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Today — 17 April 2026Travel

Seattle Cruise Season Kicks Off With 330 Calls and 2 New Brands

This week, the Port of Seattle is kicking off the 2026 Alaska cruise season, marking a milestone with 330 vessel calls and 2.1 million revenue passengers, the most in the port’ history. The season begins Friday, April 17 with the first in-transit arrival. In 2026, eleven homeport vessels will connect to shore power, with design...

ABS and United Waterways Joining Forces on Inland Crew Training

ABS has signed a letter of intent with United Waterways (UW) to establish a joint venture (JV) with River Academy, UW’s training and education subsidiary. The aim of the JV is to provide crew training programs across the European inland barge, river cruise and coastal vessel sectors, ABS said in a press release. “River Academy has earned a strong reputation for developing the skilled crews that this industry depends on,...

Adora to Take Delivery of New Ship Sooner than Planned

Adora Cruises will take delivery of its new cruise ship, the Adora Flora City, ahead of schedule. Based on an agreement with Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipyard, the vessel will be delivered on November 6, 2026, the company said in a press release. The ship will then launch international routes from Guangzhou, capital of south China’s Guangdong Province. Adora’s CEO Roger Chen said: “We are now fully focused on the early...

Norwegian Aura Floated Out at Fincantieri

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) floated out the Norwegian Aura during a ceremony held on April 16 at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. Now that the external hull construction is complete and the ship has touched water for the first time, work will continue on the ship’s interior development, according to a statement. Said to be the...
Yesterday — 16 April 2026Travel

New Details Revealed for Oceania Sonata’s French Dining Venue

Oceania Cruises has shared new details of La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France, its dining venue debuting aboard the Oceania Sonata next year. In a press release, Oceania described La Table as the most exclusive fine dining venue at sea, noting that it will offer an experience that embraces classic French techniques and innovative pairings to only 18 guests. “At Oceania Cruises, our dedication to cuisine is rooted...

Royal Caribbean Reveals China Sailings for 2027-28

Royal Caribbean has unveiled a new lineup of sailings on the Spectrum of the Seas for the 2027-28 season, which includes eight- to 10-night journeys from Shanghai, Tokyo and Hong Kong. The company said in a press release that for the first time, guests can sail one way between cities, starting or ending their journey...

Royal Caribbean Group Foundation Formed to Support Global Communities

Royal Caribbean Group has launched the Royal Caribbean Group Foundation to advance change through global and regional partnerships and community-based solutions. In a press release, the company described the Foundation’s creation as a formal expansion of its commitment to strengthening ocean communities around the world. Its inaugural pledge supports the creation of the Emergency Medicine...

Mahler to Debut Under Riverside Banner in 2028

The Riverside Mahler will make her debut for Riverside Luxury Cruises in 2028, according to a press release. Joining her sister-ship, the Riverside Debussy, she is slated to sail itineraries on the Rhine, Main, Moselle and Danube rivers. “This is the next chapter for Riverside. Introducing Riverside Mahler gives us the opportunity to take everything...

Princess Introduces Signature Beverage Collection POURS

Princess Cruises has launched “POURS,” a signature beverage program that enhances the onboard guest experience through a curated selection of balanced, founder-led premium spirits, as well as zero-proof and nonalcoholic beverage offerings. Launching fleetwide this summer and replacing the former Love Line Collection, POURS beverages represent an evolution in both design and guest experience, the...

Norwegian Sky Sails Final Season. Where the Cruise Will Go Next

16 April 2026 at 17:20

After 27 years sailing for NCL, Norwegian Sky leaves the fleet later this year for new horizons. The 2,000-passenger ship is one of two older vessels joining India’s largest cruise operator, Cordelia Cruises.

The image shows a large cruise ship named Norwegian Sun sailing on the ocean with colorful sun-themed artwork on its white hull. With a clear, blue sky suggesting a sunny day, this picturesque scene marks NCL's return to Baltimore. Small waves ripple in the water, adding to the serene setting.

This follows Cordelia taking over the former Royal Caribbean Empress of the Seas, which was first announced during COIVD-19.

Final season in Europe under NCL flag

Norwegian Sky is on a transatlantic crossing ahead of a final season sailing in northern Europe and the Mediterranean. After calls in the Azores, Portugal and Spain, the ship arrives in Le Havre, France. It will spend the summer sailing in Northern Europe, the British Isles, and then the Mediterranean.

Starting next week, Norwegian Sky will visit ports in France, Belgium, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Germany during its farewell season. From mid-May, it positions to Southampton for longer cruises around the British Isles.

The NCL Norwegian Sky, adorned with colorful hull artwork, sails on calm blue water near a city skyline at sunset. The sky is partly cloudy with soft sunlight, marking the ship's final season in this stunning setting.

Norwegian Sky will then reposition for a short season in the Western and Eastern Mediterranean. Its final departure under the NCL flag is from Piraeus September 9, transiting the Suez Canal to Dubai. After this 21-night cruise, the ship is handed over to Cordelia Cruises.

The transfer to Cordelia is part of an initial long-term charter agreement for two Norwegian ships announced a year ago.

Norwegian Sun is also scheduled to join Cordelia in November 2027.

The two NCL ships will be renamed Cordelia Sky and Cordelia Sun respectively. Sky is expected to undergo a refurbishment before embarking on its first India cruises in September 2026.

Cordelia Sky to sail to Southeast Asia next year

Three large NCL cruise ships, including the Norwegian Sky in her final season, sail side by side on a calm ocean under a colorful sky at sunset. The white ships feature vibrant painted designs on their hulls.

The cruise line announced details of itineraries for Cordelia Sky last year. The ship will debut on a five-night cruise to Goa and Lakshadweep from Mumbai.

From July 2027, the company plans to deploy Sky on Southeast Asia itineraries with week-long sailings from Chennai to Singapore.

“These itineraries are designed not only for Indian travelers, but also for international guests,” said Cordelia CEO Jurgen Bailom. “The intent is continuity, not disruption. The Sky allows us to operate these high-demand routes at a larger scale, with greater capacity and more balcony cabins.”

By late 2027, the addition of these two NCL ships will triple Cordelia’s fleet size.

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A cruise ship tour of Norwegian Sky. This ship is Norwegian Cruise Line's oldest ship that was launched in 1999. This narrated deck tour that was shot in Dec...

Lufthansa strikes expand as pilots walk out across multiple airlines

16 April 2026 at 17:13
Lufthansa aircraft with “BER” designation and logo on the tail against a blue sky.Lufthansa is facing an expanded wave of strikes as pilots walk out across multiple airlines in the group, including Lufthansa, Lufthansa CityLine, Lufthansa Cargo and Eurowings. The pilots’ union Vereinigung Cockpit has announced further strike […]

Colombia Records Strong Growth in Cruise Passenger Arrivals

Colombia’s cruise industry is expanding, with cruise passenger arrivals increasing by more than 20% in the 2025–26 season. The industry generates approximately $50 million annually and plays a key role in local economies, according to a press release. One of the reasons for this expansion is thought to be the interconnection between biodiversity, culture, sustainability and community in the country. “Colombia offers a cruise portfolio as diverse as its...

Princess Cruises orders three Voyager class ships from Fincantieri

16 April 2026 at 15:59
Aerial view of the Sun Princess cruise ship at sea, showcasing its modern glass dome and expansive deck areasPrincess Cruises has announced an order for three new Voyager class cruise ships from Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, marking a major long-term investment in next-generation vessels designed to enhance the guest experience. The ships are scheduled […]

Windstar Cruises Opens 2028 French Polynesia Bookings with Star Breeze and Wind Star Yachts

16 April 2026 at 15:02
Windstar Star Breeze yacht anchored near Bora Bora with guests kayaking in turquoise waters and lush island mountains in backgroundWindstar Cruises is opening bookings for its 2028 French Polynesia season with the choice of a sailing yacht or motor yacht experience. Building on the addition of Wind Star to South Pacific program in 2027, the line will deliver […]

Magnifica Calls at Shanghai, MSC Marks 20 Years in China

The MSC Magnifica made its inaugural call at the Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal on March 29, 2026, coinciding with the company’s 20th year of operations in the Chinese market. The call was marked by a plaque exchange between MSC Cruises executives and Shanghai port authorities. The ship’s call was featured on the 2026 World...

