizations are encouraged to use the poster as part of health fairs, wellness initiatives, educational programs, workplace wellness campaigns, library displays, community events, and other September activities recognizing Healthy Aging® Month.
Educational resources supporting the observance—including sample news releases, social media graphics, activity ideas, and Ten Ways to Celebrate “Curiosity Has No Age Limit”—are also available at HealthyAging.net.
The official poster and related educational materials are produced and distributed by Educational Television Network, Inc. (ETNET), the nonprofit educational partner of September Is Healthy Aging® Month.
Organizations are encouraged to order early to ensure their displays and September activities are ready before the observance begins.
I’ve been flying long haul since I was a teenager, when boarding school in the UK meant a flight back to the Seychelles at the end of every term. Add a travel blog that has kept Jess and me in the air regularly since 2010, and I’ve spent a decent chunk of my life at…
In a recent podcast, I talked with Dr. Anthony Zizza, medical director of Element Care, about the Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) that provides comprehensive care to low-income older adults. Unlike the piecemeal approach of most healthcare in the United States, participants in PACE receive one-stop-shopping for all their health needs.
PACE is available to patients who have both Medicare and Medicaid (MassHealth in Massachusetts, where Element Care is located) and agree to receive all their care through the PACE program. Medicare and Medicaid pay a fixed amount per participant, which gives the program a financial incentive to keep them healthy and living in the community. As a result, many PACE programs offer nonmedical as well as medical care.
While PACE has existed since 1971, it only expanded from a couple of dozen programs nationwide after 1997 when it became a permanently recognized provider type under Medicare and Medicaid. By 2023, there were 151 programs serving 68,000 participants in 32 states and the District of Columbia.
Here are some excerpts from our conversation:
Risking Old Age in America (ROA): What is PACE?
Dr. Anthony Zizza: PACE is a Medicare and Medicaid model for adults 55 and older who need a nursing home level of care, but can still live safely in the community with the right support.
We call the people receiving care “participants” as opposed to “patients” because they really do participate in their care. With PACE, it’s not just a clinic visit and you go home. It’s a full care model. We have 14 different [services that] deliver high quality, coordinated person-centered care so these older adults can remain in their homes and communities as long as possible.
ROA: How do you make that happen?
Zizza: The system really should wrap around the older adult and not force the older adult and family to chase the system. That’s what traditionally you see for a lot of geriatric patients. We have transportation, therapy, social work, physicians, nurse practitioners, medication support, dieticians, an adult day health center and also home-based services that we coordinate through our whole team. And we also do palliative care as well as urgent care.
We’re also able to take outside-the-box steps. I’ll give you an example: We had a…participant who had a disease called COPD. It’s a disease that usually longtime smokers get. They have trouble oxygenating their blood and clearing carbon dioxide. So, they are prone to a lot of what we call exacerbations or infections, and they need hospitalization. Many times they go on a ventilator. It’s a very serious disease, especially as it progresses.
For our patient, we noticed that every summer he would have four or five exacerbations. In the winter, it calmed down. So we bought the patient an air conditioner, and that did the trick.
Once they’re enrolled in our program, we are committed to doing the right thing for them from the moment they enroll until the last breath that they take. We will do everything we can to keep them in the home, including sometimes having 24-hour services in the home.
ROA: How can you afford that level of service?
Zizza: Yes, it’s a lot of money. But these patients would cost the system a lot more if we weren’t involved. We’re preventing emergency room visits, preventing inpatient hospitalizations, and delaying long-term care. All of those things saves the system quite a bit of money.
ROA: Is PACE available nationwide?
Zizza: It could be, but it’s not. Some states do not have PACE programs. Even the states that have them, it’s not as if it’s available in the whole state. It’s quite a convoluted process to establish a PACE program. The organization has to make applications both through CMS as well as through the state Medicaid agency.
The state will grant you certain ZIP codes, which would be your service area, and that has to be approved by CMS. One thing about PACE that I would love to see changed or at least improved, is to reduce the tremendous amount of regulation and red tape that is involved right now [for] programs.
ROA: One of the earlier points you made was that to qualify you have to be clinically eligible as well as financially eligible. What do you mean by clinically eligible?
Zizza: The idea of PACE is to think about it as a nursing home without walls, which means that the participants need to be nursing home eligible. Now, what qualifies you to be nursing home eligible? You need to have a dependence on an ADL or on assistance for an activity of daily living. You may need help with bathing; you may need help with dressing or with feeding. If you need assistance and can’t live alone without it, then you very likely clinically would be eligible for PACE.
You can learn more about PACE by listening to our whole conversation here.
For more from Harry Margolis, check out his Risking Old Age in America blog and podcast. He also answers consumer estate planning questions at AskHarry.info. To stay current on the Squared Away blog, join our free email list.
Carnival Cruise Line touts itself as “America’s Cruise Line,” while MSC Cruises is a European line that’s aggressively growing its presence in North America. They’re different in many ways — but very similar in others. As you look into taking a cruise, you may be considering these two lines, comparing and contrasting things like price, ship options, itineraries, and onboard amenities. So, which should you ultimately book?
After sailing on both lines multiple times, we have a pretty good handle on what makes Carnival, well, Carnival, and what makes an MSC cruise an MSC cruise. When comparing cruise brands, the term “better” often comes down to personal preference, and there will be people on both sides saying that one is better than the other. But to help you decide which is right for you, here’s a breakdown on how these two lines stack up — category by category.
Carnival and MSC Fleets: A Breakdown
There are a number of similarities between Carnival and MSC ships. Both fleets span the spectrum of a mainstream cruise line, with older, smaller vessels all the way up to some of the newest and largest ships at sea.
