The global cruise industry orderbook has grown to 78 ships and more than 206,600 berths, with an estimated combined value of $80.0 billion, according to the latest update of Cruise Industry News’ global cruise ship orderbook. The updated figures reflect a net increase of one ship from the prior month’s count of 77 vessels, while...

Holland America Line’s Westerdam docked at Shanghai’s Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal on Tuesday, February 25, marking the city’s first international cruise call of the Lunar New Year period. The ship arrived from South Korea’s Jeju Island on a segment of its Grand Asia voyage, carrying nearly 2,000 passengers, predominantly from Europe and North America, according...

HX Expeditions has finalized its 2026 Alaska program, comprising two new Alaska itineraries. These are the nine-night “Alaska’s Inside Passage: Fjords of the Great Land” voyage and the 12-night “Alaska’s Inside Passage: Where the Mountains Meet the Sea.” The company said in a press release that the two new itineraries are designed to provide deeper...

Cruise Planners has won Celebrity Cruises’ Partner of the Year 2025 Chairman’s Award for the sixth year in a row. This is Celebrity Cruises’ highest distinction for top-performing agency partners, awarded to elite agencies that consistently drive outstanding results, Cruise Planners said in a statement. The company said the award highlights its ability to deliver...

China’s cruise shipbuilding ambitions are steaming ahead as the second large domestically constructed cruise ship, the Adora Flora City, has achieved a major construction milestone, with its overall progress exceeding 91 percent. The vessel, currently under construction at the Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding yard, recently powered on its full exterior lighting system, signaling that the project...

Oceania Cruises has launched its Oceania Club Ambassador Program, a new referral initiative meant to bring savings to Oceania Club members and their friends and family. In a press release, the company explained that a new booking made by first-time guests who were referred by an Oceania Club member means $200 Future Cruise Credit for...

Metropolitan Touring is expanding its Galápagos cruise offerings with two new extended itineraries designed for both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers, the company announced. Launching aboard the La Pinta and Isabela II, the new nine-day, eight-night programs give travelers more time to immerse themselves in the remote beauty, extraordinary wildlife and volcanic landscapes of the...

The Blue Dream Melody has been arrested at Beihai Port after the Beihai Maritime Court ruled in favor of a fuel supplier owed approximately $599,000 for marine bunker fuel delivered in Shanghai in October 2025. The court order, issued Feb. 11, will remain in effect until the debt is settled or the shipowner provides appropriate...

Xiamen officially launched its 2026 cruise season on February 19 with the arrival of the Star Voyager. The vessel docked at Xiamen International Cruise Terminal carrying over 2,200 passengers, marking the first major cruise call of the year and signaling a robust restart for post. The ship had sailed from Hong Kong and local officials...

Azamara Cruises announced the launch of the Azamara Cruises Travel Advisor Council, a new advisory program designed to elevate collaboration with top travel advisors and strengthen alignment across sales, marketing and guest experience initiatives. The Travel Advisor Council brings together a select group of high-performing, forward-thinking travel advisors who will serve as trusted partners to...

The Carnival Dream recently arrived in Europe ahead of a scheduled drydock in the region. The Carnival Cruise Line ship paused its regular operations in Galveston in mid-February, kicking off a repositioning voyage. As part of Carnival’s SEA adults-only program, the 15-night cruise included a visit to King’s Wharf in Bermuda before crossing the Atlantic....

SlideCoaster, a combination of roller coaster and water slide developed by German company Wiegand.Waterrides, has won the IAAPA Brass Ring Award 2025. The win came in the category “Best New Product – Water Park Ride/Attraction over USD 2 Million,” at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo in Orlando. “The SlideCoaster combines...

Crystal announced its 2029 World Cruise with bookings opening to the public on March 16, 2026. The 127-night voyage aboard the Crystal Symphony will depart Jan. 7, 2029, from Melbourne and conclude May 13, 2029, in New York City. Spanning 72 destinations in 22 countries, the sailing traces a global route including a first-ever circumnavigation...