Atlas Ocean to Open Bookings for New Sailing Ship

Atlas Ocean Voyages will open bookings for the maiden season of its new sailing yacht, the Atlas Adventurer, on May 20, 2026. According to the company’s president and CEO, James A. Rodriguez, reservations will open first for the members of the brand’s loyalty program, the Atlas Yacht Club. The general public will be able to...

Jamaica Sees Over One Million Visitors in First Quarter

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, delivered an address to the Jamaican diaspora community at the Embassy of Jamaica on April 8. In his statement, Bartlett unveiled that Jamaica welcomed over one million visitor arrivals and generated $956 million in foreign exchange earnings in the first quarter of 2026. This was just five months after...

Saga Celebrates 30 Years with New Itineraries

Saga Cruises has announced that it will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2027 with bespoke new itineraries for the Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure. The company said in a blog post that both sailings will be offered in May 2027 and will feature onboard events and entertainment to mark the anniversary of the...

Princess Newbuilds Push Orderbook to 2039 and 82 Ships

Three Princess newbuilds ordered at Fincantieri have pushed the global cruise ship orderbook out to 2039, with the total now standing at 82 cruise ships on order. The trio of 4,700-guest ships ordered on Wednesday will be the largest Princess ships to date and be 183,000 tons each, with deliveries slated for 2035, 2038 and...

Trafalgar Launches River Inaugural Sailings on Rhine and Danube

Trafalgar has debuted its new river cruise offering with inaugural sailings aboard the Trafalgar Verity on the Rhine and the Trafalgar Reverie on the Danube. The launch was celebrated with a three-day inaugural sailing aboard the Trafalgar Verity in Amsterdam from April 10-12, welcoming over 100 trade partners, media and Trafalgar team members worldwide. The...

Windstar Opens 2028 French Polynesia Bookings

Windstar Cruises is opening bookings for its 2028 French Polynesia season with the choice of a sailing yacht or motor yacht experience. Building on the addition of the Wind Star to the South Pacific program in 2027, the company will deliver an expansive slate of small-ship voyages across Tahiti, the Tuamotus, the Marquesas, the Cook...

Spain Joins Germany, Denmark, Ireland, UK, US, Italy, Canada, France, China, Poland, India and Other Countries in Coping with Severe Travel Issues and Urgent Repatriations as Saudi Arabia and Qatar Visa Overstay Deadlines and Airspace Restrictions in Middle East Continue to Impact Travellers

14 April 2026 at 15:59

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/spain-joins-germany-denmark-ireland-uk-us-italy-canada-france-china-poland-india-and-other-countries-in-coping-with-severe-travel-issues-and-urgent-repatriations-as-saudi-arabia-and-qatar-vi/

Spain Joins Germany, Denmark, Ireland, UK, US, Italy, Canada, France, China, Poland, India and Other Countries in Coping with Severe...

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Malaysia and Borneo: Rajang River, the Country’s Oldest Living Highway

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/malaysia-and-borneo-rajang-river-the-countrys-oldest-living-highway/

Malaysia and Borneo: Rajang River, the Country’s Oldest Living HighwayDiscover how the Rajang River in Sarawak, Malaysia, serves as a...

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Virgin Voyages Apologizes To Disappointed Cruisers: ‘We Need to Do Better’

16 April 2026 at 07:19

Virgin Voyages has reached out to cruisers who were upset about not only a recent itinerary change but the way it was handled. Acknowledging their misstep, the line essentially promised to do better moving forward.

Why Some Cruisers Are Upset

The Brilliant Lady, Richard Branson’s cruise ship, sails on the Hudson River toward Manhattan, with the New York City skyline and One World Trade Center visible in the background under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
While the Valiant Lady did sail out of NYC like sister ship Brilliant Lady, pictured here, she wound up going north as opposed to south. (Photo courtesy of Virgin Voyages)

Rarely are those about to set sail happy to hear about itinerary changes, as they tend to be less desirable than the originally scheduled route. That was most definitely the case for most passengers booked upon the Valiant Lady’s April 6 sailing out of New York City.

Originally intended to be a five-day trip to Bermuda, passengers were informed a few days before embarkation that they would, instead, be sailing north to Canada due to a possibility of bad weather. Adding insult to injury, at least in the eyes of some, was the borderline cheeky way in which Virgin addressed the itinerary change.

“St. John will feel a little bit different from Bermuda,” read one segment of the letter, “with crisp, coastal air and a completely new backdrop to explore. You may want to bring a few extra layers.” 

Of course, for some cruisers, the warning came too late as they had already flown into New York City from other locations. While many did their best to roll with the proverbial punches, some made their complaints public — with a few related Instagram vids garnering a whole lot of attention.

“We’ve Seen Your Messages” 

Facing the situation head-on, if a tad after the fact, Virgin Voyages posted a response to unhappy sailors via their Instagram page. “Welp,” it began. “That Bermuda-Canada email really wasn’t it. We’ve seen your messages, and we get it.” 

White text on a red background delivers a Virgin Voyages apology, explaining the switch from Bermuda to Canada, acknowledging disappointment, promising better communication, and emphasizing the importance of honesty about itinerary changes.

The missive continued: “This wasn’t the trip you were planning for — and we should have spoken to that reality. We understand why you’re disappointed. We agreed we need to do better, and next time we will.”

It concluded by saying, “Itineraries can change for safety, but you deserve us to be real about it when they do.” 

“This Situation Is Not Funny to Me” 

In a separate Instagram post featuring a photo of the dark side of the moon, Virgin again addressed the original email. And as is their wont, they did so in a typically sardonic manner. “We missed the mark. So NASA, if you want to fly our team to the moon next, we’ll gladly stay there and hide behind some moon rocks. (We’ll make sure to bring extra layers, too.)”

Not everyone however, saw the humor. One commenter acknowledged it was a “fun social media post” before asking “But what are you doing to make the situation right? This post alone just feels like you’re making fun of the situation.” 

One passenger who’d been on board the Canada-bound sailing didn’t see the humor in the situation. “I was on that voyage and extremely disappointed,” they wrote. “I feel that the refusal to issue refunds and $100 per person [onboard credit] per person was wholly inadequate… you should have cancelled the cruise or allowed us to get a refund. Sorry, but this situation is not funny to me.” 

Princess Orders Three Mega Cruise Ships With Deliveries Through 2039

16 April 2026 at 00:51

Princess Cruises has signed agreements with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri to build three new cruise ships, the cruise line announced.

A large Star Princess ship from Princess Cruises is shown at night, illuminated with lights during Mediterranean Sailings, gliding on calm ocean water under a clear, starry sky.
(Photo courtesy of Princess Cruises)

The vessels, collectively called the Voyager class, will be the largest ships Princess has ever built.

What passengers need to know about the Voyager class

Each of the three ships will measure 183,000 gross registered tons and carry approximately 4,700 guests. By comparison, the current Sphere class ships, Sun Princess and Star Princess, weigh in at 175,500 gross tons and hold around 4,300 passengers.

The first ship is scheduled for delivery in late 2035, with the second and third arriving in 2038 and 2039, respectively. All three will be built at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, the same facility that constructed Sun Princess and Star Princess.

What the ships will offer

A large white cruise ship, the Star Princess, is docked at the port of Barcelona, with glass boarding bridges connected to its side. Part of a modern spherical structure and some equipment are visible in the foreground.