MSC and Carnival both have what the industry calls mega-ships, which carry thousands of passengers each. The largest classes in each fleet, Carnival’s Excel class and MSC’s World class, are so big that public spaces on board are divided up into “zones” and “districts,” respectively.
Out of all the mainstream cruise lines, especially those that sail from the United States, Carnival and MSC tend to have the best cruise deals. Of course, this doesn’t mean that ALL sailings you find on these two lines will be cheaper than all voyages on similar brands like Royal Caribbean or Norwegian. As always, cruise pricing is dynamic and varies depending on a number of factors like the age and size of the ship, the itinerary, and the time of year.
If you’re wondering what exactly is included in the fare on each of these lines, check out these articles:
At the time of publication, there are 29 ships in the Carnival fleet, with five more on the way through 2033. The line has two further Excel class ships – Carnival Festivale and Carnival Tropicale – on order, set to begin sailing in 2027 and 2028. There’s also a new class of ships, the Ace class, that will be delivered in 2029, 2031, and 2033. The first ship in that class will be called Carnival Destiny, in honor of the original Carnival Destiny (now called Carnival Sunshine), that debuted in 1996 and was the world’s largest cruise ship at that time.
What are the smallest and largest Carnival cruise ships?
The smallest ship in the Carnival Cruise Line fleet is Carnival Paradise. Built in 1998, Carnival Paradise comes in at 71,925 gross tons and holds 2,124 guests. The largest Carnival cruise ship is a tie between its two newest ships: Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee. They both come in at a whopping 183,521 gross tons and can hold 5,374 guests at double capacity.
How many ships does MSC Cruises have?
There are currently 23 ships in the MSC Cruises fleet, with 10 more on order with deliveries scheduled through 2033. Six of the additional ships are part of the massive World class, with two already named: MSC World Asia (set to debut in December 2026) and MSC World Atlantic (set to begin sailing in 2027). There are also four ships in a new class, called the Frontier class, set for delivery from 2030 through 2033.
What are the smallest and largest MSC cruise ships?
The smallest ship in the MSC Cruises fleet is MSC Armonia, which comes in at 65,542 gross tons and can hold 2,679 passengers. The largest ship is also the newest: MSC World America. This mega ship comes in at 216,638 gross tons and holds 5,240 guests at double occupancy.
Who sails Carnival vs. MSC cruise ships?
Both cruise lines’ ships are fairly casual and great for families, friend groups, and couples. Carnival tends to have more of a come-as-you-are vibe, while MSC Cruises has a diverse passenger mix that stems from its European roots and popularity in the Mediterranean. You’ll also see this reflected in the actual design of the ships themselves, as Carnival interiors tend to lean more playful and American while MSC Cruises values more elegance and glamour.
Age demographics are similar across both lines, where you’ll find everyone from babies to great-grandparents sailing on Carnival and MSC ships. Cabins run the gamut from inexpensive interior staterooms to elegant suites across both brands, so you’ll find people from lots of different walks of life onboard.
Who has better food: Carnival or MSC?
Both Carnival and MSC include casual buffets and sit-down main dining rooms in their cruise fares. Beyond that are a variety of included casual quick-service venues (mostly on Carnival), as well as a lineup of extra-fee specialty restaurants, often focusing on specific cuisines. Here’s how these venues stack up side-by-side. Note: The specific venues found on each ship varies; not all ships in the fleet will have every one of these restaurants.
Steakhouses
Carnival: Fahrenheit 555
MSC: Butcher’s Cut
Asian Restaurants
Carnival: JiJi Asian Kitchen, Mongolian Wok, Bonsai Sushi, and Chibang
MSC: Kaito Sushi and Kaito Teppanyaki
Mexican Spots
Carnival: BlueIguana Cantina and Chibang
MSC: Hola! Tacos & Cantina
Seafood Venues
Carnival: Rudi’s Seagrill, Emeril’s Bistro, and Seafood Shack
MSC: Red Cactus BBQ & Ribs (only found on MSC Seashore)
Chicken Fingers and Sandwiches
Carnival: Shaq’s Big Chicken
MSC: The Chicken Man (only found on MSC Seashore)
Cafes
Carnival: JavaBlue Café (and other names depending on the ship)
MSC: Most MSC ships feature a café with various names, select ships also feature the Venchi chocolate shop and cafe
Carnival Cruise Line also features the Italian restaurant Cucina del Capitano, as well as the popular poolside Guy’s Burger Joint with a variety of burger options on the menu. MSC Cruises features an Eataly at Sea and a Greek seafood restaurant called Paxos aboard MSC World America, while MSC World Europa has a modern Nordic restaurant called Chef’s Garden Kitchen. Both ships serve pizza that’s available from morning ‘till late at night, with MSC Cruises easily beating Carnival in the pizza department.
But overall, Carnival has quite a number of included dining options on its ships, especially when it comes to casual quick-service venues that are open during the day. We understand that cruise dining is somewhat subjective, but we think Carnival wins in this category. With a large variety of both included and specialty venues and consistently great quality, there’s truly something for everyone to eat and enjoy on a Carnival ship — whether you’ve paid extra for your meal or not.
Bars on Carnival vs. MSC Cruises
For many cruisers, drinks are almost as important as food. Both lines have great bar programs, but the overall personality of each is quite different. MSC tends to lean more towards European glamour when it comes to bars, with fewer distinctly “themed” spaces than you’ll find on Carnival.
