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...

Joe Maloney has been appointed as president of VacationPort, formerly Passport Online. Maloney brings more than two decades of leadership experience across the cruise and travel sectors, most recently serving as head of sales for Mitsui Ocean Cruises. According to a press release, he will lead VacationPort into its next chapter, focusing on innovation and...

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...

Margaritaville at Sea has announced its first national brand campaign, “Welcome to Somewhere,” rolling out in May. Described as an effort to strengthen brand voice, the campaign is designed to place focus on the journey as much as on the destination. In it, the company is presented as a more relaxed, emotionally driven alternative to...

Antarctica21 announced in a press release that it had a busy 2025–26 expedition season, having sold 92 percent of its berth inventory. The company welcomed 2,847 travelers from 53 nationalities aboard with 40 percent coming from North America and 60 percent from the rest of the world. The season saw 42 voyages to Antarctica, South...

Princess Cruises has welcomed its newest ship, the Star Princess, to Port of Seattle, which will serve as its homeport for the inaugural Alaska season. The ship is set to sail 20 weekly roundtrip voyages from Pier 91 through Alaska’s Inside Passage from May 3 to September 13, 2026. To mark the occasion, a maritime plaque exchange was held between...

Jordan Freese was appointed group sales and operations manager for North America at Hurtigruten. This is the first time a fully dedicated resource will be allocated to group sales following the split from HX, the company said in a press release. Freese joins the company from Incredible Adventure, where she was general manager. “Jordan joining...

Carnival Corporation has broken ground for its new global headquarters in Miami. This marks the official start of construction on the new campus in Waterford Business District, with site work scheduled to begin immediately. To mark the occasion, Miami-Dade County formally recognized May 1 as “Carnival Place Day,” the cruise line said in a statement. “Breaking ground at 887 Carnival Place feels less like a beginning and more like a natural next step...

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...

P&O Cruises has announced its Early May Bank Holiday offer with discounted fares for additional guests on summer sailings. For new bookings made before May 5, 2026, third and fourth guests sail from £49 per person when booking a balcony cabin with two full paying adults, according to a statement. The deal applies to selected...

AmaWaterways has prepared benefits for Travel Advisor Appreciation Month in May. Advisors can take advantage of incentives, educational opportunities and giveaways, according to a statement. “Travel advisors remain at the heart of everything we do, and Travel Advisor Appreciation Month is an important opportunity for us to recognize their ongoing support and partnership,” said Catherine...

Trafalgar is launching a limited-time deal offering savings on select European river cruises. The Spotlight Savings offer is available on a range of 2026 and 2027 departures across Rhine and Danube itineraries while inventory lasts. It features solo supplement deals and shipboard credit for suite bookings, according to a statement. “River cruising continues to see...

Star Clippers has introduced a new collection of 2027 Greek Island sailings aboard the Star Flyer. The itineraries showcasing smaller ports across the Aegean are now open for booking, with departures throughout the spring and fall seasons, the cruise line said in a press release. “These new 2027 Greek itineraries—and the added value of the...

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...

Margaritaville at Sea has announced several initiatives to celebrate the Hero community during Heroes Month in May. Active and former duty military, first responders, nurses and educators will be celebrated throughout the month with experiences onboard and beyond the ship.  According to a statement, the initiative builds on its Heroes Sail Free program launched in 2022 in partnership with GOVX.  “Heroes month is about more than recognizing...

Windstar Cruises has presented benefits available to travel advisors during Travel Advisor Appreciation Month in May. According to a statement, this includes rewards, incentives and booking tools. “Travel advisors are at the heart of everything we do,” said Janet Bava, Windstar’s chief commercial officer. “Their knowledge, dedication, and ability to match the right guest with...

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,”...

The Baltic Ports Organization will host a shore power supply seminar and a study visit at the Port of Hamburg on June 26, according to an announcement. The event is designed for decision-makers responsible for technology implementation, sustainability, investments and infrastructure development in ports and terminals. Session topics include onshore power for container vessels at...

Aurora Expeditions has completed its largest Antarctic season to date, operating 30 voyages, facilitating an estimated 819 landings and welcoming a 30 percent increase in expeditioners representing 56 nationalities, according to an announcement. “This season represents a significant milestone for Aurora Expeditions,” said Michael Heath, chief executive officer at Aurora Expeditions. “Delivering 30 voyages to...

Riviera Travel has revealed its incentives for Travel Advisor Appreciation Month in May.  The incentives include a chance to win a ticket for the 2027 ASTA River Cruise Expo and gift cards on bookings, according to a statement.  “Our company and industry as a unit could not excel without the support of our travel advisor community,” said Stuart Milan, president...

MSC Cruises has unveiled a Yacht Club experience debuting at the 2026 Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix taking place May 1-3. As part of this, a multi-level superyacht-inspired structure will be created in the Marina at the Miami International Autodrome. Positioned along turns 5 through 9, the experience will combine views of up to five...