Princess says the Voyager class will build on the Sphere class platform, which debuted with Sun Princess in 2024. The cruise line says redesigned outer decks, staterooms, and Piazza areas are planned, though specific amenity details have not been released.

Like Sun Princess and Star Princess, the new ships will run primarily on liquefied natural gas (LNG).

“The Voyager class will delight both our loyal guests and attract the next generation of Princess guests,” said Princess Cruises President Gus Antorcha in a statement.

The cruise line said it conducted research with guests and travel agents to inform the new design.

Carnival Corporation additions

The three ships represent the 19th, 20th, and 21st LNG-powered vessels across the Carnival Corporation fleet. Carnival also has seven additional ships under contract for other brands, with deliveries scheduled between 2027 and 2033.

With delivery dates nearly a decade away, passengers planning a Voyager-class sailing will need to wait for bookings to open. Princess has not announced deployment plans or home ports for the new ships.

MARINER OF THE SEAS EXTERIOR

The Voyager class name is not new to cruising. Royal Caribbean has operated ships under the same class name since 1999, with five vessels: Voyager of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, and Mariner of the Seas.

Princess Cruises Orders Three New Ships

Princess Cruises today announced three new shipbuilding agreements with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri to build three new cruise ships on a next-generation platform, according to a statement. The LNG-powered newbuilds are slated to be delivered in late 2035, 2038 and 2039, respectively. “The Voyager class will delight both our loyal guests and attract the next generation...
Before yesterdayTravel

Explora Journeys to Become Title Partner of Switzerland SailGP Team

Explora Journeys will become the title partner of the Switzerland SailGP Team, the company announced at a press conference in Miami Beach. According to the brand’s president, Anna Nash, the partnership will highlight Explora’s European roots and values while increasing the company’s exposure in different parts of the world. As part of the deal, the...

GPH Announces Updates for West Mediterranean Ports

Global Ports Holding (GPH) has showcased its developments across its West Mediterranean portfolio, including updates on Sevilla Cruise Port, Ferrol Cruise Port and Las Palmas Cruise Port. During a recent press conference, the operator introduced the newly awarded projects in Sevilla and Ferrol. Francesc Grau, GPH’s regional director for West Med, said: “Sevilla and Ferrol...

Marseille Fos Launches Shore Power for Cruise Ships

The Port of Marseille Fos has showcased shore power facilities capable of accommodating three large cruise ships simultaneously. Following a testing phase that began in late 2025, Marseille Fos will, by 2026, be one of the first ports in Europe and the Mediterranean capable of this performance. The power supplied by the Port of Marseille...

AIDA Celebrates 30 Years with Innovation Hub

AIDA has announced that it is celebrating its 30th anniversary with an Innovation Hub, inviting start-ups, universities and companies to submit innovative ideas. The company said in a press release that applications will be accepted in three categories: decarbonization, sustainability and artificial intelligence and smart tools. The finalists will present their project ideas to a...

ABS and Alfred Maritime Ink MOU to Enhance Vessel Safety

ABS has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Meyer Group’s Alfred Maritime to explore technical projects. According to a statement, the deal establishes a framework for collaboration across three key areas: fleet performance and health monitoring, maintenance optimization and safety and emergency systems. “ABS is committed to helping shape the future of cruise vessel safety, reliability and performance. We are pleased to join Alfred Maritime in this agreement...

Grenada and Guyana: Building a Bridge of Dreams and Discovery

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/grenada-and-guyana-building-a-bridge-of-dreams-and-discovery/

Grenada and Guyana: Building a Bridge of Dreams and DiscoveryGrenada and Guyana unite to create a new era of travel....

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Jury Orders Carnival to Pay Over-Served Guest $300,000

15 April 2026 at 18:29

A woman who was allegedly served over a dozen shots of tequila in an eight-hour period has been awarded $300,000 in her lawsuit against the Carnival Corporation.

Should Bartenders Have Cut Her Off?

The court case revolved around events which unfolded in January of 2024 aboard the Carnival Radiance. In her lawsuit, 45-year-old Diana Sanders alleged that she was served at least 14 shots of tequila in just over eight hours.

The majestic Carnival Radiance is docked at the pier under a clear blue sky. Multiple decks with rows of windows and vibrant orange lifeboats grace the ship's side, while its hull gleams in blue. For a memorable voyage, explore some insider Carnival Radiance tips before setting sail.

“Due to her inebriated state that was caused by this over-service of alcohol,” read the original complaint, Sanders suffered a fall and “sustained severe injuries including, but not limited to, a concussion, headaches, a possible traumatic brain injury” and other issues.

Following a week-long jury trial in Federal court, Carnival was ordered to pay Sanders $300,000.

Why This Case is Unusual

The Miami Herald reports that Carnival tried several times over the course of the lawsuits lifespan to have the case dismissed. They cited court filings in which the company defended itself by claiming that Sanders failed “to identify any crew member who over-served her or which bar she consumed alcohol at” which would allow a specific bartender to be identified.

“Therefore,” they insisted, “the over-service of alcohol count should be dismissed for failure to sufficiently identify a negligent employee.” 

In a statement, attorney Spencer Aronfield acknowledged that “holding a major cruise line accountable for the over-service of alcohol is an extremely challenging legal argument to make, but we were always confident that once a Miami jury heard the full facts of the case they would have no difficulty holding Carnival responsible.” 

Aronfield told the Herald that it’s rare for this type of case to move forward as opposed to being settled before reaching the courtroom. “I’ve had many overservice cases that have settled,” he said, “but none that went the full distance.” 

Alchemy Bar
Alchemy Bar class onboard Carnival Horizon.

Carnival Responds to the Verdict

In response to the lawsuit’s outcome, a spokesperson told the Herald that “Carnival Corporation respectfully disagrees with the verdict and believes there are grounds for a new trial and appeal, which it will pursue.” 

It’s worth noting the jury did not place all of the blame on the cruise line. While they indicated that Carnival was 60 percent at fault, they assigned 40 percent of the blame to Sanders herself.

Singapore Changi Airport to revamp private terminal and expand lifestyle hub

15 April 2026 at 17:59
Changi Airport new private terminal entrance foyer with travelers walking through landscaped water features and modern architectural designA new premium gateway is taking shape at Changi Airport. Changi Airport Group (CAG), which manages Changi Airport, has started work on redeveloping the former Commercially Important Persons (CIP) terminal site into a vibrant travel and lifestyle destination, featuring an enhanced private terminal and […]

Scenic Group Reveals 2028 Fleet Plans for Three Ships

Scenic Group has shared new details about 2028 plans for three ships: the Emerald Xara, Scenic Eclipse II and Scenic Ikon. More details about the itineraries for the Xara and Ikon have been unveiled in a press release, while the Eclipse II is set to expand its global deployment. In 2026, the company debuted the Emerald Kaia earlier this month, while the Emerald Astra will follow May. 2027 will see the addition of the Emerald Lumi, Emerald...