Swan Hellenic has announced a series of four cultural expedition voyages for travelers to explore Brazil’s landscape and history in 2027. The first sailing departs in April 2027 and the remaining three from October to November, the company said in a statement. “We’re incredibly proud of these expertly-curated itineraries. Travelling in exceptional comfort and a...

Sevilla Cruise Port has launched its 2026 cruise season with the arrival of Azamara Cruises’ Journey, marking the fourth consecutive year Azamara starts the cruise season in the city. Nearly 90 calls are scheduled to visit the city between February and December, four of which will call at the city for the first time, Sevilla...

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ (NCLH) year-end and fourth quarter earnings call is set for Monday, when a new President and CEO who has been on the job for approximately two weeks will have to speak for the first time, and in response to activist investor Elliott Management who is demanding major changes at the company....

Lindblad Expeditions is generating capacity growth in 2026 almost entirely through a reduction of non-revenue days, an initiative that CEO Natalya Leahy said is now delivering tangible results. Speaking on the company’s fourth quarter and full year 2025 earnings call, Leahy said Lindblad has cut non-revenue days by more than 100, freeing up additional voyages...

The Aroya recently kicked off its maiden season in the Arabian Gulf after repositioning from the Red Sea. Marking Aroya Cruises’ debut in the region, the vessel is now offering a series of two- to seven-night cruises to destinations in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar. For its first sailing, the Aroya...

AmaWaterways is elevating the guest experience with investments in upgrades across the fleet, the company announced. “AmaWaterways is investing in the guest experience more than ever before,” said Catherine Powell, chief executive officer of AmaWaterways. “Our guests will enjoy an elevated onboard experience, from dining and amenities to specially curated experiences across the fleet.” “As...

Aqua Expeditions, owned by Ponant, has joined the Ensemble Travel Network as a supplier member. In a press release, the company said it would work closely with Ensemble’s network of independent travel agencies and travel advisors across the U.S. and Canada to support its growth in the region. “North America continues to be a key...

GIT Coatings has launched a graphene-base hard foul-release coating called XGIT-FORCE. The coating is engineered to unlock up to 10% fuel savings and provide the highest return on investment of any antifouling coating on the market, according to a press release. Since the solution is zero-leaching, it enables shipowners to reduce fuel consumption and emissions...

Silversea has unveiled the interior spaces of its new 150-room hotel, The Cormorant at 55 South, in Puerto Williams, Chile, designed to streamline travel to Antarctica. Set to welcome guests in October 2026, The Cormorant at 55 South will serve as a cornerstone of Silversea’s Antarctica Fly Cruise program. “The Cormorant at 55 South represents...

Lindblad Expeditions CEO Natalya Leahy said the right time for the company to grow its capacity is now, speaking on the company’s fourth quarter and year-end earnings call on Thursday morning. She said the wait for a newbuild ship, if ordered now, would be about four years. “We are looking at acquisitions of ships and...

The newly released 2026 Luxury Market Report by Cruise Industry News is now available for instant download. Spanning more than 200 pages, the comprehensive report delivers an in-depth analysis of the luxury cruise market at a pivotal growth stage, with a current fleet of 104 ships projected to grow to at least 130 by 2036,...

Lindblad Expeditions has reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2025. Natalya Leahy, Chief Executive Officer, said: “In 2025, we delivered the strongest performance in our company’s history — record guest satisfaction, record yield of $1,335, and record Adjusted EBITDA $126.2 million — while strengthening our balance sheet position....

Seabourn announced a new wave of culinary enhancements rolling out across its fleet. Focused on elevating the guest experience in Seabourn Square and The Colonnade, the updates reinforce Seabourn’s dedication to fresh, regionally inspired cuisine and continually evolving its culinary program to reflect the destinations its ships visit. “At Seabourn, culinary is one of the...

The Nieuw Amsterdam sailed from San Diego earlier this month for Holland America Line’s 35-Night Legendary Voyage to Hawaii and the South Pacific. Sailing roundtrip from San Diego, the “Hawaii, Tahiti and the Marquesas” itinerary is set to visit 11 destinations before returning to California in late March. The cruise is highlighted by ports in...

