Italy’s Port of Naples marked a milestone with the completion of its first LNG ship-to-ship bunkering operation, performed for the Sun Princess.  The feat was the result of collaboration between Axpo, Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) and Studio di Ingegneria Benvenuto & Associati (Studio Benvenuto), according to a press release.  The bunkering was performed using the Green Zeebrugge, a specialized vessel operated by Axpo.  Simone Rodolfi, head of origination and structured products...

Nicko Cruises has announced its 2027-28 world cruise aboard the Vasco da Gama.  According to a press release, the 172-day voyage will depart from Lisbon on November 4, 2027.  After crossing six continents and visiting 41 countries, the Vasco da Gama is set to return to Lisbon on April 24, 2028.   The trip can be booked in its entirety, as a “Big World Tour,” with a shorter, 125-day...

The Port of Québec is developing a 16-megawatt shore power project at Berth 30, aimed at supporting lower emission operations on the Saint Lawrence. The system will enable compatible cruise ships to connect directly to Québec’s hydroelectric grid while docked once it becomes operational in 2028. This is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at...

Shore Excursions Group has highlighted its shore excursions available around the globe in a small-group format. The company noted in a statement that these are particularly well-suited to solo travelers, with this type of travel being on the rise, especially among Gen Z, millennial and female populations. The global solo travel market, which was valued...

Cunard is getting ready for the Queen Mary 2 to join the Sail4th meetup of tall ships at New York Harbor on July 4 as part of the United States’ 250th birthday celebration.  As previously reported, the ship will be part of what is expected to be the largest ever flotilla of tall ships from around the world.  It will join over 100 vessels sailing from the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge past the...

Carnival Cruise Line hosted a celebration aboard the Carnival Elation at the Jaxport Cruise Terminal on July 2 to honor the United States’ 250th anniversary. The event was held as part of its America250 homeport community celebrations, which also included those in Baltimore, Long Beach and Tampa.  The cruise line welcomed local community partners, veterans, business leaders and government officials to commemorate the anniversary and reinforce its connection to the Jacksonville community. “As America’s cruise line, we’re proud...

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) hosted a community event to celebrate the completion of a new maritime-inspired mural in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood. Created by local artist Shogo Ota, the mural located at 55 Bell Street reflects the connection between Seattle’s waterfront, maritime heritage and its local community, according to a press release. Organized in...

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will mark the 20th anniversary of its “Europa’s Best” annual culinary program by welcoming 10 chefs with a combined 23 Michelin stars onboard the Europa in August.  The ship’s Pool Deck will transform into a promenade of culinary events on August 21, the cruise line said in a statement.   Ben Schütz, chef de cuisine on the Europa, will welcome ten Michelin-starred chefs from five European countries onboard.  They are Kevin Fehling, Marco Müller, Marcel Skibba, Thorsten Bender, Dirk Luther,...

Viva Cruises has welcomed two members to its U.S. leadership team. Nasim Ghannadian will join the company as vice president sales and marketing North America and Michael Weldon will take on the role of senior director, national accounts. Both appointments are effective July 1, 2026, the company said in a press release. Viva Cruises’ co-founder...

Celestyal has announced that its chief commercial officer, Lee Haslett, will be leaving his role at the cruise line.  He will stay with the company until October 2026 to support a smooth transition while the cruise line is looking for his successor, according to a press release.  “Over the past three and a half years, Lee has made a significant contribution...

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has revealed the details for two new decks aboard the upcoming Seven Seas Prestige, debuting in December 2026.  These are the Solara Sports Deck and Solara Pool Deck. The company said in a press release that the Sports Deck brings several firsts, being the first-ever named sports deck, as well as featuring a sunrise and sunset yoga area and a digital gaming system for the...

Viking employees and guests have rallied behind the Norwegian national soccer team throughout the ongoing FIFA World Cup run, supporting the team at gatherings in cities from Oslo to Boston.  Last week, Viking Executive Chairman Torstein Hagen joined the crew of the Viking Vela in Oslo to perform the “Viking Row,” a chant inspired by ancient seafaring traditions, designed...

Four Seasons Yachts has unveiled two private island experiences for Four Seasons I’s inaugural Caribbean season.  The first is a Beach Day at Prickly Pear in Anguilla and the second entails access to the Yacht Club at Norman’s Cay in the Bahamas. They will be available throughout the 2026–27 Caribbean and Bahamas season, according to a statement. “It’s been an incredible start to our...

TUI Cruises will offer its “Wine & Culture” program onboard Mein Schiff Flow, according to a statement. Starting next year, guests will be able to experience the program combining exclusive wine tastings, opera performances and a wine and culture dinner. In collaboration with the Skoff winery, the program is planned to continue for six years...

Saga has provided a financial update for the first half of 2026, covering the timeframe from February 1 to June 29, 2026. The group reported a strong start to the new financial year, with revenue in line with expectations and the business remaining on track to deliver its full-year guidance. Net debt was reduced to...

Carnival Cruise Line honored America’s 250th anniversary with a patriotic celebration aboard the Carnival Radiance on June 30 at the Port of Long Beach, California. The cruise line welcomed local community partners, veterans, business leaders and government officials to commemorate the occasion. The event kicked off a series of America250 homeport community celebrations, the cruise...

Celestyal is launching its Suite Summer Sale, valid for all its remaining 2026 sailings in the Mediterranean and Adriatic. Running from July 1 until August 31, 2026, the promo enables guests to book cruises with suite fares starting at $649, according to a statement. John Diorio, vice president and managing director of business development North...

The Century Star is undergoing final touches for her maiden season, Century Cruises said in a press release.  A series of pre-inaugural sailings will be available starting August 11, while the inaugural sailing is scheduled for September 18, 2026, from Budapest to Passau.  The ship will sail itineraries along the Danube first, followed by itineraries on the Rhine.  “We are very proud to see the first of many vessels, Century Star,...

AIDA Cruises will not offer winter 2027-28 itineraries in the Middle East, the company said in a statement.  AIDA noted that this early decision was made to offer planning security to guests and sales partners since the situation in the region cannot be reliably assessed.  Affected guests whose winter 2027-28 cruises in the region were canceled will get a voucher for ten percent off for the previous cabin price for a new booking made by December 31, 2026.  AIDA suggested several alternatives, such...