Princess Cruises Launches Biggest-Ever Asia Deployment for 2027–28

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HX Unveils New Collection of 2026-27 Greenland Experiences

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Two ships, 85 sailings, cherry blossoms: Princess Cruises goes all-in on Japan for 2028

15 April 2026 at 15:00
Cherry blossoms framing Himeji Castle with a red bridge and boat on the moat in spring, Japan.Princess Cruises has announced its largest-ever Japan deployment, bringing two ships to homeport in Tokyo for the first time and offering 85 departures across 52 itineraries for the 2028 season. The program spans 41 destinations […]

The Ritz-Carlton Debuts in Central China with the opening of The Ritz-Carlton Wuhan

15 April 2026 at 14:00
The Ritz-Carlton Wuhan interiors and exterior including lobby, tower skyline view, entrance facade and indoor swimming poolThe Ritz-Carlton has announced the opening of The Ritz-Carlton Wuhan, marking the brand’s debut and expansion into central China. Located within the 330-meter-high Yuexiu Global Financial Center Tower, the hotel stands at the heart of the […]

Four Seasons I Sports cruisePAL’s Service Solution

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Potential Jet Fuel Shortage Looms Over European Summer Cruise Season

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Meraviglia Embarks on MSC’s Final NYC Cruise

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Cunard’s Queen Anne Arrives in Los Angeles for the First Time

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Travel Alert: Canada Urges Tourists to Avoid Nepal’s Everest Region Amid Dangerous Rescue Scams

13 April 2026 at 08:55

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/travel-alert-canada-urges-tourists-to-avoid-nepals-everest-region-amid-dangerous-rescue-scams/

Travel Alert: Canada Urges Tourists to Avoid Nepal’s Everest Region Amid Dangerous Rescue ScamsCanada, a country renowned for prioritizing the...

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Oceania Marina to Feature New Dining Concepts and Luxury Spaces in 2026 Refurbishment

13 April 2026 at 04:05

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/oceania-marina-to-feature-new-dining-concepts-and-luxury-spaces-in-2026-refurbishment/

Oceania Marina to Feature New Dining Concepts and Luxury Spaces in 2026 RefurbishmentOceania Cruises’ Marina undergoes major refurbishment as part...

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Holland America Line Previews Big Changes Coming to Six Ships

15 April 2026 at 00:43

Holland America Line is about to invest over $500 million in a new program they’re calling the most ambitious guest experience update in the company’s 153 year history. When all is said and done, older ships in the fleet will seem new again as a result of bow-to-stern renovations.

Good News for Solo Travelers

The changes will be implemented over the next few years, with the Oosterdam being the first to undergo the transformative (and appropriately named) Evolution program.

In the coming years, each of the remaining Vista-class ships (Zuiderdam, Westerdam and Noordam) as well as the two comprising the Signature-class (Nieuw Amsterdam and Eurodam) will get their turn in the Evolution spotlight.

A large cruise ship from a major cruise line is docked at a pier with a blue sky and mountains in the background. The ship’s hull reads “Eurodam,” and the calm water reflects both the ship and pier beautifully.
Eurodam will be one of the ships to undergo the Evolution in coming years.

But first, debuting in the fall of 2027, the updated Oosterdam will feature new stateroom categories as well as the addition of perhaps the line’s most popular venue, the Grand Dutch Cafe. (This particular spot was previously only available on Holland America’s Pinnacle-class ships.)

One of the biggest change being made is the addition of 30 staterooms specifically designed for solo travelers. Better still, these won’t be small, featureless interior staterooms but cabins offering private balconies and full amenities.

In all, over 70 staterooms will be added to the ship, although Holland America makes it clear that they will be preserving the “room at the rail” aspect that allows guests to soak in the environments through which the ships sail.

Bookings aboard the newly-refurbished ship will go on sale May 6.

Rooms With a (Killer) View

Also new to the ship will be two Bridgeview Suites, offering panoramic windows, a wraparound balcony and, thanks to their location at the front of the ship, what might be called a captain’s-eye view!

Elsewhere, Oosterdam will feature a 1,550 square-foot reimagined Pinnacle Suite, making it the most expansive one ever featured on a Vista-class ship.

Speaking of first-in-their-class, Oosterdam will also debut 24 Vista Suites, long among the most popular for those sailing on Pinnacle-class ships.

More Changes Ahead

One major addition coming to ships under the Evolution program? The addition of the previously-mentioned Grand Dutch Cafe. This European style spot, rooted in the line’s Dutch heritage, will welcome guests on Deck 3, just off the atrium.

Grand Dutch Cafe
The Grand Dutch Cafe will be added to each of the ships.

Declaring that the line is “just getting started,” Holland America Line president Beth Bodensteiner offered an enthusiastic tease of what’s yet to be revealed. “Over the coming months, we’ll be unveiling several more exciting additions to Oosterdam as well as the other five ships that are part of this evolution.”

The company will also be investing in various ways to improve the energy efficiency of ships. This will involve an emphasis on smarter power management and making performance changes aimed at reducing energy demand and decreasing their overall carbon footprint in the future.

More details about not only Oosterdam’s renovations (and future itineraries) will be shared at hollandamerica.com/evolution, which will also offer real-time updates as plans are revealed.

Read Next: How a Holland America World Cruise changed me

Holland America Announces Evolution Fleet Refurbishment Program

Holland America Line today announced a $500 million Evolution refurbishment program to upgrade six vessels across its fleet. The initiative was announced by the company’s President and CEO, Beth Bodensteiner, during an industry event in Miami Beach. According to Bodensteiner, the program will be the largest fleet update program in the company’s 153-year history. The...

Discover the Hidden Charm of Bardejov: Slovakia’s Medieval Gem

13 April 2026 at 00:40

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/discover-the-hidden-charm-of-bardejov-slovakias-medieval-gem/

Discover the Hidden Charm of Bardejov: Slovakia’s Medieval GemDiscover Bardejov, Slovakia, a medieval gem with UNESCO heritage, cobblestone streets, and...

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MSC Pushes to Use Gulf-Stranded Ships to Move Crew to Safety

With six cruise ships currently stuck in the Persian Gulf, MSC Cruises is pushing the idea that those vessels could be used to evacuate their own crew members out of the area. Speaking in Miami Beach on Tuesday morning, MSC Group Cruise Division Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago said the situation remained fluid. “The reality is...

Norwegian Pearl Embarks on Trans-Atlantic Crossing to Europe, New Homeport in Philadelphia

12 April 2026 at 22:55

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/norwegian-pearl-embarks-on-trans-atlantic-crossing-to-europe-new-homeport-in-philadelphia/

Norwegian Pearl Embarks on Trans-Atlantic Crossing to Europe, New Homeport in PhiladelphiaNorwegian Pearl concludes its Caribbean season and begins a...

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State of Cruise Industry 2026: Record Demand Despite Temporary Challenges

Leaders from the top four cruise conglomerates, Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and MSC Group’s Cruise Division, gathered in Miami Beach on Tuesday morning to discuss the state of the global cruise business. “Nobody asks us about (fuel) hedging when the price is low. The starting point is fuel is something...

United Shifts to Airbus A321XLR for Transatlantic Flights

12 April 2026 at 19:44

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/united-shifts-to-airbus-a321xlr-for-transatlantic-flights/

United Shifts to Airbus A321XLR for Transatlantic FlightsUnited Airlines replaces the Boeing 757 with the Airbus A321XLR for transatlantic flights,...

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Mein Schiff Flow Heading to Northern Europe Instead of Middle East

Following the Mein Schiff Flow’s first season in the Mediterranean, the ship will be redeployed from the Middle East to Northern Europe for the winter 2026-27 season. The ship had previously been slated to sail in the Mediterranean. TUI Cruises said in a press release that the Mein Schiff Flow’s new journeys are targeted at...

Crystal Announces 2028 Itineraries, Grace to Debut in Med

Crystal has released a first look at the itineraries for Summer and Fall 2028, highlighted by the inaugural season of the Crystal Grace, along with new voyages for the Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity. These include several combination sailings and a curated Grand Journey. According to a press release, all itineraries will be released on...