Carnival offers a number of different bars and lounges across its fleet for passengers to make good use of their drink package — including favorites like the vintage pharmacy-themed Alchemy Bar, the poolside RedFrog Rum Bar and BlueIguana Tequila Bars, the Heroes Tribute Lounge sports bar, and the classic piano bar. Select ships have more unique bars, too, like the train station-themed Latitudes Bar on Carnival Celebration, the underwater/octopus themed Dr. Inks, Ph.D. bar on Carnival Jubilee, the RedFrog Pub & Brewery that brews its own beer on Carnival Vista, and the bubbles bar Frizzante on Carnival Venezia and Firenze.
MSC Cruises brings a European flair to many of its bars and lounges, with more of a focus on modern style rather than theming. MSC also does not bring as many of its bars across much of the fleet like Carnival does, meaning you’ll find differently named and styled bars depending on what ship you’re sailing. On many vessels, you’ll find things like a dedicated champagne bar, a main pool bar, a sports bar, and a casino bar. Many ships include a Venchi outpost serving up chocolate cocktails and specialty coffees. MSC’s newest and largest class of ships, the World class, leans more into themed bars, with options including a pub with brewery, the Gin Project, and Elixir – Mixology Bar for more experimental cocktails.
Both Carnival and MSC offer drink packages, with non-alcoholic and alcoholic options available. Both lines include things like bottled water, smoothies, and specialty coffee in their packages, with Carnival’s pricing coming in slightly cheaper than MSC’s. It’s important to note that both cruise lines impose a 15-drink limit for alcoholic beverages per 24-hour period.
Winner: Carnival. With bars and lounges that have more fun and unique themes along with a slightly better value when it comes to drink packages, Carnival edges out MSC in this category.
Entertainment: Carnival vs. MSC Cruises
Top-Deck Attractions and Sports
The top-deck attractions you’ll find on MSC and Carnival can vary wildly depending on the ship you’re sailing. With that being said, there are some staples you can expect on all or almost all Carnival and MSC ships: waterslides (with many featuring an entire water park area), sports courts, a small putt-putt course, and an adventure trail or ropes course. Both lines also include, of course, swimming pools (nearly all ships have at least two or more) and a number of hot tubs.
Some Carnival ships add unique features like a roller coaster (the Excel-class ships) or a sky cycling attraction called the SkyRide (Vista-class ships). Some MSC ships feature additional thrills like the Robotron ride (MSC Seascape) or the World-class ships’ Cliffhanger overwater swing ride and Jaw Drop @ The Spiral, an 11-deck-high dry slide.
Indoors, you’ll find arcades on both lines, as well as a casino. Many MSC ships also feature a complex with virtual reality games, an F1 simulator, and even a bowling alley. On Carnival, select vessels feature an IMAX theater, and Carnival Panorama even includes a SkyZone trampoline park.
Production Shows
Carnival’s theater production shows, which are called Playlist Productions, are original shows created just for the line. They’re fun and attention-grabbing, often with more of a focus on music rather than a narrative storyline. When they do have a storyline, the plots can be a bit difficult to follow. Popular Playlist Production shows include the 70s and 80s rock celebration Epic Rock, the movie soundtrack-centric Flick, and the high-tempo Broadway Beats show tunes production.
MSC Cruises shows emphasize visual spectacle over storytelling, which is important for a line that carries passengers who speak many different languages. Performances might have loose storylines, but rely more on impressive skills and stunts from talent including illusionists, contortionists, jugglers, acrobats, and aerialists, combined with immersive soundtracks and striking video, lighting, and sound effects.
Theater shows on both lines are generally performed twice in the same night, giving guests the opportunity to attend no matter when they eat dinner. As well, shows are of similar lengths for both Carnival and MSC, usually coming in under 40 minutes. This leaves plenty of time to enjoy other nighttime entertainment and fun around the ship.
Activities and Nightlife
Both Carnival and MSC offer a similar variety of onboard activities — trivia, game shows, themed parties, live music, and beyond. Both are high-energy, too. Carnival is known for more of a “party” atmosphere, which stretches from daytime around the pool into nighttime parties and entertainment. Daytime on MSC tends to be a bit more subdued, but the evening parties and nightlife tend to be very energetic and well-attended.
Winner: It’s a tie. While the lines’ approaches to activities and entertainment are slightly different, they both offer an excellent variety of both indoor and outdoor attractions, with Carnival holding an edge for a wider variety of top-deck attractions. MSC tends to beat Carnival when it comes to production show quality, but Carnival holds its own when it comes to themed parties and a fun high-energy atmosphere.
MSC vs. Carnival: Which is better for kids’ clubs and activities?
When it comes to organized kids club offerings, Carnival’s Camp Ocean and MSC’s Kids Clubs are alike in many ways. Both divide kids into several age groups:
Carnival’s Camp Ocean
Turtles: 6-23 months
Penguins: 2-5 years
Stingrays: 6-8 years
Sharks: 9-11 years
Circle C: 12-14 years
Club O2: 15-17 years
MSC’s Kids Club
Baby Club: 6 months to 3 years
Mini Club: 3-6 years
Junior Club: 7-11 years
Young Club: 12-14 years
Teen Club: 15-17 years
Both lines have special dedicated areas for tweens and teens that are separate from the younger kids. Kids in these older age groups can come and go as they please with fewer scheduled activities and more emphasis on just hanging out with video games, sports tournaments, competitions, and parties.
Both also allow for-fee drop-off babysitting services for children from 6 months old. There are also late-night activities for kids that allow parents a bit of alone time for a per-child hourly cost.
As far as the actual programming, both lines schedule similar age-appropriate activities. They might range from storytime and arts and crafts for the youngest kids to dance parties, sports competitions, and video game tournaments for older ones.
