MXP announced in a press release that within the past 12 months eight cruise lines have signed up for its MXP365 digital guest journey. The cloud-based web and mobile MXP365 software covers the digital guest journey from pre-cruise to onboard and post-cruise. One of the cruise companies that MXP has partnered with is TUI Cruises....

Margaritaville at Sea has rolled out its holiday giveback, opening an expanded pool of free hero cabins on the Paradise and Islander. The company said in a statement that its Heroes Sail Free program has already provided thousands of complimentary sailings to honor military service members, first responders, teachers and other frontline heroes. In the...

Saga Cruises announced it is offering guests a seven-night all-inclusive cruise of the Dutch waterways aboard the Spirit of the Rhine in 2026, which includes a ticket to watch “The King of Waltz,” André Rieu, perform live. The 76-year-old violinist has sold more than 40 million CDs and DVDs, and has reportedly performed to over...

Avalon Waterways has added seven new Christmas Market cruise departures for 2026, marking a 15 percent boost in capacity and the company’s largest-ever lineup of festive sailings. The company said that Avalon’s Christmas Market cruises are among its most popular, selling out earlier each year. “Every holiday season, our guests step into a living snow...

Riviera Travel has expanded its Grand Tour collection with the new Grand Tour, “A Taste of Italy & The Blue Danube Cruise.” Introduced earlier this year, the Grand Tour collection aims to elevate the traditional touring experience, combining culturally inviting land journeys with ultra-premium river cruising. The itineraries, including the brand’s newest voyage through one...

Universal Maritime Solutions (Unimed) has announced the acquisition of Elssi Maritime Services (Elssi), a Greece and Cyprus-based provider of drug and alcohol testing to the maritime industry. The provider of medical and compliance solutions is backed by ZCG Private Equity, the private equity arm of ZCG, and follows Unimed’s integration of Lagaay Medical Group, a...

Taiwan is set to surpass the one-million passenger mark for the first time since 2019, as cruise traffic builds, thanks to more homeporting and additional ships sailing in the region, according to officials from the Taiwan International Ports Corporation (TIPC). Three hundred and four calls this year are split between 167 turnarounds and 137 transit...

inGroup International accepted an invitation to participate in the official launch of the Star Princess as Co-Founder and CEO Michael Hutchison and Commercial Partnerships Manager Tatiana Wegzyn were welcomed aboard as guests for the inaugural sailing held from November 7 to 10. inGroup, a subscription-based travel club housing the inCruises, inStays and inPay brands, focuses...

StarCruises, in collaboration with ACG Festiverse and AniMania Festival, has launched “CosCruise: Cosplay Championship at Sea,” Malaysia’s first-ever onboard cosplay competition. The event invites cosplayers from Malaysia and across the region to showcase their creativity and passion while sailing aboard the Star Voyager. “‘CosCruise: Cosplay Championship at Sea’ is all about fun, creativity and celebrating...

StarCruises has launched new two- and three-night itineraries on the Voyager from Hong Kong to Sanya and Xiamen as part of the ship’s upcoming 2026 Hong Kong homeport season. The sailings will operate from February 13 to March 29, 2026. “We are excited to be returning to Hong Kong in February for the 2026 season,”...

Virgin Voyages announced it has become the first major cruise company to deploy AI-powered marketing tools at scale through a strategic partnership with Canva, a visual communication platform. “Travel advisors are the heart of Virgin Voyages’ success story,” said Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages. “Our First Mates (travel advisors) don’t just sell cruises; they’re...

Crystal Cruises has announced the 2028 winter and spring season itineraries aboard the Crystal Serenity. The program features warm-water sailings across the Caribbean, Central America and the Amazon, followed by a spring transatlantic crossing to the Azores. The season concludes in Lisbon, where the ship will enter a scheduled drydock for enhancements. “Our approach to...

AIDA Cruises has announced that it donated 4,700 pieces of furniture from the AIDAluna, which was just drydocked at Chantier Naval in Marseille as part of the AIDA Evolution program. The company said that the initiative was made possible through cooperation with the Hamburg association DER HAFEN HILFT! e. V., which organizes the distribution of...

Galveston LNG Bunker Port (GLBP) has announced the signing of a commercial commitment with an international shipping company for the provision of LNG bunker fuel in Galveston Bay. The Heads of Agreement covers LNG as a marine fuel to be delivered to the customer via a Jones Act-compliant LNG bunker vessel beginning in 2029. The...