Scientific Monitoring Confirms Record-Breaking Seaweed Influx Across Mexican Caribbean and Antilles

14 April 2026 at 15:07
Large accumulation of red-brown sargassum seaweed lining the waterline of a tropical beach in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, next to turquoise ocean water under a bright blue sky.Satellite monitoring and regional authorities confirmed on April 14, 2026, that the Caribbean is experiencing record-high sargassum accumulations that threaten tourism infrastructure and public health across Mexico and the Antilles. The University of South Florida […]

Take a helicopter ride over the Great Wall of China or view a solar eclipse in Tangier with Fairmont Hotels

14 April 2026 at 14:40
Helicopter flying over the Great Wall of China at sunset with mountain landscape, showcasing a luxury aerial travel experienceFairmont Hotels & Resorts has announced the debut of six new experiences in its much-anticipated Special Happens… series spanning its global portfolio. Special Happens… In The Wild expands with three brand new global experiences, inviting travellers to […]

Cruise Industry News Spring 2026 Magazine Out Now

The 2026 spring issue of the Cruise Industry News Quarterly Magazine focuses on itinerary planning, food and beverage, the luxury market segment, expedition cruises, operations and future forecasts for the largest publicly traded cruise companies. The Cruise Industry News editorial team has produced exclusive insight into the itinerary planning process of 35 different cruise lines,...

Turkish Airlines names new CEO and chairman in major overhaul

14 April 2026 at 13:25
Turkish Airlines aircraft on runway at London Stansted Airport with control towerTurkish Airlines has announced a major leadership change, appointing a new chairman and chief executive as the carrier prepares for its next phase of global growth. The airline confirmed that Murat Şeker will take over […]

Qatar Joins UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Syria as Middle East Tourism Revival Gains Momentum with the Ceasefire Reopening Airspace, Restoring Flights, Normalising Travel Demand and Reconnecting Global Tourism Networks Across the Region and Beyond Including Israel, Turkey, Egypt, Morocco and More : Here’s What you Should Know Now

12 April 2026 at 08:29

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/qatar-joins-uae-kuwait-bahrain-saudi-arabia-oman-and-syria-as-middle-east-tourism-revival-gains-momentum-with-the-ceasefire-reopening-airspace-restoring-flights-normalising-travel-demand-and-rec/

Qatar Joins UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Syria as Middle East Tourism Revival Gains Momentum with the Ceasefire...

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Stepbrother Charged With Murder of Teen Killed Aboard Carnival Cruise Ship

14 April 2026 at 06:59

Four months after the tragic death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner aboard the Carnival Horizon, her 16-year-old stepbrother has officially been charged with murder in the first degree and aggravated sexual assault.

Teen To Be Charged As An Adult

A red life buoy with the name "Carnival Horizon" is attached to a ship's railing. The bright sunlight illuminates the scene, and the calm ocean near Bimini Cruise Port is visible in the background along with the distant horizon.

In a release regarding the development, the Department of Justice laid out their case that “while the ship was in international waters en route to Miami, T.H. allegedly sexually assaulted an intentionally killed Kepner.

The Miami-Date Medical Examiner’s Office later determined the cause of death to be mechanical asphyxiation.” The full name of the young man has not been revealed in court documents due to his status as a minor.

Speaking for the court of the Southern District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones said, “A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging serious offenses that allegedly occurred aboard a vessel in international waters.

We will present the evidence in court and pursue this case with profesionalism and care. As in every case, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.” 

A wooden gavel with a gold band rests on a matching circular sound block on a dark surface, often symbolizing justice for swindling acts. The handle is smooth and polished, and the head is slightly larger on one end. The gavel is positioned diagonally across the sound block.
(Photo via Pixabay)

Although originally charged as a juvenile back in February, the young man will be tried as an adult according to the Department of Justice.

Kepner was found beneath her stateroom’s bed during a family sailing aboard the Carnival Cruise ship last November. Among those on the trip were her father and stepmother, as well as her paternal grandparents. Even as suspicions swirled around Anna’s stepbrother, her grandparents maintained that the young woman was close to her step-siblings.

“It’s all family,” said grandfather Jeffrey Kepner to news outlets. “It’s a blended family, yes, but that’s not how our family is. Our dynamic is we’re all just family.” 

Now, that family will face the prospect of Anna’s killer spending the rest of his life behind bars if convicted and given the maximum sentence.

As Another Cruise Line Raises Gratuity Rates, Here’s How to Avoid Paying More

14 April 2026 at 05:54

In a letter sent to passengers and travel partners, MSC Cruises revealed that they will be hiking gratuity rates on two popular types of cruises.

MSC Meraviglia docked in Brooklyn, NY. Photo by Richard Simms/CruisingTips.com

While they offered a way for booked guests to avoid paying the higher rate, there is a ticking clock attached to the deal.

Which Daily Gratuity Is Going Up

In the letter, MSC said that the rate would impact guests booked on Caribbean and Alaskan sailings. They also said the new per person, per day rate would go into effect as of May 11, 2026.

As of that date, guests booked in standard staterooms will see the daily gratuity (or, as MSC calls it, “Hotel Service Charge”) rise from $16 to $17 per person per day.

Meanwhile, those booked into the Yacht Club — aka MSC’s ship-within-a-ship area — will pay a whopping $3 more per person, per day, with their price jumping from $20 to $23.

“The Hotel Service Charge helps us maintain the highest quality standards of service by supporting the dedicated crew members who work to enhance your onboard experience,” read the letter.

A large white cruise ship, MSC World America, is docked near a sandy beach with palm trees, colorful umbrellas, and lounge chairs—offering a vibrant scene reminiscent of the Royal Caribbean Oasis Class experience.

Pay Now, Save Later

MSC did offer booked guests a chance to avoid paying the increased rate. “We are happy to honor the current Hotel Service Charge rate for guests who have already paid, as well as those who choose to prepay before the policy change [goes into effect] on May 11.”

There’s been no word as to why Caribbean and Alaska sailings were targeted in particular — aside, perhaps, from their popularity. It’s also unclear whether this change eventually will be implemented across the fleet’s other itineraries.

“We have a Yacht Club experience coming up,” said one MSC cruiser who reached out to our tip line. “And honestly, as if that wasn’t expensive enough already, now there’s another increase to contend with. When will it end?” 

Parting gift from MSC Yacht Club aboard meraviglia. Photo by Richard Simms/CruisingTips.com
The Yacht Club’s many benefits will now come at an additional cost. (Photo by Richard Simms)

Similar stories are unfolding across many cruise lines. In February, Carnival Cruise Line announced they would be increasing their daily gratuities at the beginning of April. In that case, rates went from $17 to $18 per person per day for standard staterooms, and from $18 to $19 for suite guests.

This still falls well below the rates charged by Margaritaville at Sea, which in February hiked their rates to $22 per person, per day for standard rooms and $25 per person per day for suites.

Read Next: Details on MSC’s next private destination

Asian Destinations Report Double-Digit Growth and New Port Developments

Five Asia cruise destinations shared the latest updates on the cruise market during a luncheon with cruise line executives this week in Miami Beach. The event was hosted by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, along with representatives from Korea, the Philippines, Xiamen and Shanghai. According to organizers, the event showcased “A Journey Through Asia’s Finest...

Limited H‑1B Visa Stamping Slots Reopen in India; U.S. Employees Warned Not to Travel Amid Risks

12 April 2026 at 05:05

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/limited-h-1b-visa-stamping-slots-reopen-in-india-u-s-employees-warned-not-to-travel-amid-risks/

Limited H‑1B Visa Stamping Slots Reopen in India; U.S. Employees Warned Not to Travel Amid RisksH‑1B stamping slots reopen in...

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Cunard Serves as Headline Partner for 50th Anniversary Olivier Awards

Cunard served as headline partner of the 50th anniversary Olivier Awards, hosting a ceremony at London’s Royal Albert Hall, the company said in a press release. The event took place April 12, 2026. “Cunard’s connection to theatre, arts and culture has been part of our rich history for 185 years,” said Katie McAlister, president of...

Versonix Outlines AI Strategy for Seaware

Versonix has announced an AI strategy for Seaware, its reservation platform, to help cruise lines respond faster with real-time intelligence. According to a press release, the strategy is meant to enhance pricing and forecast accuracy, accelerate insights and decision-making and improve conversion and guest experience. “Cruise commerce is becoming a real-time game where speed and confidence in decision-making are critical,” said Yuri Polissky,...

