Ponant is targeting non-traditional cruisers and goal-driven luxury travelers, according to Samuel Chamberlain, chief executive officer, Americas. Speaking to the challenge of attracting these guests who generally avoid cruising, Chamberlain noted that Ponant’s vessels act as a means of exploration rather than traditional cruise ships. “I would argue that a lot of our expedition product...

Windstar Cruises is navigating change while it expands its fleet and deployment, according to President Chris Prelog. Prelog noted that the current operational landscape is undergoing changes, requiring operators to adapt quickly to geopolitical and logistical hurdles. “Every time I start a new year, I’m thinking, ‘Ah, we’ve got a really good plan.’ And then...

Airline disruptions and limited vacation time are among the biggest barriers preventing new-to-cruise luxury travelers from boarding a ship, said Silversea’s President, Bert Hernandez. Hernandez said that while the world may be facing uncertainty and logistical challenges, internal data shows passengers are comfortable with onboard safety. The anxiety lies in reaching the vessel, an important...

Gregory Lanter took the helm at Cruise Terminals International in January with a company that is scaling fast across three continents and a conviction that cruise terminals have changed roles in the guest’s journey. The former Club Med deputy chief executive officer joined CTI as the Miami-based developer operates one terminal and advances four major...

With fuel prices elevated by the conflict in the Middle East, Lindblad Expeditions has a  renewed effort to reduce consumption across its expedition fleet, intensifying hull cleaning and propeller polishing schedules and engaging ship leaders directly in reviews of how energy is used aboard each vessel. CEO Natalya Leahy told analysts on the company’s first...

Royal Caribbean revealed the first details of its Discovery-class ships through a recent SEC filing. According the company’s recent quarterly filings, the vessels in the new series will carry up 4,300 passengers atdouble occupancy. The company also revealed delivery dates for the vessels, which are expected to enter service in late 2029 and in the...

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is counting on the late-summer opening of the Great Tides Water Park at its Great Stirrup Cay private island to help reverse softening Caribbean demand and generate itinerary premiums heading into 2027. “At Great Stirrup Cay, we witnessed the significant progress being made on the island, particularly at the Great Tides...

Windstar Cruises announced the launch of its new Peace of Mind Promise, which is said to give guests flexibility when booking eligible 2026 and 2027 sailings. According to a press release, the policy was designed as a response to ongoing travel uncertainty and includes full-itinerary protection. “Unlike most flexible booking programs that cover only the...

As luxury hotel brands continue to enter the cruise industry, Aman at Sea is betting on a philosophy of “quiet luxury” and exclusivity to differentiate its product. According to President and Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Wilson, the brand’s transition to the ocean relies heavily on replicating its signature state of mind rather than simply building...

While Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings works through a turnaround at its Norwegian Cruise Line brand, the company’s two luxury brands, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises, are holding firm, with management pointing to their steady performance as evidence that the wider cruise industry remains on solid footing. Speaking on the company’s first quarter 2026...

The arrival of ultra-luxury hotel brands into the cruise industry isn’t a threat to established operators but a marketing asset, said Regent Seven Seas President Wesley D’Silva. For the company, the influx of competitors like Ritz-Carlton, Aman and Four Seasons helps resolve a challenge for the brand: convincing non-cruisers that an ocean voyage fits their...

MSC Cruises is modernizing its supply chain and turnaround operations by prioritizing digitalization, demand forecasting and vendor integration, according to Paolo Raia, managing director of procurement and logistics. Highlighting the challenging nature of the turnaround process, he noted that the brand leverages synergies with its broader shipping and cargo divisions to be more effective. Calling...

Lindblad Expeditions posted a record net yield of $1,631 per available guest night in the first quarter of 2026, the highest quarterly figure in the company’s history, according to Chief Executive Officer Natalya Leahy. “These results reflect the strength of our strategy and importantly, the discipline of our execution,” she said. Leahy said the company...