Marella Cruises has highlighted five European gardens that guests can visit during its cruises this spring. In a press release, the cruise line described them as ideal for travelers looking to enjoy a floral escape and explore new green spaces while on holiday. Marivent Gardens – Palma, Majorca Sitting outside of Palma, these gardens combine...

Four Seasons is bringing its hallmark philosophy of space, choice and distinctive design to the oceans with its new yacht operation. According to Chief Executive Officer Ben Trodd, the brand’s approach centers on understanding how ultra-high-net-worth individuals define luxury, which at its core, revolves around flexibility and freedom from rigid schedules. “Most of the ultra-high-net-worth...

Viking Holdings has scheduled a conference call to discuss its first quarter 2026 financial results at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The results will be released before the stock market opens that day. The call will be simultaneously webcast on Viking’s investor relations website, and a replay will remain available there for 30 days after the call.

Disruptive Technology and AI will only help drive performance at Royal Caribbean Group, said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, speaking on the company’s first quarter earnings call. “What differentiates us in this space is not access to tools, but the combination of a deep understanding of our guests, a fully integrated digital ecosystem the ability...

Royal Caribbean’s revised 2026 earnings and yield guidance came in better than Wall Street had feared, according to a note from Sharon Zackfia, analyst at William Blair, who said the softness triggered by geopolitical uncertainty has already begun to ease. Zackfia noted that bookings for Mediterranean and West Coast of Mexico itineraries softened in March...

Swan Hellenic is unlocking remote regions like West Africa and leaning into sustainable operations to meet evolving consumer demands, according to CEO Andrea Zito. He said that developing new itineraries outside traditional polar regions is not only a cultural value but also an operational necessity that avoids the financial burden of repositioning ships empty. “We...

Across Oceans Group (AOG) is forming a strategic partnership with Moore & Company to expand advisory services across the U.S. commercial shipbuilding sector, global cruise industry and maritime investment market. The combined expertise across the maritime advisory and law sectors is expected to enable new partners to provide integrated services across the full lifecycle of...

Holland America Line today announced the itineraries for its two 2028 Grand Voyages, according to a press release. The new cruises were “shaped by years of guest feedback and a shared appetite for discovery,” the company said. Passengers can choose between a 129-day circumnavigation of the globe onboard the 2028 Grand World Voyage or a...

Speaking on the company’s first quarter earnings call April 30, Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty described what had been, at the start of the year, an exceptional setup for the company’s European deployments that then softened. “If you kind of zoom out in the beginning of the year, demand from North Americans...

Hurtigruten has shared its 2025 annual results as the company said the year was marked by strong financial momentum, with significantly improved profitability, solid revenue growth and a strengthened financial position, according to a statement. “The 2025 figures show that the changes we have implemented are delivering results. The underlying operations have improved significantly, we...

Le Havre’s cruise terminals marked an operational milestone on April 16 with the first dual call at Le Havre Verrazzano Cruise Terminal, according to an announcement. The Majestic Princessmade her inaugural call to Le Havre during a simultaneous operation alongside Nieuw Statendam from Holland America Line. “This inaugural call of the Majestic Princess, during a...

Lindblad Expeditions may be managing one of the most complex supply chains there is, according to Max Duque, chief supply chain officer. Duque and his team have their share of complexity, with a fleet of small ships operating expedition itineraries globally. “The itineraries we run are very unique and very difficult to service from a...

Celestyal Cruises has announced a one-day-only flash sale valid for a selection of sailings in Greece. According to a statement, the campaign will run for 24 hours on April 30, 2026. It will feature 25 Greek Island cruises sailing roundtrip from Athens in May and June 2026. “We’re incredibly excited to be back in our...

Carnival Corporation has deployed Inatech’s Shiptech platform to help improve its fuel planning and procurement operations. Thanks to real-time insights, the end-to-end digital platform allows users to make informed fuel purchasing decisions based on fuel price, quality, compatibility and availability. According to a statement, Shiptech will be used to boost the fuel efficiency of more...

Heritage Expeditions will sail an exclusive preview voyage aboard its new expeditions vessel the Heritage Discoverer in November, according to a press release. Having previously sailed as the Exploris One and Silver Explorer, the vessel found its new home at Heritage earlier this year, when the company said it would be renamed the Heritage Discoverer. Called “The Ultimate South Georgia, Falklands and Antarctic...

Royal Caribbean Group today reported first quarter Earnings per Share of $3.48 and Adjusted EPS of $3.60. The company said these results were better than the company’s guidance due to more favorable revenue, lower costs, and better performance from joint ventures. During the first quarter, the company returned approximately $1.1 billion to shareholders through $836...

The MSC Euribia recently became one of the largest cruise ships to transit the Suez Canal as part of its repositioning voyage to Northern Europe. According to an update from the Suez Canal Authority, the MSC Cruises vessel transited the waterway for the first time on April 26, 2026. Having spent nearly two months stranded...

The Port of Los Angeles and Princess Cruises celebrated the maiden arrival of the company’s newest vessel, the Star Princess, to the LA Waterfront. According to a press release, the Sphere-class ship made its inaugural visit to San Pedro on April 29, 2026. After spending the upcoming summer season in Alaska, the LNG-powered vessel is...

