The MSC Poesia embarked on its first sailing from Seattle to Alaska on May 11. This follows the ship’s recent transit through the Panama Canal during her 18-night Grand Voyage from Miami to Seattle. The ship’s inaugural summer Alaska season will last through September, according to a statement. Seven-night itineraries are offered, calling at Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point and Juneau in Alaska (US) along with Victoria (Canada)....

The Caribbean continues to be the backbone of the cruise industry with 42 percent of the global cruise capacity deployed in 2026, up 12 percent from 2025, and with a record 16.5 million guests, according to the 2026 Cruise Industry News Annual Report This year, more than 200 ships from more than 40 cruise lines...

Creating the ideal deployment is one of the biggest challenges for an expedition cruise line, according to Belinda Hindmarsh, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Global Business for Ponant Explorations Group. “The complexity in building a fleet deployment is not to be underestimated,” she said. Deployment can either make or break a year from a commercial...

The Disney Adventure is back in service after facing a technical issue that led to the cancellation of one cruise. Resuming its regular schedule, the 2025-built ship sailed from Singapore on May 11, 2026, kicking off a three-night cruise in Southeast Asia. The itinerary includes two days of sailing in the South China Sea before...

Atlas Ocean Voyages has announced the inaugural season of the Atlas Adventurer. The 400-guest luxury expedition sailing ship is set to join its fleet in November 2028. The inaugural season’s expeditions start on November 6, 2028, in Kobe, Japan, and culminate in late spring 2029 in Athens, Greece, the company said in a press release. It features journeys across Asia and...

Three cruise ships,the Blue Dream Star, Blue Dream Melody, and Chinese Taishan,remain out of service in mainland China and looking for their next careers. The 1,218-guest Blue Dream Melody, operated by Blue Dream Cruises, was withdrawn from service at its Beihai homeport on January 4, 2026, citing a need for “systematic hardware upgrades and maintenance.”...

Three cruise ships had their inaugural calls at Victoria May 9–10, the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) announced in a press release. On Saturday evening, the Star Princess arrived for the first of 21 calls into Victoria this summer. Since the cruise terminal is located on the traditional territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən People, the ship...

Port workers in Ushuaia have issued a public warning that the upcoming 2026-27 Antarctic cruise season cannot be guaranteed amid an ongoing federal government takeover of the port. The workers of the Provincial Port Directorate issued an open letter stating that operational reliability at the port is now at risk following the January intervention by...

Disney Cruise Line will temporarily suspend the sale of alcoholic beverages at its private destination of Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. According to a statement issued by the company, drinks will not be available for guests visiting the port on May 12, 2026. Joining Royal Caribbean and MSC, which announced similar temporary bans, Disney said...

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority celebrated the maiden call of Virgin Voyages to the Port of Vancouver, according to a press release. The Brilliant Lady arrived at the Canada Place Terminal today as part of the brand’s debut in Alaska and the West Coast. “We are delighted to welcome Virgin Voyages to the Port of...

Scenic Group’s 2027 President’s Cruise will explore Normandy aboard the Emerald Lumi.  The eight-day Sensations of the Seine & Normandy voyage will sail roundtrip from Paris, departing on August 14, 2027.  The President of the US & LATAM, Ken Muskat, will be present onboard to host dinners and excursions, according to a statement.  “The President’s Cruise is one of the most...

The Explora Journeys Swiss SailGP Team unveiled its new visual identity at the Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix.  The team raced for the first time under full Explora Journeys branding since the cruise line announced that it would become its title partner in April.  According to a press release, the new visual identity features a fully Explora Journeys branded F50 catamaran and crew kit.  “The...

The Crystal Serenity will enter drydock in October 2026 for a scheduled three-week refurbishment, Crystal Cruises shared in a statement. “Following the successful drydock of Crystal Symphony, our work aboard Crystal Serenity is guided first and foremost by the guest experience,” said Bernie Leypold, senior vice president of hotel operations for Crystal.  “These enhancements underscore our commitment...

Scenic has released its 2028–29 Worldwide Voyages program.  The program spans all seven continents and visits more than 100 countries and 600 ports of call.  In a press release, the company noted that the season’s highlight will be arrival of the Scenic Ikon, which will join the Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II from April 2028.  Tom Batchelor, vice president, deployment, product & port operations – ocean said: “Scenic’s 2028/29 collection represents an...

Twenty British nationals evacuated from the Hondius are beginning 45 days of self-isolation in the UK after their chartered flight from Tenerife landed at Manchester Airport on May 10, according to the BBC. The evacuees are isolating at Arrowe Park Hospital in Merseyside for 72 hours before being asked to self-isolate for a further 42...