Carnival Cruise Line replaced 11 regular cruises onboard the Carnival Firenze with a series of new adults-only voyages as part of its SEA program. The new departures are now available for booking on the company’s website and include seven- to 14-night itineraries to the Mexican Riviera and Baja California. Sailing roundtrip from Long Beach, the...

Global uncertainty is creating a sense of urgency among guests in the ultra-luxury cruise market, according to Seabourn President Mark Tamis. While sales of physical luxury goods may have softened slightly, the desire for high-end, once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences is actually accelerating, he said. “Uncertainty hasn’t really suppressed demand for us. What it tends to do...

LG Electronics USA has unveiled new commercial cruise television models and a centralized display management platform, addressing challenges specific to the marine environment. The company introduced 32-inch and 43-inch Commercial Cruise TV models designed for staterooms and crew cabins, along with the Pro:Centric Catena platform for managing displays across public spaces. The new cruise-specific televisions...

Holland America Line is now accepting bookings for the first post-refit season onboard the Oosterdam, the company said in a press release. The Vista-class ship will be the first to undergo a major refurbishment as part of the Holland America Evolution, which is considered the largest fleet investment in the brand’s 153-year history. After undergoing...

The Aroya recently returned to the Red Sea after spending nearly two months stranded in the Arabian Gulf. Following other ships that were also stuck in the region, the 150,000-ton vessel transited the Strait of Hormuz in late April. The ship then started a repositioning voyage to its homeport in Jeddah, where it is scheduled...

Two patients with hantavirus and one suspected of being infected have been evacuated from the Hondius and are on the way to the Netherlands, the World Health Organization said, according to the Associated Press. The three people evacuated were a 41-year-old Dutch national, a 56-year-old British national and a 65-year-old German national who were transferred...

The regional government of Spain’s Canary Islands is opposed to allowing the Hondius to dock on the archipelago, its leader said on May 6, according to Reuters. “This decision is not based on any technical criteria, nor is there sufficient information to reassure the public or guarantee their safety,” Fernando Clavijo told radio station COPE,...

The global cruise ship orderbook now totals some $90 billion in newbuild orders through 2039, according to the latest update from Cruise Industry News. Five more ships were ordered during the month of April, including a trio for Princess Cruises from Fincantieri, and two more Icon-class ships for Royal Caribbean International from Meyer Turku. The...

Hong Kong is investing in infrastructure and pointing to busy events agenda to cement its status as a cruise hub in Asia, according to Marilyn Tham, general manager of mega events, MICE and cruise at the Hong Kong Tourism Board. Following a strong 2025 that saw a 20 percent increase in the destination’s cruise passenger...

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is moving to rebuild its marketing function at the Norwegian Cruise Line brand, bringing in new leadership and cutting overall spending, said Chairperson and CEO John Chidsey. Speaking on the company’s first quarter 2026 earnings call, Chidsey acknowledged that marketing underperformance has been a significant part of the brand’s occupancy shortfall,...

Developing new itineraries requires a balance of guest insights, regulatory understanding and real-world scouting, according to Sylviane de Tracy, director of cruise research and development for Ponant. The process begins with understanding passengers’ evolving expectations and preferences, she explained. “Surveys are being sent out with different options and different choices. Both our current customer base...

Data harmonization and advanced demand planning are currently hot topics as Carnival Corporation works to overhaul its supply chain operations, according to Kevin Muhich, head of MAST. With a portfolio of eight different brands, the company is currently focused on standardizing its Planned Maintenance System (PMS) across the fleet to eliminate operational inconsistencies. “We have...

MSC Cruises is ready for the Poesia’s debut in Alaska, as the ship will spend the summer sailing Alaska cruises on Mondays from Seattle, marking the company’s entry to the region. “We’re so excited for this moment,” said Lynn Torrent, president of MSC Cruises North America. “From the time we announced the program until now,...