Carnival Cruise Line announced today that Carnival Adventure will sail seasonally in Australia from April 2028 when she relocates to North America for the northern hemisphere summer, according to a statement. The company said that while it remains the only cruise line with a year-round commitment to this region, it has had to make this...

The former Exploris One will have a new home at Heritage Expeditions, as the company announced it would rename the ship the Heritage Discoverer. The Heritage Discoverer, which also previously sailed as the Silver Explorer, will begin sailing alongside the family-owned and operated cruise company’s flagship Heritage Adventurer and expedition yacht Heritage Explorer in May...

Terra Nova Expeditions (TNE) has launched the 20-day Ultimate Antarctic Adventure, a hybrid journey combining expedition cruising aboard the St Helena with polar yacht sailing on the Icebird yacht. According to a statement by the company, this fully immersive expedition format to Antarctica has never been available in this way before. “As visitor numbers to...

Adventure Canada has announced a new eight-day expedition to Svalbard with two departures in 2027. The “Svalbard: North to the Midnight Sun” departures are planned for May 18-25, 2027, and June 1-8, 2027, with pricing from $7,895 per person. The route on this expedition aboard the Ocean Albatros depends on the conditions on the ground,...

The first cruise ship of 2026 is set to dock at the Port of Vancouver’s Canada Place on Feb. 26, as the port prepares for what it says will be a record cruise season. The Disney Wonder will stop at the Port of Vancouver as part of a repositioning trip on its way from Hawaii...

Fincantieri has delivered the Four Seasons I to Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings, the joint owner and operator of Four Seasons Yacht. The handover took place at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard, where more than 2,000 workers, Fincantieri employees and partner companies, spent months completing the vessel. The 34,000-ton ship has just 95 all-suite accommodations, each of which is...

Explora Journeys is launching a new global marketing campaign developed alongside McCann Paris. It is rolling out now across television and digital channels in multiple languages as the luxury ocean brand is staking its claim to a unique category. “We’re not a luxury legacy cruise brand, and we’re not a luxury hotel brand on land,”...

Explora Journeys has unveiled a new cinematic global campaign developed by McCann Paris and brought to life by award-winning director and photographer, Jonas Lindstroem. The company said the new campaign was designed to challenge traditional cruise conventions as it reveals an alluring glimpse of the Explora Journeys’ experience so beloved of its loyal clientele while...

Carnival Cruise Line has presented Carnival Millions, an interactive lottery that links participating ships across its fleet. Thanks to this, eligible guests get a chance to win up to $1 million through a daily, fleetwide draw. Marty Goldman, Senior Vice President of Global Gaming at Carnival Corporation, said: “We are proud to lead the market...

Crystal is featuring three-Michelin-starred chef Massimiliano Alajmo and his brother Raffaele aboard the Crystal Serenity sailing from Venice to Athens Sept. 8-15, 2026, according to a press release. The seven-night sailing will showcase the artistry and innovation that defines the Alajmo dining experience while celebrating Crystal’s culinary legacy at sea. “The evolution of Crystal’s culinary...

cruisePAL announced that a long-standing customer, Aqua Expeditions, has migrated to its web-based central reservations system (CRS), cruisePAL CRS. The company said in a press release that the new cruisePAL product suite represents a comprehensive range of digital solutions specifically designed for the cruise industry. It is said to be the first-of-its-kind in the market,...

The MSC Poesia recently entered drydock at the Palumbo Shipyard in Malta to undergo a major refurbishment project. Having completed its winter season in Northern Europe, the MSC Cruises vessel arrived at the facility on Feb. 19, 2026. As part of a modernization effort that will see all of the Musica-class ships undergoing refits, the...

Stornoway Port is preparing to welcome 89 cruise ship calls during the 2026 season, reinforcing its growing prominence as one of Scotland’s premier cruise destinations, according to a press release. The season is expected to bring approximately 60,000 passengers to the Outer Hebrides, contributing an estimated £7.8 million to the local economy. “The 2026 cruise...

Tauck has announced its 2027 small ship cruising lineup, highlighted by a new Baltic Sea itinerary and enhancements to returning itineraries in the Galápagos, according to a press release. The company is also adding capacity in the Aegean and Iberia. “Our small ship cruises continue to resonate with guests because they combine distinctive itinerary design,...