Both cruise lines have their own branded kids’ programming, too. Carnival has a partnership with Dr. Seuss called Seuss at Sea, which means kids can enjoy a character parade, interactive storytime, and special Dr. Seuss-themed movies and activities. Some ships even feature a dedicated kids’ library called Dr. Seuss Bookville, filled with Dr. Seuss books, board games, puzzles, and toys.
MSC has a partnership with LEGO, with LEGO-themed play spaces including — of course — plenty of LEGO bricks to play with, a special parent-and-kids LEGO challenge once per cruise, and a LEGO family parade featuring LEGO characters and MSC’s mascot Doremi.
Winner: It’s a tie. With all things considered, the lines are matched pretty evenly for kid-centric things to do.
Cabins and Accommodations
On both Carnival and MSC, the older ships’ cabins tend to have decor and color schemes that can look a bit dated, despite regular refurbishments that have replaced carpeting and soft furnishings. New ships have been designed with a more modern look with updated colors, wood tones, and carpeting that help bring a bright feel to the rooms.
Stateroom categories run the gamut, with small interior rooms with no windows available, oceanview staterooms with a window, balcony cabins with private outdoor space, and a variety of suite categories that can range from mini-suites that are basically like larger balcony cabins all the way up to multi-room accommodations that have separate living, dining, and sleeping areas — often with very large balconies.
Even the basic accommodations from both brands include at least a queen bed that can be split into two beds upon request. Staterooms also include a closet, a vanity/desk space with a mirror, and many staterooms include a small couch or chair — sometimes a couch that converts into a bed. Additionally, all staterooms have their own private bathrooms. Most feature just a stand-up shower, but some stateroom categories — particularly various suites — have full tubs or tub/shower combos.
Special stateroom categories that include extra perks on Carnival include the Havana cabins with access to the Havana pool area, Cloud 9 Spa staterooms with access to the spa’s thermal suite, the Family Harbor accommodations with exclusive access to the Family Harbor Lounge. Note that these special stateroom categories are only available on select ships.
When you book an MSC cruise, you pick an “experience,” the level of which determines various perks you might receive. For example, if you book an Aurea suite, you receive included access to the spa’s thermal suite and the solarium. MSC Cruises’ ships also feature a luxury ship-within-a-ship complex called the MSC Yacht Club. If you book a Yacht Club suite, you receive access to an exclusive sundeck, lounge, and restaurant, as well as a variety of other premium perks.
Winner: MSC Cruises. While Carnival has a lot of variety, especially when it comes to special cabins with additional perks, MSC has an even larger variety to choose from and gains major points for its luxurious MSC Yacht Club complex — which can be found on nearly every ship in the fleet.
Carnival vs. MSC: Pricing and Value
Both Carnival and MSC are on the lower end of the mainstream pricing tier, with lots of deals to be had across both lines. In addition, both lines include pretty much the same things in their fares: accommodations, entertainment, most activities, and standard dining including the buffet, main dining room, and select other (mostly quick-casual) restaurants. Specialty and alcoholic beverages, wifi, specialty dining, gratuities, and shore excursions are all add-ons.
However, you may be wondering whether MSC is cheaper than Carnival. The lines are actually very similar in their pricing structure when you look at comparable ships (size, age, etc.), itineraries, and time of year. No matter which line you go with — and this goes for most cruise brands — you’ll generally pay more for cabins on newer ships and on more sought-after or exotic itineraries than you will on older ships or on a more standard itinerary that you can find across lots of ships and cruise lines.
To give you an example, here are some comparable sailings on both lines:
7-night Eastern Caribbean roundtrip from Miami in January 2027
Carnival Celebration: Starting at $544 per person, visiting St. Thomas, San Juan, and Celebration Key
MSC World America: Starting at $619 per person, visiting Puerto Plata, San Juan, and Ocean Cay
7-night Alaska roundtrip from Seattle in July 2027
Carnival Spirit: Starting at $1,134 per person, visiting Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Victoria with scenic cruising in Tracy Arm Fjord
MSC Poesia: Starting at $1,068 per person, visiting Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Victoria, and scenic cruising in Tracy Arm Fjord
4-night Bahamas roundtrip from Port Canaveral in November 2026
Carnival Freedom: Starting at $331 per person, visiting Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay
MSC Seashore: Starting at $262 per person, visiting Nassau and Ocean Cay
If budget is a big factor when deciding between Carnival vs. MSC, it really will come down to the specific itinerary and ship age/size that you’re looking to book, because both lines price their sailings very similarly, and there are great deals to be had with both brands.
Winner: When it comes to value for money, we have to go with Carnival. Though the base fares across both lines are an excellent value, Carnival pulls ahead just slightly because it includes more food in the fare, and tends to have more included top-deck attractions.
Carnival vs. MSC: Itineraries and Private Destinations
Carnival Cruise Line is an all-American cruise brand, with the majority of its sailings departing from homeports across the U.S. MSC Cruises, while it does sail from the U.S., is an Italian cruise brand that’s headquartered in Switzerland. With that said, it doesn’t come as a surprise that most MSC cruise itineraries are in and around Europe.
However, whether you’re looking for a cruise in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, or even Alaska, you’ll be able to find cruise options from both lines. Carnival primarily sails in the Caribbean and Bahamas, but also has a presence on the West Coast in Mexico and Alaska, the Mediterranean and northern Europe, Australia and the South Pacific, Canada and New England, and the Panama Canal.