Lindblad Expeditions is actively pursuing expansion of its expedition fleet, according to CEO Natalya Leahy. Speaking on the company’s first quarter 2026 earnings call, Leahy said fleet growth conversations are ongoing and that the current geopolitical environment has done nothing to slow them. “We continue to be actively focused on looking to expand capacity in...

API has signed another agreement (with a 10-year framework) with Fincantieri, which covers 23 vessels, deepening the Italian marine flooring specialist’s relationship that stretches back through multiple project cycles and hundreds of cruise ships since 1958. “This is our third framework agreement,” said Veno Cravino, managing director at API. “From a strategic standpoint, both parties,...

Explora Journeys is targeting land-based luxury travelers by highlighting the value of ocean travel and redefining its onboard hospitality culture, according to President Anna Nash. With a significant portion of the luxury market still hesitant to book cruise vacations, Nash believes the niche must emphasize the operational simplicity of its product. “I think the opportunity...

Oceanwide Expeditions confirmed on Tuesday afternoon it is arranging the medical evacuation of two passengers requiring urgent care and another guest associated with the passenger who passed away on May 2. Two specialized aircraft are en route to Cape Verde and passengers will be transferred for onward medical evacuation to the Netherlands. The company said...

Oceanwide Expeditions has provided an update on the ongoing medical situation onboard the Hondius, which remains off the coast of Cape Verde, according to a May 5 press update. The World Health Organization confirmed on May 4 that seven cases, including two laboratory-confirmed hantavirus cases and five suspected cases, have been identified. Three passengers have...

Lindblad Expeditions delivered a record first quarter occupancy of 93 percent even as it grew available guest nights by more than 6 percent, with Chief Executive Officer Natalya Leahy noting disciplined commercial execution and strengthening demand across the company’s global portfolio. “In a complex macro and geopolitical environment, our team delivered another record quarter,” she...

Malta is working to attract more boutique cruise ships and expand homeporting operations, according to Arthur Grima, director of marketing for the Malta Tourism Authority. In 2025, in addition to 4 million tourists, the destination welcomed 870,560 cruise passengers who visited the country as part of 387 calls. While overall passenger volume increased by 2.5...

As MSC Cruises continues to expand its LNG-powered fleet and explore next-generation ship designs, the company is focusing on building vessels capable of exceeding current sustainability targets over a three-decade lifespan, according to Chief Energy Transition Officer Michele Francioni. Cruise ships designed today will enter service in five years and operate for 35 years or...

Lindblad Expeditions has financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026. Natalya Leahy, Chief Executive Officer, said: “In a complex macro and geopolitical environment, our team delivered another record quarter, achieving 93% occupancy- highest in the Company’s history, record yields, and 16% EBITDA growth. These results reflect the strength of our strategy and...

The global expedition cruise market is at an inflection point with serious grow expected to start again soon as the all new 2026 Expedition Cruise Market Report from Cruise Industry News captures it all. Now available for instant download in PDF format, the 280+ page report is the most comprehensive independent analysis of the expedition...

Huna Totem has built up to four ports in Alaska and is extending its reach into the Caribbean, which is a transformation that Howard Sherman, president, Huna Totem Tourism Group, said reflects both the industry’s growth and Huna Totem’s evolving ambitions. “If you go back and look before COVID, it was a single destination, which...

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings expects net yields to decline three to five percent, the company said in its earnings announcement on Monday. “This updated guidance reflects both the impact of the macroeconomic environment and the extent to which those pressures have compounded the execution and commercial challenges already facing our business,” said Mark Kempa, CFO,...

Following her 134-day world cruise, Phoenix Reisen’s Amera entered drydock this week at Chantiers Naval de Marseille for scheduled refurbishment work. Working with the ship management company BSM, Phoenix Reisen is investing approximately 15 million euros in a number of upgrades. Work will cover the modernization of 160 guest bathrooms as well as the redesign...