The Silver Spirit resumed service for Silversea Cruises earlier this month after undergoing a series of upgrades during a drydock in the Mediterranean. After spending over a month at a shipyard, the 2009-built ship welcomed guests back for a repositioning voyage to Northern Europe. According to a press release, the ship’s revitalization aimed at enhancing...

With a new refurbishment program underway, Azamara is focusing on hardware upgrades and operational agility to drive profitability, according to Chief Executive Officer Dondra Ritzenthaler. The company last expanded its fleet in 2022, with the introduction of the Azamara Onward, which was acquired from Princess Cruises a year earlier. According to Ritzenthaler, the company currently...

Royal Caribbean International has solidified its commitment to the Chinese market by renewing its partnership with the Shanghai Rolex Masters tennis tournament. The cruise line will continue as the Official Cruise Line Partner for the 2026 and 2027 editions of the event, marking a strategic extension of its high-profile sports marketing initiative in the region....

Nicko Cruises cancelled a second cruise onboard the Vasco da Gama due to technical issues with the 1993-built vessel. Currently undergoing a drydock at Damen, the ship will be unable to operate its upcoming sailing, which was scheduled to depart on May 9, 2026. Sailing from Hamburg, the Vasco da Gama was set to offer...

The Adora Mediterranea will return to Tianjin on June 7, officially launching its 2026 cruise season, Adora Cruises said in a statement.  This will be Tianjin’s fourth consecutive year as its homeport, helping the cruise line strengthen its presence in the northern China market.  The ship will operate 25 international voyages from June 7 to October 11, taking guests to destinations such as Jeju, Seoul (Incheon), Busan, and...

Expedia Cruises hosted its largest annual Anchor Conference this year, according to a press release.  Held April 11–18 onboard the MSC World America, the event brought together nearly 1,000 franchisees, vacation consultants, supply partners and corporate team members.  With the theme “Stronger Together – Elevate and Accelerate,” the event focused on collaboration, education and growth.  “The Expedia Cruises 2026 Anchor Meeting was...

Silversea is celebrating Travel Advisor Appreciation Month with a campaign highlighting the role advisors play in creating travel experiences. In a press release, the company said the “Extraordinary Journeys Begin With You” campaign honors their expertise, passion and dedication that inspire journeys for guests. As part of the campaign, advisors can participate in Silversea’s annual...

Royal Caribbean International advised guests that it will not serve alcoholic beverages at its private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, on May 12, 2026. According to a statement sent to passengers, the temporary alcohol ban is related to the national elections in the Bahamas. “There is a public notice issued by the Ministry of National...

The Netherland’s EST-Floattech delivered the battery pack for the Amadeus Aurea, the second hybrid ship in the fleet of Amadeus River Cruises. Built at the TeamCo Shipyard in Heusden, the vessel entered service in April 2026, the Dutch firm said in a press release. The company’s Octopus Series High Energy battery system with a 520-kWh...

A guest dinner sign-up program has reduced food preparation waste by up to 75 percent on Lindblad Expeditions vessels, CEO Natalya Leahy said, speaking on the company’s first-quarter earnings call. She described it as one of several initiatives that is simultaneously cutting costs and reducing the company’s environmental footprint. “We have made significant strides through...

The SS United States is ready to be sunk ahead of becoming the world’s largest artificial reef, according to a recent report by Fox10 News. Citing sources from Okaloosa County, the local news source said that the former ocean liner is awaiting approval from federal agencies before embarking on its final voyage. A date for...

Disney Cruise Line cancelled the current cruise of the Disney Adventure due to a technical issue that prevented the ship from departing from its homeport in Singapore. Guests were informed that the sailing was no longer going ahead after boarding the vessel and spending one night onboard. As part of its series of short cruises...

HX Expeditions is marking its 130th anniversary with a “Summer of Celebrations” campaign, combining a promo for guests and an incentive for travel advisors.  In a statement, the cruise line added that guests sailing in 2026 can expect limited-edition onboard experiences, from anniversary cocktails and curated dining to surprise moments and commemorative keepsakes.  “Travel advisors are at the heart of everything we do, so it...

Tallink Silja Line has announced its new exclusive private label collection of wines and beers, the company said in a press release. “The tradition of selecting Tallink Silja Line’s ship wines and beers reaches back decades,” said Aimar Pärna, head of Tallink Duty Free. “Every two years, new signature drinks are carefully chosen to reflect...

MSC Cruises recently adjusted its plans for the 2026-27 season in South America, which will see five ships sailing from Brazil and Argentina. The changes come after the addition of the MSC Seaview to the region’s lineup. Initially set to offer itineraries in the Caribbean during the season, the vessel was redeployed after the cancellation...

The Margaritaville at Sea Paradise recently arrived in Cozumel for the first time, according to an update shared by the company. Sailing from its homeport at the Port of Palm Beach, the 1991-built vessel made its maiden visit to the Mexican port on May 5, 2026. The inaugural call was part of the ship’s “Cozumel...