StarCruises Enhances Asian Itineraries Aboard Star Voyager

StarCruises presented what it says are enhanced summer itineraries aboard the Star Voyager departing from Hong Kong’s Ocean Terminal to destinations across Asia, according to a press release. Sailing between July 3 and August 30, 2026, the itineraries are said to be designed to offer more discovery and flexibility onboard and ashore. Bookings will open...

What Is Sandy Cay? MSC Cruises’ New Bahamas Island Explained

13 April 2026 at 20:06

MSC Cruises has announced a second private island destination in the Bahamas.

Aerial view of a small, palm-lined island with sandy beaches, turquoise water, several modern buildings, swimming pools, and docks; surrounded by clear blue ocean.

The new island, called Sandy Cay, will be located adjacent to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve and is set to open in 2028.

Sandy Cay will be available exclusively to MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys guests. The island takes its name from its aragonite sand beaches, which MSC describes as among the purest in the world.

The company is positioning Sandy Cay as a more secluded, lower-key experience compared to Ocean Cay, with a focus on natural surroundings and a quieter atmosphere.

The announcement puts a name to what MSC had previously referred to internally as “Little Cay” in earlier communications about its Bahamas expansion plans.

Ocean Cay upgrades also on the way

While Sandy Cay is still three years out, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is getting a major upgrade closer to home.

MSC announced in January that the island will receive a range of new facilities due for completion in late 2027, along with a pier extension that will allow two ships to dock simultaneously.

New additions to Ocean Cay will include four additional dining venues, bringing the total to seven, a dedicated adults-only beach called Paradise Sands, an upgraded family beach area at Seakers Cove featuring a splash pad, ropes course and playground, additional cabanas, and a new marine conservation experience operated by the MSC Foundation.

Ocean Cay opened in late 2019 on a former industrial site and has become a regular stop on MSC’s Caribbean itineraries. The island currently features more than two miles of beachfront across eight beaches, seven bars, and a range of water activities.

MSC expanding its Bahamas presence on multiple fronts

Cruise line destinations the Bahamas.
A coastline on Grand Bahama Island.

The Sandy Cay announcement adds to a larger MSC expansion in the Bahamas.

Earlier this month, MSC also confirmed a deal with the Bahamas government for a new beach club at the Grand Lucayan Resort site in Grand Bahama, in addition to its previously announced $450 million investment to upgrade the Freeport cruise port facility.

Iberia halts Cuba flights as demand drops amid ongoing crisis

13 April 2026 at 20:27
A side view of an Iberia Airbus A321XLR aircraft (registration EC-OIL) parked on the tarmac during delivery, showing the white fuselage with Iberia’s red and yellow tail design, engine fairings, and ground handling equipment in the background.Iberia will temporarily suspend its direct flights between Madrid and Cuba from June, citing a prolonged decline in demand linked to the country’s ongoing crisis. The airline says the decision follows several months of challenging […]

AIDAluna’s Arrival Kicks Off Port of Cork Cruise Season

The 2026 cruise season at Port of Cork officially started on April 13 with the arrival of the AIDAluna on its maiden call to Cork Harbor. This is the first of 93 vessels and over 175,000 passengers scheduled to visit between April and November. Eleven cruise ships are also scheduled to visit Bantry Bay Harbor...

Margaritaville at Sea Taps Michael Marino for New Growth Role

Michael Marino has been appointed to the newly created role of chief marketing and growth officer at Margaritaville at Sea. In a press release, the company said Marino will spearhead its growth strategy during a period of rapid expansion, leading trade partnerships and distribution strategy, along with charter and group sales, direct marketing and contact center operations. “I’m incredibly excited to welcome Michael to Margaritaville at Sea as we embark...

Anglo-Eastern Supports Four Seasons I Through Maiden Voyage

The Four Seasons I has completed her maiden voyage in the Mediterranean, with Anglo Eastern Cruise Management Inc. (AECMI) as its technical ship management partner. In addition to this, AECMI shared in a statement that it covered safety and regulatory compliance and crew recruitment and training services. Neil McNeil, managing director, AECMI, said: “From the outset, close cooperation with Malta Flag (Transport Malta), the shipowner and the classification society...

Meyer Turku Financial Results Show Positive Future Development

Meyer Turku Group Oy has published its 2025 financial results, revealing that the company’s turnover amounted to €2.14 billion. The group said in a press release that this represents a 17.2 percent increase compared to the previous year. Adjusted EBIT for the 2025 financial year was €105.1 million. “The result achieved last year supports us...

A 2025 Landslide Changed Alaska Cruising — Here’s What Passengers Need to Know

13 April 2026 at 16:54

One of Alaska’s most popular cruise destinations is off-limits for the 2026 season, and the list of affected sailings keeps growing.

A scenic view of a fjord with turquoise water surrounded by tall, rocky mountains. The sky is partly cloudy, and small ice chunks float on the water. Snow-capped peaks are visible in the distance.

Tracy Arm Fjord, a narrow 30-mile passage in southeast Alaska known for its glaciers, waterfalls and wildlife, has been closed to cruise ship navigation following a massive landslide on August 10, 2025.

The slide originated above the South Sawyer Glacier near the head of the fjord, sending water surging more than a quarter mile up the opposite mountain wall. No ships were in the fjord at the time and no injuries were reported, though kayakers camped nearby lost gear to the rushing water.

The U.S. Geological Survey estimates the slide displaced as much as 100 million cubic meters of debris into the fjord and has warned that the area remains unstable.

Continued rockfall and smaller-scale slides from the exposed landslide scar are expected, with the potential to trigger future localized tsunamis.

163 Tracy Arm calls cancelled across five cruise lines

tracy arm fjord seals
Seals on an iceberg in Tracy Arm Fjord (Photo courtesy of Nancy Schretter)

Here is where the cancellations stack up at the time of reporting. With MSC Cruises confirming this week that the MSC Poesia will skip all 20 of its planned Tracy Arm calls during its inaugural Alaska season, the total number of cancelled fjord visits for 2026 has reached at least 163 across five cruise lines and 11 ships.

Carnival Cruise Line has the highest number of cancellations with 53 calls cancelled across three ships: Carnival Spirit and Carnival Miracle, both sailing round-trip from Seattle with 21 calls each, and Carnival Luminosa operating from San Francisco with 11 calls.

Holland America Line follows with 46 cancelled calls across four ships. The Koningsdam, sailing round-trip from Vancouver, accounts for 24 of those, including two sailings that had Tracy Arm listed twice on the same itinerary. The Zaandam adds 19 Vancouver-based calls, while the Eurodam and Westerdam account for two and one call respectively.

A man in a gray jacket stands on the deck of the Koningsdam during an Alaska cruise, with snow-covered mountains in the background. Nearby, passengers enjoy Holland America’s ship deck and serene, icy waters with mountain views.

Royal Caribbean has cancelled 31 confirmed calls, with the Serenade of the Seas dropping 16 calls from its Vancouver schedule and the Voyager of the Seas dropping 15 from Seattle.

Notably, the Royal Caribbean announcement covering those two ships did not address the Anthem of the Seas, which has 12 Tracy Arm calls on its Seattle schedule. Whether those sailings will also be affected has not been confirmed.

Virgin Voyages rounds out the list with 13 cancelled calls on the Brilliant Lady, sailing round-trip from Seattle.

Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier are the alternative

dawes glacier alaska celebrity cruises
Dawes Glacier (Photo courtesy of Celebrity Cruises)

All cruise lines redirecting away from Tracy Arm are substituting scenic cruising at Endicott Arm, located roughly 20 miles south, with views of the actively calving Dawes Glacier.

Endicott Arm has served as an occasional backup to Tracy Arm in past seasons when ice conditions made the fjord unsafe.