Holland America Line has unveiled enhancements to its 2027 Cruisetour season. Travelers can pair an Alaska cruise with a journey into Denali National Park and Canada’s Yukon, featuring an expanded Denali Lodge and a new inclusive dining package for guests booking with the Have It All Early Booking Bonus. Guests can choose between 19 itineraries....

Carnival Corporation has scheduled a conference call with analysts for Friday, December 19, 2025, at 10 a.m. (EST), or 3 p.m. (GMT), to discuss the company’s fourth quarter financial results, which are expected to be released that morning. A simulcast of the call will be available via the company’s websites at www.carnivalcorp.com and www.carnivalplc.com.

MSC Cruises has opened sales for the MSC World Atlantic, which will debut from Port Canaveral, Florida, in November 2027, with alternating seven-night and 14-night Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings. Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, said: “The deployment of MSC World Atlantic from Port Canaveral, Orlando, underscores our dedication to offering U.S. and international...

Costa Cruises and LC3 Trasporti have initiated a pilot project at the Genoa and Savona ports using electric trucks for ship supply operations. The test, conducted in October 2025, utilized heavy electric vehicles (BEVs) with a capacity exceeding 40 tons. “We are proud to have been chosen by Costa Cruises, an Italian company and part...

StarCruises has announced that it will welcome the New Year 2026 with the Star Navigator, unveiling three five-night sailings from Kaohsiung to Okinawa, Japan. The itinerary features stops at Naha, Ishigaki and Miyakojima, offering travelers an immersive Okinawa experience. “We are thrilled to offer these voyages as part of our 2026 program, providing travelers even...

Azamara Cruises has rolled out its biggest sale of the year with an extended Wave season booking window, which is 23 days longer than last year. The promotion features over 200 sailings included in the offer and runs from December 9, 2025, through March 31, 2026. Guests booking select 2026 and 2027 cruises and Cruisetours...

Cunard has announced its Wave Season offer, running now through February 25. “Wave season is the most important time of year for cruise planning for both our guests and trade partners, and we’re delighted to meet that moment by rewarding loyal guests and inviting new travelers to discover the Cunard difference,” said Liz Fettes, senior...

Princess Cruises has begun the 2026 Wave Season with the introduction of its annual “Come Aboard Sale.” Running from December 9, 2025, through February 16, 2026, the sale features savings up to 40 percent off cruise fares, up to $500 in instant savings, 50 percent off deposits and free third and fourth guests on select...

Swan Hellenic has announced a sale on bookings completed between December 9 and the end of February. Named “Elevated Expeditions” to convey the range of benefits and enhancements offered, the sale offers up to $1,500 per guest on cruises worldwide, combined with up to $500 onboard credit per person and free Wi-Fi upgrades, plus additional...

Crystal unveiled new suite renderings of the Crystal Grace, set to debut in May 2028. The company said in a press release that the 337 suites were designed by cruise ship architectural firm GEM, with overall art direction and interior design coordination by the Milan-based architecture and design firm Studio Ibsen. Guest Room with Veranda...

Holland America Line announced that the Zuiderdam is back in service with a fresh look and new features, following a two-week drydock in the Bahamas. Guests embarked on the ship in Miami on December 6, 2025, for a 17-day Eastern and Southern Caribbean cruise, showcasing upgrades including the following: Crow’s Nest Entertainment Hub The company...

Celestyal has unveiled its Wave Season offer with savings of up to 50 percent on 226 sailings departing between December 2025 and October 2027. The promotion features select sailings with additional bonuses of up to $582 CelestyalPay credit, which can be used onboard for speciality restaurant dining and bar beverages and cocktails, as well as...

Everllence has confirmed the running on ethanol, at all load points, of its 21/31 dual-fuel engine at test facilities in Frederikshavn, Denmark. Everllence pioneered the two-stroke methanol-burning engine platform over a decade ago, with the first commercial engine entering service in 2016. Rasmus Frimann Nielsen, senior manager of Head of Four-Stroke Small-Bore Engineering at Everllence,...

Carnival Corporation, together with ITM Group and Hutchison Ports ECV, has unveiled plans for Ensenada Bay Village, a new shoreside destination inspired by the culture and natural beauty of Baja California, Mexico. The unveiling took place during a formal project presentation held on Friday, December 5, at the Ensenada Cruise Terminal. The destination is being...

Atlas Ocean Voyages has announced that it is extending its Black Friday Offer through December 31, following significant demand from travelers. The extended offer provides guests the opportunity to save up to 40 percent and choose one complimentary amenity. These include: Air credit savings of up to $2,000 per stateroom One-night pre-expedition hotel or land...