About half of MSC Cruises’ fleet primarily sails in the Mediterranean throughout the busy spring and summer seasons. The second most popular region for MSC has actually become the Caribbean, as the line continues to grow its presence in North America. Following that, other regions where you can find MSC cruises include northern Europe, South America, the Middle East, and — for the first time in 2026 — Alaska.
Both Carnival and MSC Cruises have lots of cruise options out of Florida, with additional sailings from Galveston, Texas and Seattle, Washington. While MSC has lots of departure points to choose from in Europe, Carnival has a notable presence in other U.S. cities including Long Beach, CA; Norfolk, VA; Baltimore, MD; and New York City.
Weeklong seven-night cruises are most popular with both cruise brands. Both brands also offer shorter three to four-night voyages, but you’ll find a much larger variety of these quick getaway trips on Carnival vs. MSC. If you’re looking for a longer 10+ night cruise, you’ll have more to choose from on MSC — especially in Europe.
Carnival Private Destinations
Carnival has two private destinations, though both are (or will be) shared with other brands within the Carnival Corporation fleet.
RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay: a private island in the Bahamas (exclusive to both Carnival and Holland America)
Celebration Key: a private beach destination on Grand Bahama Island (will also be visited by Princess and AIDA ships)
MSC Cruises Private Destinations
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve: a private island in the Bahamas (also visited by MSC’s luxury cruise brand, Explora Journeys)
A private beachfront on Sir Bani Yas Island off the coast of Abu Dhabi, UAE
Winner: In terms of U.S.-based travelers, it’s a tie. MSC Cruises has a wider range of itineraries it sails in regions around the world, but Carnival has a larger variety of voyages out of the U.S. and two easily-accessible destinations in the Bahamas vs. MSC’s one.
Loyalty Programs
Carnival’s Carnival Rewards program and MSC’s Voyagers Club are both tiered loyalty programs that reward repeat cruisers with a variety of perks. Both programs include perks such as free specialty dining or drink vouchers, commemorative pins, priority check-in and boarding, and more.
MSC’s loyalty program awards points based on both the length of the cruise and the “experience” level you book into. Carnival’s former loyalty program, the VIFP Club, allowed guests to earn points based on the number of days cruised. However, the new Carnival Rewards program rewards points based on spend, much like an airline loyalty program. This means that MSC’s Voyagers Club and the Carnival Rewards program are quite different in terms of how to reach status.
In addition, you can lose status in both programs. You need to cruise at least once every five years with MSC to remain active in the program. You need to cruise or have another “eligible qualifying activity” at least once every three years in order to keep your points in Carnival’s program.
When it comes to status matching, MSC Cruises earns major points. If you’re a loyalty member of another cruise line, hotel brand, or tour operator, you can submit a status match request with MSC Cruises. If approved, you’re placed into an equivalent tier in the Voyagers Club. Carnival doesn’t do status matching at all.
Winner: MSC Cruises, primarily for its (more) simple points-earning structure that rewards based on time on board and not spend — and status matching. The perks are also really good in the higher tiers on MSC, including things like priority for a free cabin upgrade when available, sweet treats in the cabin, a free one-hour spa thermal area session, a specialty dinner, a free behind-the-scenes tour, a free internet package, and more.
Carnival vs. MSC Cruises: Which is right for you?
There’s no single cruise line that will be right for everyone. Your demographic, needs, and preferences all come into play when it comes to choosing a cruise line. However, if we’re looking at the “best” cruise line based on which won the most categories above, Carnival edges out MSC…but only slightly.
Carnival excels when it comes to included dining options, top-deck attractions, and fun themed spaces on board — especially with bars and lounges. But MSC has solid kids’ and family programming right alongside Carnival, as well as a strong loyalty program and solid value for the money — not to mention the upscale (and fleetwide) MSC Yacht Club complex — something Carnival doesn’t offer.
Both lines are solid choices, especially on their newer ships. It all comes down to personal preference.
Choose Carnival Cruise Line if…
You want the most included dining options, especially casual spots open all day long
You love fun, themed bars and a casual, high-energy atmosphere
You’re after the widest variety of top-deck thrills, from roller coasters to the SkyRide
You’re planning a quick 3- or 4-night getaway or want to sail from a U.S. homeport close to home
You want the best bang for your buck in the base fare
Choose MSC Cruises if…
You want a true ship-within-a-ship experience with the MSC Yacht Club
You prefer elegant, glamorous ship design over loud and bright decor
You want a simpler loyalty program or status matching from another brand
You’re dreaming of the Mediterranean or a longer 10+ night voyage at affordable pricing
You’re sailing as a multi-generational group and want something for everyone
Comments
Do you agree with our assessment of Carnival vs. MSC Cruises? Do you have a favorite? Drop us an anchor below to share what you love about each cruise line.
At U.S. Veterans Magazine, we believe that principled leadership and inclusive practices are essential for long-term business success. Companies and institutions that intentionally cultivate supportive environments—where veterans and other talented individuals can grow—are not only doing what’s right, but they’re also setting themselves up to thrive.
According to recent findings from Ethisphere, organizations with strong ethical cultures outperform competitors by 7.1%. A separate study by i-Sight revealed that companies recognized for fostering inclusive, veteran-ready workplaces earned more than twice the profits of their peers.
Each year, our Top Veteran recognition lists spotlight the employers, educational institutions and government agencies that go above and beyond in their commitment to recruiting, retaining and advancing veteran talent. These honorees have demonstrated a sustained focus on values, opportunity and workplace culture as reflected in our independent research, submitted materials and information available during the evaluation period.
Because programs and offerings may evolve, this recognition reflects an organization’s broader demonstrated commitment at the time of evaluation, and readers are encouraged to confirm current details directly with the organization.