The 2026 Alaska cruise season is set to begin April 21 in Ketchikan, with ships arriving in Juneau the following week.

Scientists are continuing to study the causes of the landslide and monitoring for additional hazards in the broader Tracy Arm fjord network. Whether ships will be able to return in 2027 remains an open question.

MSC to Open New Private Island in 2028

MSC Group’s Cruise Division has introduced Sandy Cay, a new luxury private island destination located next to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in The Bahamas. The destination is set to open in 2028. The company said in a press release that the island is designed for MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys guests. MSC Cruises and...

Star Clippers Offering No Single Supplement on Select Sailings

Star Clippers is offering no single supplement on select 2026-2027 sailings and cabin categories across its fleet, according to a company press release. The promotion is available on Mediterranean, Caribbean and Costa Rica-Panama departures. “Solo travel continues to grow, but pricing has traditionally been a challenge,” said Terri Haas, vice president of sales and marketing...

Complete Guide to ACT and Adobe Certification Exam Preparation for Travel and Tourism Careers

13 April 2026 at 15:26
Study desk with ACT and TOEFL books, laptop showing Adobe tools, camera and airplane model, representing exam prep for travel and tourism careersIntroduction to ACT and Adobe Certifications In today’s competitive academic and professional landscape, standardized exams and professional certifications play a crucial role in shaping career opportunities. The ACT exam is a widely recognized standardized test […]

Effective Study Strategies to Ace SAT and TOEFL Exams for a Career in Travel and Tourism

13 April 2026 at 15:03
Student study setup with SAT and TOEFL books, notebook, and globe, with airplane in airport background symbolizing travel and tourism career preparationFor aspiring travel and tourism professionals, standardized tests such as the SAT and TOEFL are crucial stepping stones toward higher education and globally recognized careers. Hospitality management, international tourism, and aviation programs at top universities […]

Windstar Announces IDeaS as Revenue Strategy Partner

Windstar Cruises has selected IDeaS as its Revenue Strategy Partner. The partnership will enable the company to better anticipate demand and calibrate pricing across its portfolio. Windstar said that the collaboration reflects and expands its commitment to innovation, including investments in its fleet, renovations, guest experience and operational improvement initiatives. Crystal Pernici, Global Director at...

Adora Magic City to Homeport in Shenzhen this Summer

Adora Cruises’ Adora Magic City is scheduled to operate international sailings from Shenzhen as its homeport during this summer season for the first time. In a press release, the company said it expects this deployment to further deepen its presence in the Greater Bay Area (Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao) and inject new momentum into the development of Shenzhen’s cruise market. “We are delighted to bring Adora Magic City to Shenzhen this summer to meet...

Cruise Industry 10-Year Timeline: 50+ Million Guests, 20% Growth

The global cruise business is on course to grow at least 20 percent between 2026 and 2036, with big new ships driving growth to an estimated 50 million guests, according to the 2026 Cruise Industry News Annual Report. That is compared to just over 23 million guests 10 years ago, and an estimated 39 million...

Norwegian Sky Repositions to Europe for Farewell Season

The Norwegian Sky recently kicked off a repositioning voyage ahead of its farewell season for Norwegian Cruise Line. Having completed its winter season in the Southern Caribbean, the 1999-built vessel departed from the Dominican Republic on April 6, 2026. The 13-night trans-Atlantic crossing sails to Le Havre and includes visits to destinations in the British...

Royal Caribbean’s New Treehouse Suite Could Cost $210,000 Per Cruise

The new Ultimate Family Treehouse Suite onboard Royal Caribbean International’s Hero of the Seas will have fares of up to $105,878 per person for special seven-night sailings. For the ship’s Christmas sailing, the three-story stateroom was available for booking for a total of $211,756 plus taxes and fees. The amount is based on double occupancy....

Hilton’s Newly Reimagined Napa Valley Resort Offers Triple Points and Discounts for Group Bookings

13 April 2026 at 14:58
Casa Mani Resort Napa Valley exterior entrance with palm trees and sculptureCasa Mani Resort Napa Valley, Curio Collection by Hilton, is set to debut in late April 2026 as the first full-service resort in downtown Napa Valley. To mark the occasion, the property is launching a […]

Revolutionizing Long-Haul Travel: United Airlines Premium 787 Dreamliner Takes Flight

11 April 2026 at 13:09

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/revolutionizing-long-haul-travel-united-airlines-premium-787-dreamliner-takes-flight/

Revolutionizing Long-Haul Travel: United Airlines Premium 787 Dreamliner Takes FlightUnited Airlines transforms long-haul travel with an ultra-premium 787 Dreamliner configuration,...

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SriLankan Airlines Expands Melbourne- Colombo Routes with New Flights to Cater to Rising Demand

11 April 2026 at 06:38

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/srilankan-airlines-expands-melbourne-colombo-routes-with-new-flights-to-cater-to-rising-demand/

SriLankan Airlines Expands Melbourne- Colombo Routes with New Flights to Cater to Rising DemandSriLankan Airlines announces the addition of three...

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Search Called Off After Norwegian Viva Crew Member Goes Overboard

12 April 2026 at 06:55

Norwegian Cruise Line has confirmed that a crew member went overboard from the Norwegian Viva on April 9, 2026, while the ship was sailing near Costa Maya, Mexico.

A large cruise ship named Norwegian Viva is docked at a port under a partly cloudy sky. The vessel features blue and white wave patterns on its hull and multiple decks with balconies.

The incident occurred during a 7-night Western Caribbean voyage that departed Galveston, Texas on April 4.

Search and rescue operation launched and suspended

Once the incident was confirmed onboard, the vessel immediately notified the Mexican Rescue Coordination Centre. A coordinated search and rescue operation was launched but was ultimately unsuccessful. The search has since been suspended.

A passenger onboard told the Cruise News Today tipline, “Just received message over speaker the ship has turned around and is in a man overboard mission. Believed to be a crew member they are looking for. They are in communication with the Mexican authorities and other ships in the area.”

A map shows the location of the Norwegian Viva cruise ship as it travels past Isla Cozumel and the coastline near Playa del Carmen in Mexico. A blue line traces the ship’s route.

Norwegian Cruise Line issued the following statement:

On the afternoon of April 9, 2026, a crewmember went overboard near Costa Maya, Mexico. Upon confirming the incident, the vessel immediately informed the Mexican Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) and a coordinated search and rescue operation was initiated with no success.”

It went onto say, “The search and rescue operation has since been suspended. The family of the crewmember have been notified of the incident. The safety, security, and well-being of our crew is our highest priority. Our thoughts are with the crewmember’s family during this difficult time.”

Passengers reported the ship turning around near Cozumel

Marine tracking shows that the ship turned around Thursday evening just before 7:00 p.m. local time and conducted a search operation near Cozumel before continuing its voyage.

The Norwegian Viva resumed its scheduled itinerary and returned to its homeport of Galveston, Texas this morning. The Norwegian Viva carries approximately 1,388 crew members and can accommodate up to 3,215 passengers.

Norwegian Cruise Line has not released the identity or nationality of the crew member. No further details about the man overboard have been disclosed.

The incident comes weeks after a man overboard alarm on a Royal Caribbean ship was found to have been a hoax by a group of teenagers.

Was Royal Caribbean Right to Throw This Passenger In ‘Cruise Jail’?

12 April 2026 at 02:53

What does it take to land in ‘cruise jail’? According to one TikTok user, acting in self-defense led to big problems and a very small stateroom. But while her side of the story has garnered well over a million views on the social media site, the comment sections have been rife with debate over whether the punishment fit the crime.

How She Landed in ‘Cruise Jail’

According to TikTok user @claudette.c, the trouble unfolded aboard Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas. As she tells it, a seating dispute led to her hand being smacked by a fellow passenger. In response, Claudette admits to punching the woman in the face. “I didn’t hit her hard,” she enthuses, “just hard enough to be like, b—-, don’t touch me!’