“So far this year, there have been 51 cruise calls at the Port of Tokyo,” said Haruka Imamura from the Port Management Division at the Bureau of Port and Harbor, Tokyo Metropolitan Government. There had also been seven maiden calls through late July. The Harumi Cruise Terminal was reopened this year following renovations. With the...

SpecTec Cruise announced that the company has rebranded as Veridian. The rebrand was inspired by the blue-green hues of the ocean on which its customers’ ships operate. Malcolm Youngson, CEO of Veridian, said: “Cruise operators are navigating rapid evolution: greener ships, smarter operations and expanding fleets and offerings.” “Technology is a crucial enabler of this...

P&O Cruises has introduced new five-berth cabins onboard the Arvia, Britannia and Iona in a bid to make holidays at sea easier and better for bigger families. Fifty five-berth cabins are being introduced across the three ships. The expanded accommodation choices will be available from summer 2026 and include balcony cabins and conservatory mini suite...

Riviera Travel has launched a line-up of Wave Season limited-time promotions and advisor incentives, including half-off departures, complimentary hotel stays, airfare credits, as well as advisor incentives. The company said in a statement that from December 5 through January 31, 2026, travelers can take advantage of: Up to 50 percent off per person on all...

MSC Cruises has revealed a new list of entertainment activities at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the company’s private island in the Bahamas, which will be rolled out from January 2026. The additions will complement the existing offerings of snorkeling, paddleboarding and jet skiing at the island. The company said in a press release that...

Marella Cruises has launched its fourth a la carte dining experience on the Marella Voyager, Umi Sushi, offering Japanese-inspired cuisine, available onboard from December 2025. Umi Sushi, the 17th dining venue onboard the Marella Voyager, will feature freshly prepared ramen, customizable sushi boxes and Mochi Ice Cream bowls. Luke Murphy, senior product development manager at...

StarCruises has teamed up with the Malaysian restaurant group De. Wan 1958 to bring Malaysian culinary celebrity, Datuk Chef Wan, onboard the Star Voyager. Chef Wan will join guests from Port Klang on the three-night cruise to Pulau Bintan and Singapore, sailing from January 30 to February 2, 2026. “We’re thrilled to welcome Chef Wan...

TUI has announced that cruises onboard the Mein Schiff Flow, departing from July 2026, are now open for bookings. TUI Cruises said in a press release that it will soon release two more “welcome sailings” in 2026. The week-long “welcome trips” homeport in Palma, Mallorca, and sail in the Western Mediterranean. Highlights include stops in...

Dream Vacations/CruiseOne announced that it is accelerating its commitment to travel advisor education with an expanded catalogue of training programs and 2026 events and training calendar. The franchisor’s AI Assistant Learning Center has been redesigned to harness artificial intelligence to personalize learning and equip advisors with real-world sales tools, including airfare, shore excursions and product...

AIDA has showcased its Christmas sailings for 2025, revealing select highlights that guests can expect from the sailings: Festive Atmosphere with No Stress The AIDAnova and AIDAprima will be transformed into winter worlds with a maritime Christmas market. The other nine ships are also festively decorated. International Festive Cuisine The company said that its kitchen...

Trafalgar has appointed two former guests as the Godmothers of its new river cruise line, set to debut in April 2026. The brand has selected Cassandra (Cassie) Estrella-Roca of Southern California and Kate McIntosh of Melbourne, Australia, to represent its debut ships, the Trafalgar Verity and Trafalgar Reverie, as they travel the Danube and Rhine...

DNV’s latest white paper, “Methanol fuel in shipping,” highlights that methanol-fueled engines and technical systems have reached high levels of readiness. The report also shows that existing global production sites, storage facilities and a growing bunker fleet are providing a strong platform for broader adoption. In addition, industry stakeholders are already investing in the fuel,...

Ambassador Cruise Line has been named as an official partner of Hampshire Cricket following the signing of a multi-year agreement. The company said in a press release that the partnership will see Ambassador receive brand and marketing exposure opportunities at Utilita Bowl on matchdays from next season, including pitch-side branding and online and social media...

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions has put the spotlight on its National Geographic Photo Camp, a week-long photography experience. Since the program’s inception in 2003, more than 3,000 students have participated in camps in dozens of countries and countless communities. “Listening and trying to understand each other’s stories is one way we can change the world for...

Seabourn has unveiled its annual “Explore More Event,” featuring savings and offers on most 2026 through 2028 worldwide ocean voyages and expeditions to Alaska, Antarctica, Japan, the Mediterranean and more. Available now until February 17, 2026, the offer includes the following exclusive benefits: Savings of up to 15 percent on select Seabourn luxury ocean voyages...