As our President & Publisher, Mona Lisa Faris, emphasizes, “When companies recognize and invest in overlooked talent pools, they gain a powerful competitive edge while making a meaningful difference.”
Windstar isn’t one size — it’s several small ones. Depending on which ship you choose, you’ll sail with anywhere from 148 to 346 fellow guests. And you’ll never be lost in the crowd. In fact, one of the line’s biggest strengths, whichever size ship you choose, is how personal and intimate the experience will be.
Windstar offers two classes of ships. Its Wind Class vessels, such as Wind Surf, Wind Spirit and Wind Star, can operate under sails. Its Star Class ships, with a yacht-style emphasis on the cruise experience, feature Star Breeze, Star Pride, Star Legend, Star Seeker and, in December 2026, Star Explorer.
Curious which ship is the right fit for your vacation? Here’s what to expect.
The Wind Class
Wind Surf
The ship is currently undergoing a $7.5 million “Setting Sails” refurbishment in two phases. The first took place in November 2024. Redecorating in the first phase included transforming the ship’s top three suites, in the Broadmoor and Sea Island design that’s onboard the Star-class ships, plus one that was redone in a yacht-like style. Other projects included refurbishments of Amphora, Compass Rose, the pool deck and bar. As well, the lobby, Yacht Club coffee bar, and the boutique were refreshed.
Phase two of “Setting Sails” for Wind Surf will be complete in December 2026. During phase two of Wind Surf’s refurbishment, all remaining accommodations will be remodeled with new furniture, bedding, carpets, interactive televisions and art and décor.
With this ship’s six decks and capacity to accommodate 342 guests, you can stretch out comfortably or find a quiet nook whenever you need some solitude. Wind Surf features:
150 staterooms with ocean views and 188 square feet
18 spacious suites with ocean views and 376 square feet with French verandahs.
Two expansive suites, one inspired by Colorado’s legendary Broadmoor Hotel, the other by Georgia’s tropical Sea Island Resort with ocean views and 495 square feet; these have wrap-around balconies.
One nautically influenced officer’s suite located in the officers’ quarters with ocean views and 242 square feet
While aboard, you can order room service whenever you feel like staying in, or, if you want to stretch your legs and explore, there are plenty of spaces to enjoy. You might savor an after-dinner cocktail in the Lounge, for example, or indulge in a decadent dessert in Stella Bistro Restaurant. Feel free to unwind in one of two whirlpools, or let your tension melt away in the World Spa by Windstar. No matter how you choose to spend your time on Wind Surf, you’ll have plenty of room to relish every moment.
Wind Star and Wind Spirit
Windstar’s Wind Class series of ship includes Wind Star (pictured), Wind Spirit and Wind Surf./
Carrying 148 guests, Wind Star and Wind Spirit, are the smallest sailing ships in the fleet. They’re very similar if not identical, featuring:
73 staterooms with ocean views and cozy queen-sized beds
One owner’s suite with ocean views and 220 square feet, including a dining space and sitting area
Multiple restaurants, including the Veranda for breakfast and lunch which transforms into the alfresco Candles for dinner, and Amphora, an elegant evening venue.
Fitness center, spa and pool deck.
Water sports marina with water toys and lounging areas
In its part of a major reburbishment, Wind Star has completed its part in the cruise line’s $7.5 million “Setting Sails” refurbishment. Enhancements include expanded seating and retail space in the ship’s reception area and a lounge that was spruced up with new furniture and lighting. The World Spa by Windstar and its gym were revitalized with new fitness equipment . The pool deck, one of Wind Star’s most social places, has a new pool and Jacuzzi, an extended pool bar, and fresh pops of color via new outdoor seating and lounging. The Owner’s Suite was completely redesigned.
Wind Star’s technology has also gotten a major upgrade, with new, larger flatscreen televisions in all staterooms and suites and upgraded technology (Starlink connectivity and new TVs with on-demand content).
On Wind Star, all guest staterooms have been remodeled. upholstered headboards, integrated lighting and convenient bedside charging.
Amphora, its primary restaurant, and Veranda, it’s ship-top café for lunch and breakfast, have also been completely redecorated.
Wind Spirit has all the features of Wind Star and has received the first phase of two in its . It will complete the full refresh in March 2027 (when all accommodations, and restaurants Amphora and Veranda, will be refreshed). Among the transformations it’s already received?
Phase one focused on refurbishments of its reception area, retail space, and the lounge that’s adjacent to the Yacht Club Café. The World Spa by Windstar and the gym received fresh overhauls and new equipment. On the outside decks, there’s a new pool and whirlpool; the pool bar was enhanced. And the ship’s Owner’s Suite was completely revamped.
Onboard technology has also been upgraded, with new, larger flatscreen televisions in all staterooms and suites and Starlink Wi-Fi.
Windstar’s Star Class
Star Breeze, Star Legend and Star Pride
A new addition to Windstar’s marina on Star Breeze is the Aquabana, a floating lounge area./
Special themed suites such as the Broadmoor and Sea Island, plus owners’ suites; all have private verandahs.
The new MediterrAsian fusion-themed Basil + Bamboo, plus other dining venues like Amphora, The Grill, Candles and The Yacht Club.