Star Clippers has promoted Vadim Novikov to Captain of the Star Flyer, which the company says makes the 36-year-old officer the youngest commanding officer in its history. This comes eleven years after Novikov joined the fleet as a deck cadet. “With Vadim’s dedication, experience and natural leadership, we’re proud to see him take command of...

Academy Award-winning actor Robert Downey Jr. has been named godparent fo the Disney Adventure, the company said in a statement. “Our new ship continues Disney Cruise Line’s tradition of bringing great stories to life at sea, and we are honored that Robert Downey Jr., who has guided audiences through unforgettable Marvel stories, is the official...

Foreign Affairs Expert Nina Khrushcheva and retired U.S. Naval Officer Admiral James Stavridis are set to join Ponant Explorations’ “A World Affairs Voyage” as expert speakers. The 10-night journey from Copenhagen to London in August 2026 onboard the Le Champlain, which is tailored to English-speaking guests, is set to provide an inside look at Europe’s...

Two longstanding Scenic Group employees, Director of Operations Kim Scoular and Senior Software Engineer Ray Gilbert, have been selected as the godparents of the Emerald Kaia. The ship officially departed Vietnam’s Halong Bay, on February 13, 2026, marking her entry into the Emerald Cruises fleet, the company said in a press release. The christening ceremony...

As the cruise industry embraces LNG, the conversation has shifted from feasibility to methane slip. Advances in engine technology, independent validation, and real-world operations show LNG becoming a credible, scalable fuel for passenger shipping. When methane slip is effectively reduced, LNG-fuelled cruise ships can enjoy a longer regulatory compliance window than any other fossil-based marine...

China’s cruise market is undergoing a notable geographic consolidation in 2026, entering what industry players are calling a concentrated “Korea Season.” This shift sees cruise lines sailing from China pivoting almost exclusively to South Korean itineraries, a move driven by ongoing adjustments to Japan sailings and presenting new challenges in product differentiation and pricing stability....

The new 2026 Cruise Industry News Annual Report has been released with 400 pages of industry analytics and data available. From regional deployment data to supply growth through 2039, the report presents a complete overview of the global cruise industry, tracking every brand and every ship. The 400-page report covers everything from new ships on order...

AmaWaterways has presented incentives on select 2027 departures, valid for new bookings made before March 31, 2026. The promos apply to single and group travel and are meant to support travel advisors in capturing what the company says is strong demand across both segments, the company said in a statement. “Group travel and solo travel...

Seabourn has assembled an expert expedition team set to offer deeper insights about Alaska and British Columbia to guests onboard the Seabourn Encore during its inaugural Alaska season. According to a press release, a team of naturalists, scientists, and experts in wildlife, history, and watercraft will lead immersive experiences in Alaska from May to September...

Transcend Cruises has appointed Bentlie Logan (pictured above) as director of meetings, incentives, corporate and events (MICE) and Agency Sales, and Brittni Cloudsdale as controller, the company said in a statement. “Transcend is entering a pivotal phase as we move toward the launch of our first vessel and the continued expansion of our fleet,” said...

Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group (AKTG), which owns Crystal Cruises, has appointed Debra Fox Chief Sales Officer – Trade and expanded the roles of two SVPs, Matias Lira and Shawn Johnson, both of which will report to Fox. “This structure allows us to deliver even more focused support to our trade partners than ever before,”...

Swan Hellenic has introduced a limited time offer covering free roundtrip airfare from select U.S. and Canadian gateways for guests who book their 2026 Asia Pacific sailings onboard the SH Minerva before February 28, 2026. The deal includes other benefits, such as cruise savings up to $1,500 per person, complimentary Wi-Fi upgrades to stay connected,...

The first in-person meeting of the international Cruises & Port Cities Working Group, which is a partnership between MedCruise and International Association of Cities and Ports (AIVP), was held Feb. 19-20, 2026, in Taranto, Italy. Around 30 port city professionals and experts from Italy, Spain, France, Greece and Portugal gathered for the occasion. Launched in...