Top view of a cruise ship's deck featuring pools, water slides, and sports courts sailing on blue ocean waters as a cruise passenger jumps overboard in front of family.
Liberty of the Seas (Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean)

“I coulda hit her way harder,” she adds, “but I didn’t.” 

This initial interaction later led to a confrontation allegedly involving Claudette’s aunt and the punched woman’s husband. After security intervened and interviews were conducted, Claudette says she was taken to her new quarters. There, she was watched over by a member of the ship’s crew at all times.

While allowed the occasional visitor, she was not permitted to leave. Therefore, all food and drinks were provided by room service. Claudette did, however, question why she was being kept under confinement given that the other party had opted not to press charges.

The Truth About Her Time in ‘Jail’

Because details matter, it’s important to note that the young woman in question, Claudette, was not actually thrown into the proverbial brig. While many ships do, in fact, have some form of jail, Claudette wound up in a stripped-down stateroom. Anything with which a person could hurt themselves had been removed, and she claimed one light had to remain on at all times.

A security guard in a white shirt and black cap stands at the top of an escalator, overseeing the area, following a recent dispute over a cruise link drink package.

Needless to say, her video generated not only a huge number of views but quite a few comments as well. Some suggested that the incident in question never actually took place, while others suggested she contact a lawyer in order to sue the cruise line.

Much of the debate in comments revolved around semantics and the use of the words “smack” versus “punch.” Claudette admits that “the only thing [security] cared about was the fact that I punched her in the face, because ‘punching’ is assault, ‘smacking’ is not.”

Should Passenger Be Banned?

In response to several queries from followers as to whether she’d been banned from Royal Caribbean, the TikToker claimed that she had not. She has also made repeated requests that the cruise line provide her with any and all CCTV footage from inside the theater, believing it ultimately will support any claim she makes, legal or otherwise.

“I was not the initiator, I did not start it,” she says, implying that the footage would show as much. However, “they said that the authorities have to request it.” 

Asked if the other person involved in the altercation was similarly confined, Claudette claimed that her family saw the other woman at various spots around the ship. “My family saw her in the casino,” she says. “My family saw her at dinner.”

Perhaps not surprisingly, the 30-year-old indicated that despite not having been banned, she would not be returning anytime soon. “It wasn’t even all that,” she snarked. “Ship looked like it was built in 2001 and hasn’t been updated since.” (For the record, Libery of the Seas joined the fleet in 2007 and is slated for a refurb, ironically enough, following her current 16-night transatlantic.)

Claudette did give a shout-out to the crew. “The staff was really nice,” she concluded, ”minus the captain. He’s the one who said I had to stay in my room.”

Juneau, Alaska Is Getting a Fifth Cruise Ship Dock. Construction Starts in 2027

11 April 2026 at 17:59

A fifth cruise ship dock for downtown Juneau, Alaska is quietly moving forward. According to Huna Totem Corp., the Alaska Native corporation overseeing it, work will start on the development next year.

Dock will be ready for 2028 Alaska season

A rendering of a modern waterfront building with large glass windows, outdoor seating with umbrellas, and a boardwalk on stilts extending over calm water, set against a backdrop of hills.

The Juneau Assembly signed a tidelands lease for the development last week. Susan Bell with Huna Totem Corp. confirmed work on the project will start in summer 2027, to make it ready for the 2028 Alaska cruise season.

“There’s still a lot of detailed engineering and design that needs to happen, and we needed to be sure that we do this sequentially,” she said. “Signing the lease allows us to have confidence in moving forward with securing steel, securing the float that is needed for the dock.”

The new dock will be one element in a larger waterfront development called Aak’w Landing, which has an overall budget of about $150 million.

An overhead illustration shows a large docked ship connected to a dock and pathway leading to a building near Egan Drive and Whittier Street, bordered by water and nearby land features.

Approved in principle by the Juneau planning commission back in 2023, it will feature a culture and science center, underground parking and various dining and retail concessions. It will also include a boardwalk and green space for events and outdoor concerts, according to the company’s latest renderings, along with Alaska Native art educational resources.

There is strong local support for the development, although general public sentiment remains mixed over the impacts of added cruise ship capacity.

Huna Totem says the project would disperse cruise passenger traffic in the downtown Juneau area and help reduce road congestion, but opponents contend it could actually make congestion worse.

Huna Totem is committed to giving the public a voice to raise any concerns, Bell added. “This was built on years of input, and I think Huna Totem will continue making sure that we’re continuing that dialog and getting people’s input,” she said.

The company plans to present its plans in detail at the Juneau Chamber of Commerce luncheon next month.

MSC Cruises Is Building a Beach Club in the Bahamas — Here’s What We Know

11 April 2026 at 17:55

MSC Cruises is doubling down on the Bahamas with plans for its first dedicated beach club. The cruise line confirmed a deal with the Bahamas government for part of the site of the iconic Grand Lucayan Resort in Grand Bahama.

A sandy beach with patches of green vegetation and seaweed lines the shore. Clear blue water stretches to the horizon, with trees along the left edge under a clear sky—an inviting scene reminiscent of an MSC Cruises Beach Club in the Bahamas.

MSC aims to develop the 20-acre site which is currently The Reef Village area. Neither the cruise line nor local officials have disclosed what amenities the MSC Beach Club will feature. It will be available to MSC and Explora Journeys guests.

“This agreement represents a defining moment for Grand Bahama and the future of our island,” said Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis. The redevelopment of the Grand Lucayan Resort has long been a national priority, and this step forward speaks to our commitment to restoring Grand Bahama as a leading tourism destination.

Two cruise beach club facilities being developed at the Grand Lucayan Resort

It won’t be the only beach club destination for cruisers at the site. Alongside MSC Beach Club, Ancient Waters Cruise Resort will be locally operated and accessible to various other cruise lines’ passengers.

The 56-acre beachfront Grand Lucayan Resort and 160-acre Reef Golf Course is now owned by Concord Wilshire Capital, which is overseeing a huge resort redevelopment.

“Together, the MSC Beach Club and the Ancient Waters Cruise Resort are projected to welcome more than one million guests annually,” Concord Wilshire President Nate Sirang said. “Combined with the activation of the Mega Marina and Casino Resort, this development will generate substantial economic activity.”

MSC’s new beach club plans are in addition to its already announced $450 million investment to upgrade the Freeport, Grand Bahama cruise port facility. The goal is to expand ship capacity and improve guest services.

Additionally, further upgrades are coming to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve which will add more recreational activities, restaurants, bars and cabanas, as well as an exclusive adult-only retreat area.

Explora Journeys to bring ultra-elegant ocean travel to Asia for a debut 2027-28 season

10 April 2026 at 21:33
Luxury cruise ship restaurant with ocean views and Japanese-inspired designExplora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, will mark the brand’s inaugural Journeys through Asia, in September 2027. Asia will take centre stage as EXPLORA III embarks on the brand’s first-ever […]

US international air travel dips in March 2026 despite rise in overseas visitors

10 April 2026 at 21:26
Crowded arrivals hall at Logan International Airport in Boston with passengers waiting and moving through the terminal.International air travel to and from the United States declines in March 2026, even as overseas visitor numbers continue to rise, according to newly released data. Total passenger enplanements reach 22 million, down 2.4 percent […]

The Valorian Los Angeles, Curio Collection by Hilton opens, taking over from Mondrian Los Angeles

10 April 2026 at 14:50
Rooftop pool deck at The Valorian Los Angeles with sun loungers, wooden terrace, greenery walls and bright sky on Sunset StripA new chapter begins on the Sunset Strip as Mondrian Los Angeles reemerges as The Valorian Los Angeles, Curio Collection by Hilton. The relaunch introduces a refined new identity that honours its cultural legacy while ushering […]
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