A cruise to the Bahamas or Caribbean might sound perfect right now, but snowbirds should proceed with caution. Carnival Cruise Line, one of the most popular big-ship lines for international travel, is making major financial changes this year—one of which will negatively impact AARP members.

Many passengers, however, enjoy smaller ships and the ability to sail more interesting itineraries. Royal Caribbean has committed to building new smaller ships, under the working name Discovery Class, albeit without setting a date for placing an order for one.

Every year 2 and a half million people take a Carnival cruise and for years I’ve wanted to try it for myself. Most of the news about Carnival cruises sounds like something like: ‘Carnival cruise fight’ ‘Carnival cruise brawl’ but we all know how one sided the news can be I’ve heard lots of good experiences about Carnival cruises too.