Three months into his post as Chairperson and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, John Chidsey is orchestrating a turnaround at the Norwegian Cruise Line brand, targeting internal execution failures he said are fixable. Speaking on the company’s first quarter 2026 earnings call, Chidsey pointed to the work head, describing missteps in marketing, revenue management...

Celestyal Cruises announced that its two ships have welcomed guests back in the Mediterranean, resuming their regular sailing schedule in the region. The Celestyal Journey and the Celestyal Discovery returned to Europe in late April after spending nearly two months stranded in the Arabian Gulf. After arriving back in Greece earlier this month, the ships...

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is reassessing its bundled air program after Chairperson and CEO John Chidsey acknowledged on the company’s first quarter 2026 earnings call that the offering had been functioning more as a promotional subsidy than a genuine value-creating tool. Speaking on May 4, Chidsey said the program was being evaluated through the same...

Oceanwide Expeditions has provided a timeline of the ongoing medical situation onboard the Hondius, which is currently off the coast of Cape Verde, according to a May 4 press update. On April 11, a passenger died onboard. The company said the cause of death could not be determined onboard. On April 24, this passenger was...

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is working quickly to optimize expenses, including making significant cutbacks shoreside. “While ship operating costs had remained relatively consistent over the past several years, we see a meaningful opportunity to reduce our shoreside costs,” said John Chidsey, chairperson and CEO, speaking on the company’s second quarter earnings call. “As part of...

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026 and provided guidance for the second quarter and full year 2026. Highlights First quarter total revenue grew 10% to $2.3 billion. GAAP net income was $105 million, with EPS of $0.23. Delivered Adjusted EBITDA of $533 million in first quarter...

Orca AI has signed a memorandum of understanding with Samsung Heavy Industries to jointly develop and deploy autonomous vessel technologies, according to a press release. The collaboration will combine Samsung Heavy Industries’ autonomous solutions with Orca AI’s AI-powered maritime operations platform, enabling deployment of AI-assisted navigation, berthing and speed optimization across newbuild vessels and existing...

As Millennials and Gen Z drive demand for purpose-driven travel, HX Expeditions is leaning into science, education, and community engagement to differentiate itself from traditional cruise lines, according to Chief Executive Officer Gebhard Rainer. He noted that while geographic expansion is vital for customer retention, the depth of the experience is paramount. “Every customer you...

Royal Caribbean Group has been building the infrastructure of a loyalty ecosystem, including status matching across brands and a co-branded credit card. That appears to be paying off as repeat guests are big spenders, said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, speaking on the company’s earnings call on Thursday, April 30. “They tend to sell on...

Oceanwide Expeditions has confirmed three guests have passed away onboard the Hondius which is currently located off the coast of Cape Verde. Media reports said the 174-guest ship is battling a hantavirus outbreak. Information regarding the number of guests and crew aboard was not immediately available. In addition, one passenger is currently being treated in...

Riviera Travel is expanding its offerings of no single supplement cabins across some of its most popular European river cruises for 2026, according to an announcement. Solo travelers can now book select departures on itineraries including The Blue Danube, Cruise the Heart of Europe, Rhine, Moselle & Medieval Germany, The Douro, Porto & Salamanca, and...

Signature Travel Network brought together approximately 70 agency owners for Horizon Club, an invitation-only recognition experience held across Sydney and Melbourne, Australia, from April 12 to 19, according to an announcement. Hosted by The Travel Answers Group, the Horizon Club represents Signature’s recognition for agency owners. “The Horizon Club trip was a fantastic opportunity for...

Royal Caribbean Group has set its sights on the Texas cruise market. “We’re expecting to own the Texas market as it relates to cruising into the Caribbean,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, speaking on the company’s first quarter earnings call April 30. A new terminal that opened in 2022 in...

Avalon Waterways has unveiled new seasonal excursions for 2027 designed to take place exclusively during specific times of the year, according to a press release. The excursions span spring, summer, fall and winter and are timed to regional activities and traditions. “Our new seasonal excursions connect our guests more deeply to the places they’re exploring,”...