Villa Vie Residences revealed a new signature offering with My Global Adventure, a three-year around-the-world cruise onboard the Odyssey. According to a press release, the product was designed for passengers who “want to experience the planet in the most immersive way possible.” The company said that the sailing was designed for explorers, retirees, remote workers...

Madeira Ports Administration (APRAM) reported that the overnight stays in Funchal Port doubled in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. More specifically, the port saw 41 overnight calls totaling 43 nights between January and March 2026. This was up from 27 calls and 39 nights in the first quarter...

Herschel Walker, the 14th United States Ambassador to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, paid a courtesy call and site visit to Nassau Cruise Port last week. According to a statement, the Port’s team gave the Ambassador and his wife, Julie Blanchard Walker, a tour of the piers and operational facilities. The visit also included a...

P&O Cruises is marking the fourth year of being the headline partner for the BAFTA Television Awards with a promo.  This year’s edition of the festival is taking place on May 10, 2026, at the Royal Festival Hall in London.  According to a press release, four new limited-time offers are available on new bookings made May 8-12 May 2026, for cruises departing before March 30, 2028.  Guests...

Cunard is giving advisors a chance to win a getaway during Travel Advisor Appreciation month in May, the company said in a press release.  From May 4 through June 30, advisors in the U.S. and Canada who complete qualifying steps can get a seven-night voyage aboard the Queen Victoria.  This includes accommodation in a Princess Grill Suite for two, complete with a Signature Package, on a cruise sailing...

Ponant Explorations Group and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) have launched a collection of open-access images from the Arctic and Antarctica.  Part of the Ocean Agency’s Ocean Image Bank, the Polar Ocean Image Collection comprises more than 500 images captured by over 30 photographers – including Ponant’s photo team – intended for non-commercial use.  It aims to raise awareness, support research and...

Celestyal has introduced a new cooking series called “Cooking with Celestyal.”  Designed for the cruise line’s travel advisor community, the monthly limited series is meant to showcase its Mediterranean experience in an immersive way, according to a press release.  “We are excited to bring these videos to our advisors and guests,” said John Diorio, managing director and vice president of business development for Celestyal in North America.  “The videos are...

MSC Cruises warned guests of a temporary alcohol ban that will be in effect in the Bahamas on May 12, 2026. According to a statement sent to travel agents, the ban is related to Bahamian General Election regulations. As a result, the company will be forced to temporarily suspend alcohol service at its private island...

Dream Cruises completed a two-night cruise from Singapore to Melaka, Malaysia, 3–5 May 2026, with a special appearance by chef Tommie Lee, the company said in a statement. The chef from Netflix’s Culinary Class Wars, known as “Chef French Papa,” participated in a live session onboard the Genting Dream, sharing his culinary journey and inspiration....

The OE Corinthian made its first visit to the Port of Lisbon during its maiden voyage for Orient Express Sailing Yachts. Sailing to Marseille, the ship is currently offering a repositioning cruise to the French Riviera that departed from St. Nazaire. The visit to the Portuguese capital city took place on May 6, 2026, and...

Havila Voyages has joined the European LOWNOISER project as an associated partner, the company said in a press release. The project aims to reduce underwater noise and protect marine life. “The future of maritime transport must be built on respect for the oceans we sail and the coastal communities we serve,” said Marianne Vågen Langeland,...

Crystal Cruises is introducing Boot Walk at Sea, a summer philanthropic series created in collaboration with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. According to a statement, the series is inspired by the Center’s annual Boot Walk to End Cancer event marking its 11th year this November. Featured across the ships’ wellness-focused sailings starting on May 9, 2026, aboard the Crystal Symphony, and June 2,...

MSC Cruises unveiled its AI-powered assistant, MSC Concierge. The complimentary service is available 24/7, allowing guests to make requests and ask questions in more than 90 languages through the MSC for Me mobile app. It is available on the majority of MSC ships, with fleetwide coverage to follow by the end of May, the cruise...

Wärtsilä Water & Waste has introduced a grease trap solution that supports wastewater management onboard.  Called the Grease Trap, this is a modular product designed to separate fats, oils and grease from galley wastewater streams onboard merchant vessels, cruise ships and offshore platforms.  Available as of May 2026, the solution supports improved wastewater management and contributes to protection of the marine environment, Wärtsilä said in a statement.  “The Grease...

Atlas Ocean Voyages’ 2028 Arctic season will feature 13 journeys ranging from seven to 17 nights, the company announced in a press release.  Itineraries are offered across Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland and Eastern Canada, sailing aboard the World Navigator and World Voyager.  “Our 2028 Arctic season reflects a deliberate expansion of our Arctic expedition portfolio, offering guests more choice, more depth and more ways to...