AmaWaterways has christened its second ship in Colombia, the 64-guest AmaMelodia, in Barranquilla, according to a press release. “This milestone means so much to us, not only as we expand our presence in Colombia, but also as we continue to strengthen the relationships we’ve built here,” said Kristin Karst, chief brand ambassador at AmaWaterways. The...

The new Orient Express Corinthian has been named at the Joubert graving dock in Saint-Nazaire. The christening ceremony for what is said to be the world’s largest sailing yacht was celebrated on April 29, 2026, together with Chantiers de l’Atlantique, the cruise line said in a press release. On May 2, 2026, the ship will...

The Valletta Cruise Port celebrated the maiden calls of two cruise ships on Tuesday, with the arrivals of the Norwegian Pearl and the MSC Euribia. According to a social media update, both vessels made their first visits to the Maltese port, which is a subsidiary of Global Ports Holding. To mark the occasion, the Norwegian...

The National Geographic Society and Lindblad Expeditions have announced the 2026 Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship cohort, marking 20 years since the fellowship’s founding, according to a press release. The cohort includes 36 educators from across North America who will embark on expeditions worldwide. “As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship, I am...

The christening cruise of TUI Cruises’ next InTUItion-class ship, Mein Schiff Flow, will feature live acts, music, art and movement. The eight-day christening voyage will sail from Trieste on June 18, reaching Palma on June 25, 2026, the cruise line said in a press release. This will be preceded by a pre-inaugural voyage sailing from...

UK magician Stephen Mulhern will take up a summer residency at the Iona’s Limelight Club, P&O Cruises said in a press release. Mulhern’s magic show “Stephen Mulhern’s Live & Unbelievable!” will be shown on four nights of three back-to-back seven-night cruises.  Sailing roundtrip from Southampton in July in August, the cruises are: Norwegian fjords, seven nights, departing July 25, 2026. Prices start at £879.  Norwegian fjords, seven nights, departing August 1, 2026. Prices start at £929.  Spain &...

“Dining aboard our ships is immersive, elegant and deeply personal,” Günter Lorenz, vice president of food and beverage at Crystal Cruises, told Cruise Industry News. “We offer fine dining without formality, indulgence without excess and service delivered with intuitive warmth. Each venue offers its own identity, yet all share the same commitment to quality, precision...

Royal Caribbean International’s Icon-class debuted in 2024 with the Icon of the Seas, which was followed by the Star of the Seas in 2025. The Legend of the Seas debuts this summer as it launches service in the Mediterranean before heading to the Caribbean. The fourth Icon-class vessel, Hero of the Seas, is slated for...

Royal Caribbean has welcomed guests to Royal Beach Club Santorini in Greece. According to a press release, this is the first Royal Beach Club to open in Europe. As previously reported, the club will welcome vacationers from Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises. The club is visited as part of the Ultimate Santorini Day, a full-day...

Atlas Ocean Voyages is pushing the boundaries of expedition cruising with the introduction of the industry’s first ice-class luxury sailing yacht, according to Chief Executive Officer James Rodriguez. The company is also strategically expanding its deployment starting in 2028, he added, noting that technical innovation and respect for the environment are what drive the brand’s...

Carnival Cruise Line is adjusting two itineraries aboard the Carnival Venezia, which is offering cruises to the Caribbean departing from Port Canaveral. According to a statement sent to booked guests, the vessel’s present itinerary was changed to drop a planned visit to Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos. Instead of visiting the destination, the Venezia will...

Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. will report 2026 first quarter financial results before the market opens on Tuesday May 5, 2026. A conference call to discuss the results will follow at 9:00 am Eastern Time, the company said in a press release. The earnings release and a live audio webcast of the call will be available...

The World Odyssey is currently undergoing a drydock ahead of kicking off its farewell season for Phoenix Reisen. Following the completion of its spring world cruise for Semester at Sea, the 1998-built vessel arrived at a shipyard in Germany in mid-April. Preparations include a change of livery, as well as the renaming of the vessel,...

Holland America Line’s Rotterdam is back in service after a two-week drydock in The Netherlands. The first guests got to see the enhancements firsthand on April 26, and the Rotterdam now resumes its seven-day summer itineraries throughout Northern Europe. According to a statement, one of the areas that was refurbished is live music venues. Billboard...

Royal Caribbean Group has announced in a statement that its credit cards developed in collaboration with the Bank of America are available for application starting April 28. As previously reported, the Royal ONE and Royal ONE Plus cards are meant to simplify how travelers earn and redeem rewards across the company’s brands: Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea. The Royal ONE Credit Card is available...

A rising tide raises all ships, the old saying goes. Scenic Group’s Managing Director Ken Muskat certainly sees the rapidly expanding luxury expedition cruising market that way. While the increase in high-end small-ship tonnage injects competition into the sector, it also amplifies what Scenic does better than any other, Muskat told Cruise Industry News. “I...