Broward County’s Port Everglades has announced that it has set a new benchmark for performance, based on preliminary Fiscal Year 2025 numbers. In the cruise market, Port Everglades welcomed a preliminary count of 4,773,873 cruise guests in Fiscal Year 2025, a 16 percent year-over-year increase. The port said in a press release that this achievement...

Bud Gilroy, president of the Tahiti Cruise Club, reported that the region had 110,000 passengers in 2024 for 465 calls, and that the numbers are expected to be the same this year. “Despite the simultaneous refit during the first quarter of 2025 of the three main ships operating year-round in French Polynesia (the Paul Gauguin,...

Ponant Explorations has launched the Status Match initiative across loyalty programs in its brand portfolio to unify its guest experience. The launch follows the company’s acquisition of Aqua Expeditions in January 2025. Historically, Ponant, Paul Gauguin Cruises and Ponant Yachting shared a loyalty program, the Ponant Yacht Club. The company said in a press release...

Swan Hellenic and Travel Photo Tour have launched the first edition of Photojournalism at Sea, a creative program set to take place aboard the SH Vega. The experience will unfold during the 10-day voyage from Valparaíso, Chile, to Callao, Peru, departing March 30, 2026. VP Global Sales at Swan Hellenic, Carlos Garzon, said: “We are...

Ambassador Cruise Line has announced the launch of its festive campaign, offering guests the opportunity to secure their 2027-28 no-fly sailing with a £12 deposit.  The company said its “12 Days of Christmas Campaign” will run for 12 days from December 5 to 16, and that it applies to 2027-28 sailings aboard both ships in...

Holland America Line broke its Black Friday weekend sales record in the United States, with 19 percent more bookings than its previous high watermark, set in 2023 for the same period from Black Friday to Cyber Monday, the company said in a statement. “This holiday season, we are seeing guests prioritize the experience itself in...

Azamara Cruises has announced its 2028 World Cruise aboard the Azamara Onward. The 175-night itinerary spans six continents, 40 countries and 91 ports. The company said that the sailing is further enhanced by the support of Azamara’s new World Cruise Desk, a pre-cruise concierge for guests and travel partners. “Our 2028 World Cruise represents Azamara’s...

MSC Cruises has begun the one-year countdown to the launch of MSC World Asia, expected to join the fleet in December 2026. The company has shared highlights about the new ship and its amenities, dining and entertainment, which include the following: Dragon Sculpture The company said that the ship will feature a stainless-steel dragon suspended...

Celestyal marked its first-ever visit to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with a traditional plaque exchange ceremony in collaboration with Cruise Saudi. The Celestyal Journey’s maiden call took place on November 29 as the final port on the company’s new seven-night “Athens to Jeddah” voyage, which left Athens on November 22 and called at Marmaris, Turkey and...

American Cruise Lines has highlighted 11 new U.S. itineraries and three new small ships being offered in its 2026 program. Sailing year-round, the company said it will honor the country’s 250th birthday with its portfolio of domestic itineraries exploring coast to coast, including new cruises on the Great Lakes, the Arkansas River and the Gulf...

Azamara Cruises has announced that Cyber Monday 2025 delivered the strongest booking day in the company’s history, with new bookings up approximately 5 percent over its previous record. The broader multi-week Black Friday Sale also ranked among the top five best booking periods in Azamara Cruises’ history. “Cyber Monday blew past every expectation,” said Dondra...

Carnival Cruise Line has unveiled a new 2026 lineup of ship tours and Seminars at Sea in the next wave of the company’s “Funnel Faves” campaign. The company said that the programs are designed to showcase the onboard experience firsthand and reinforce Carnival’s commitment to supporting travel partners with opportunities to learn, connect and sell...

Regent Seven Seas Cruises and the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) have launched the latest evolution of their landmark partnership, The Concierge Collection 2027-28. Launched in 2024, the collection offers Regent’s guests three-night pre-cruise stays at GHA properties, paired with voyages aboard the Seven Seas Grandeur, Seven Seas Splendor, Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Mariner....

Oceania Cruises unveiled two brand-new culinary concepts aboard the Oceania Sonata during a press conference at ILTM Cannes. Debuting aboard the ship will be La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France, a fine-dining restaurant at sea, and Nikkei Kitchen, an evening venue focused on a fusion of Peruvian flavors and Japanese culinary techniques and tastes....