More than a century after tortoises became locally extinct on Galápagos National Park’s Floreana Island, 158 giant tortoises were released back to the island on February 20. It was made possible in part by traveler contributions to the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund, which has provided more than $1 million in sustained support for the Floreana...

Celebrity Cruises cancelled a cruise on short notice on Feb. 16, 2026 due to a technical issue onboard the Celebrity Infinity. Starting its spring season in the Eastern Mediterranean, the ship was scheduled to offer an 11-night cruise from the Port of Piraeus in Greece. Passengers due to board the 2001-built vessel were informed of...

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Balmoral has started a four-month sailing program from Newcastle’s Port of Tyne. Between February and September 2026,17 cruises will be departing from the city, with durations ranging from one‑night sailings to 14‑night explorations. The program includes Northern Lights voyages in Arctic Norway, cruising through Norway’ s fjords, and sailings to the...

Victory Cruise Lines is busy with upgrades on both the Victory I and Victory II ahead of their 2026 seasons. Marine and technical teams are executing engine top-end servicing, mechanical overhauls, drydock work and annual regulatory inspections in partnership with the United States Coast Guard, according to the company website. “There is a season in...

Paul Gauguin Cruises has presented a number of 2028 voyages across the South Pacific and French Polynesia that are available for booking. Ranging from seven to 14 nights, the 39 voyages enable travelers to explore the Society Islands, Tuamotus, Marquesas, Cook Islands, and South Pacific. Highlights include multiple overnights, two days in the protected coral...

Princess Cruises set a new Guinness World Records title for the most margaritas sold in eight hours, according to a press release. The celebration aboard the Regal Princess sold 3,410 handcrafted 24K Margaritas featuring Pantalones Organic Blanco Tequila, surpassing the previously held record of 2,728. “You could feel the celebration in every bar of Regal...

TUI Cruises is on the lookout for a godmother for its new ship, the Mein Schiff Flow, which will be christened on June 20 in the port of Trieste. Potential godmothers need to have traveled with the fleet at least once. Those that qualify and are of legal age can apply on the company’s website...

Viking has announced two new 2027 itineraries on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers onboard the Viking Mississippi, which are now open for booking. The company said that the Bayous, Blues & Bluegrass and Mississippi & Ohio River Explorer expand its destination-focused offerings on the two rivers. “Wherever they are in the world, our guests are...

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has teamed up with cruise enthusiast Fraser Porteous, known as “Fraser at Sea,” to launch “Setting Sail at 60,” a six-part YouTube series which debuted on February 20. The series follows Fraser and his mother, Margaret, as they embark on six cruises to mark her 60th birthday, with Margret experiencing life...

AmaWaterways has introduced three limited-time offers designed to help travel advisors drive early bookings on select 2026 and 2027 sailings. Available now through March 31, 2026, and valid for over 600 sailing, the offers include the Complimentary Land Package and Triple Savings, both of which can be combined with the company’s AirPlus fixed air rates....

The Noordam recently completed its 20th year of service for Holland America Line. Built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, the vessel was delivered to the company on January 31, 2006. After crossing the Atlantic for the first time, the 1,900-passenger ship was christened in a ceremony in New York City on February 22, 2006....

Jeff Bogle, author of “Street Cats and Where to Find Them,” will host a street cats-themed cruise aboard Celebrity Eclipse from Oct. 19-30, sailing from Ravenna, Italy to Athens, Greece. The 11-night voyage will include complimentary guided walking excursions in select ports where guests can observe, interact with and photograph street cats in historic cities...

Guests on Swan Hellenic’s six-night cruise from Portugal to Fuerteventura will get to play on five champion-designed golf courses. According to the company, the Atlantic Horizons cruise departs Lisbon aboard SH Diana on September 7, 2026. The golf program can be purchased as a complete package, or each golf course can be booked individually in...

Holland America Line’s Volendam has reached Pitcairn Island in the southern Pacific Ocean, said to be one of the most isolated inhabited places on Earth. The call took place on day 46 of its 133-day Grand World Voyage that set sail from Fort Lauderdale on January 4. Located about 1,350 miles east-southeast of Tahiti, Pitcairn...