A fully equipped fitness center, a spa with complimentary sauna, two full-service bars, on-deck hot tubs, and a water-access marina
Star Seeker and Star Explorer
Star Seeker debuted with expansive outdoor decks./Carolyn Spencer Brown
Capturing the same ambience of Windstar’s other Star Class ships, the 224-guest Star Seeker, and, soon to debut Star Explorer, offer many similar hallmarks of Star Breeze, Star Legend and Star Pride, such as a watersports marina, outdoor pool, two whirlpools (including one on the bow) and a range of accommodations. There’s Amphora for three meals-a-day dining, Basil + Bamboo, and The Grill for alfresco dining. Both ships also have a dedicated spa and fitness facility, roomy outdoor deck space for strolling and relaxing, and the top-of-the-ship Yacht Club. There are some differences, too:
Numerous staterooms feature private verandas.
New cabin categories include a new-to-Windstar Vista Infinity Suite. Instead of a balcony, these staterooms feature a massive infinity window that lowers at the touch of a button, merging the outdoors with the indoors — and creating more internal space.
As on other ships, the Yacht Club is an all-day dining observation lounge. What’s new is that on these vessels, the Yacht Club is open from 6 p.m. as a dancing and cocktail lounge.
The 548 square ft. Horizons Suite is the largest onboard, and each of a pair feature wrap around balconies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Ship Cruising
All sailaways on Windstar are magical./
Will a Windstar cruise feel crowded? No. With a passenger capacity between 148 travelers (and never more than 346), Windstar never feels crowded.
How does that compare to a typical cruise ship? The average cruise ship carries around 3,000 passengers, and some carry more than 6,000.
What’s the crew-to-guest ratio like? Small ships mean more attention per guest. On Windstar, staff learn your name, your drink order, and your preferences early in the cruise.
Can small ships visit places big ships can’t? Yes. Windstar’s size allows it to dock in harbors and reach ports too small or shallow for larger vessels.
Is small ship cruising more expensive? Generally, yes, per-day rates run higher than mass-market lines. In exchange, you get more space per guest, more personalized service, and fewer up-sells and add-on fees nickel-and-diming the experience.
Is Windstar a good fit for families, or is it more geared toward couples? While Windstar tends to skew toward couples and experienced travelers looking for a quieter, more immersive trip rather than kids’ clubs and water slides, kids over the age of seven are welcome. Especially during school vacation seasons, like summer and the winter holidays, multigenerational trips are particularly popular on Windstar.
The best portable SSD for most photographers right now is the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD V3. If you shoot on a Mac, the Samsung T7 Shield is the better buy, for reasons that catch a lot of people out. I have a computer science degree, I’ve been building my own computers since I was 18,…
The Medal of Honor is our nation’s highest military decoration, awarded to service members whose actions go above and beyond the call of duty. While the award is synonymous with extraordinary courage, the stories of Medal of Honor recipients offer powerful lessons on resilience, purpose and community.
Those themes are explored in Medal of Honor: Stories of Courage, a podcast hosted by Army veteran, actor, author and motivational speaker J.R. Martinez. In conversation with Cohen Veterans Network (CVN) , J.R. reflects on how these stories can help foster understanding of the military experience, and why community plays such an important role in mental health and well-being.
Bridging the Military-Civilian Divide Through Storytelling
According to J.R., it’s easy to focus on the differences between military and civilian life. But when people share their experiences, they often discover they have more in common than they realize.
“Through those experiences, we sort of close the gap that exists between both worlds because we realize we have so much more in common.”
He also emphasizes that meaningful connection requires both sharing and listening.
“There’s great value in sharing, again in the right time and in the right space, but ultimately more importantly, sharing and listening.”
Life After Service: Lessons in Purpose and Community
For veterans and military families facing transitions or mental health challenges, J.R.’s message is simple: you don’t have to do it alone.
“Whatever struggles you’re navigating, first off, they’re valid. But you aren’t meant to navigate them by yourself. It takes a team.”
J.R. also acknowledges that leaving military service can bring a sense of loss and uncertainty.
“When the military uniform is taken away from us for whatever reason, we lose part of our identity.”
At the same time, he reminds veterans that the values many people cherish about military service don’t disappear after it.
“Service continues. The brother and sisterhood continues. Purpose and being a part of something bigger than ourselves. We have to seek that out, but it doesn’t necessarily end.”
Supporting Veteran Mental Health Through Community
For J.R., community is more than a collection of people. It’s the support system that helps individuals navigate difficult moments and reminds them they are not alone.
“Community is ultimately the system that supports us when we need to feel encouraged, loved and is always on the front lines with us.”
He believes everyone has a role to play.
“The more our society listens to our stories, the more they learn that they are an important piece to serving our service members and their families.”
Featured image: Alessandra LoTufo Alonso at the IWTTF Conference in London in June 2025 / Photo by IWTTF
Sixth annual IWTTF Awards highlight diversity and inclusion in travel
by JourneyWoman staff
The 2026 International Women in Travel and Tourism Forum (IWTTF) is shaping up to be another transformative event, with topics and speakers that challenge the status quo, demand honest debates and showcase what is possible when commitment and allyship are put into practice. Renowned for its opinion-forming and progressive content on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) within the travel industry and beyond, the IWTTF is conceived by Alessandra LoTufo Alonso, Managing Director and Founder of award-winning social enterprise Women in Travel CIC. This year’s IWTTF Europe conference is themed “Inclusion Driving Growth” and one of the focal points is the extraordinary economic and cultural force of the solo woman traveller, and what it means for product design, marketing, policy and leadership.
“Doubling down on our commitment to inclusion has become even more critical in recent years, during which political headwinds have shifted and the easy consensus around DEI has become fractured,” says Alonso. At this year’s event in September 2026, delegates will hear firsthand from travellers and professionals who navigate a system that was not designed with them in mind. Featured speakers at IWTTF Europe include Lola Akinmade, Award-winning Visual Travel Storyteller & Founder, Geotraveler Media, Jo Geneen Director of engagement & impact, Travalyst, Shivya Nath Travel Writer & Founder, Climate Conscious Travel, to name only a few.
Women over 50 travel at the forefront
JourneyWoman’s Carolyn Ray is moderating a panel called “The Woman Travel Revolution: Solo, Savvy and Unstoppable”, which will unpack the explosive growth of solo and women-focused travel, what fuels it and why getting women into travel’s decision-making rooms is critical. Panelists include Gerda van ‘t Land, Accessible tourism consultant and ambassador, founder Buitengewoon Reizen and Freely Travel, Monique White, Editor, An Unstoppable Journey, and Monika Lewicka, Founder, empowered.travel and empowered.climbing.
“IWTTF is a must-attend conference and I am thrilled with the focus on creating more awareness and understanding of women over 50 and the solo female traveller,” says Carolyn Ray, CEO, JourneyWoman. “IWTFF is a powerful forum to open dialogue and drive change, as I’ve seen at the 2024 IWTTF conference in London, knowing that women 50 + still feel undervalued and sometimes unseen by the travel industry.”
JourneyWoman’s 2025 ‘Invisible No More: The Ageless Adventuress” research shows that 61% of woman 50+ prefer to travel solo, and is valued at US$152 billion in the US and Canada, growing to US $363 bn or 25.2 million women by 2035. The research also shows that the Women 50+ Travel market in North America is estimated at more than 37 million women, representing USD$245 billion in spending, growing to USD$519 billion in 2035. In North America, 65% of travellers are female and 41% of those are over age 55.
IWTTF 2024 AGEnts of Change panelists: Meera Dattani, Alice Morrison, Nicky Lyle, Carolyn Ray and Debbie Marshall / Photo by Carolyn Ray
The IWTTF Europe 2026 conference is sponsored by BCD Travel and will take place at Dotslash on 17 September, comprising expert panels, fireside chats, deep dive talks, group sessions and networking, and hear best practice case studies from IWTTF Award winners.
“Every session at IWTTF Europe will build on the last as we navigate important topics, from the strategic to the practical, to the personal and individual, always with commitment and accountability,” says Zina Bencheikh, MD EMEA of IWTTF Founding Partner Intrepid Travel. Every person in the room will come away having heard something that challenges them, expands their thinking, and inspires a commitment to do at least one thing differently.”
Intrepid’s Zina Bencheikh speaking at the International Women in Travel and Tourism Forum in London, June 2025 / Credit Carolyn Ray
“50+ women ARE the market and we would like our buying power to be respected. I would like to see more travel companies putting as at the centre of the offer. We love new experiences, getting to know local people, travelling lightly and sustainably and adventure.” — Alice Morrison, Explorer and BBC Presenter
IWTTF is in Utrecht, the Netherlands
IWTTF will welcome delegates to Utrecht, The Netherlands, with its annual Awards on the evening of September 16, 2026, followed by the conference on September 17, 2026. Key sponsors include IWTTF Founding Partner Intrepid Travel, Gold sponsors BCD Travel and Interrail, Silver sponsor DiamondAir and more. Previous conferences have taken place in Iceland, London and Dubai.
Registration is now open to attend both the conference and the Awards, and booking ahead is essential with demand expected to outstrip capacity. Ticket prices are tiered to be as inclusive as possible, catering to corporates and individuals, and with a limited number of sponsored tickets for those without the means to pay. A combined ticket for both the Awards and the Forum costs €125 for corporate delegates, €99 for self-pay individuals. Forum-only tickets cost €99 for corporate delegates, €75 for self-pay individuals.
IWTTF Awards 2026 Close on August 5
The IWTTF Awards recognise travel industry representatives and changemakers for their responsiveness, achievements, initiatives and progress in the DEI space.
This year, the categories have been revamped and streamlined to six, once again aimed at celebrating the excellence and leadership of both individuals and organisations, as follows:
Individual
Woman Leader in Impact and Inclusion (Corporate and Entrepreneur)
Woman in Tech and AI (Corporate and Entrepreneur)
Ally for Social Impact and Community
Organisation
DEI Courage and Resilience
Inclusive Workplace
Inclusive Business Practice
Entries are now open and businesses and individuals are invited to nominate themselves, their colleagues or peers via written entry form or video / audio application. A judging panel comprising industry leaders and former winners will collate a shortlist of nominees, and winners will be announced at the Awards ceremony at Union House in Utrecht on 16 September, sponsored by Interrail.
1.Use your wallet to show your support:As travel’s top decision makers and influencers, women can choose where to invest their dollars by choosing companies that authentically support diversity and equity
2. Ask companies how they are supporting diversity:Before making a booking or spending decision, ask a company about their DEI policies and practices. If a company is dedicated to this issue, it is more likely to be forthcoming with such information. In addition, companies that are truly dedicated to DEI typically include their efforts prominently on the company website.
3. Choose women-owned and led companies to travel with:Look at a company’s leadership team and make sure it’s reflective and representative of diversity. JourneyWoman’s Women’s Travel Directory, which features women-owned travel businesses, is a good place to start.
Experts say that travel strengthens social bonds, reinforces cultural continuity, and supports brain health, ultimately helping women live longer lives.
Each year, our Top Veteran recognition lists spotlight the employers, educational institutions and government agencies that go above and beyond in their commitment to recruiting, retaining and advancing veteran talent. These honorees have demonstrated a sustained focus on values, opportunity and workplace culture as reflected in our independent research, submitted materials and information available during the evaluation period.
