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Mitsui’s Nippon Maru Makes Final Call at Yokohama

The Nippon Maru recently made its final call to the port of Yokohama before being withdrawn from service by Mitsui Ocean Cruises. Wrapping up a 36-year sailing career, the 600-passenger ship bid farewell to the Osanbashi Yokohama International Passenger Terminal on May 10, 2026. “We are truly honored that Yokohama was chosen as the location...

TUI Cruise Segment Posts Strong Numbers Despite Iran War Impact

TUI Group’s cruise segment delivered strong first-half 2026 financial results, with underlying EBIT climbing 25.9 percent year-over-year to 163.5 million euros, even as the ongoing conflict in Iran weighed on operations and occupancy during the second quarter. The company operates the TUI Cruises, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and Marella Cruises brands. Second-quarter underlying EBIT reached 80.3 million...

Le Commandant Charcot Completes Upgrades at Damen Shipyard

Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot recently completed a drydock at Damen Shipyard in Brest, France. According to the facility, the 2021-built vessel underwent a range of work including blasting and painting of the hull. Designed with a PC2 hull, the LNG-powered icebreaker saw the application of new hull coating, which is said to enable withstand regular...

Scenic Eclipse I and II Berth Bow-to-Bow in Seville

Seville Cruise Port witnessed a “bow-to-bow” berthing of two ships at Muelle de las Delicias.  According to a statement, the milestone took place on May 9 and 10 between the Scenic Eclipse I and Scenic Eclipse II.  “Seeing both Scenic Eclipse yachts docked together in Seville is a proud moment for our team and a clear indicator of the port’s potential,” said Beatrice Rasmini,...

MSC Cruises and Eni Prove Biofuel’s Readiness for Cruise Ship Engines

Testing by Eni and MSC Cruises has confirmed the technical feasibility of using biofuel in its pure form to power cruise ship engines, the cruise line said in a press release.  During the tests with Enilive’s HVO (Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil) diesel, one of the MSC Opera’s engines was powered for approximately 2,000 hours with pure HVO.  No engine modifications were made, while performance and emissions data...

Adora Mediterranea Enters Drydock in Zhoushan for Major Refurbishment

The Adora Mediterranea has entered a scheduled drydock at COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry (Zhoushan) Co., Ltd. for a 10-day maintenance and upgrade project. The vessel docked at the shipyard’s No. 2 drydock on Wednesday, May 7. Marine engineering firm Peak Ocean is overseeing the interior refurbishment work under a contract procured by Columbia Cruise Services on behalf...

MSC Poesia Kicks Off Alaska Season from Seattle

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)....

Atlas Adventurer’s Inaugural Season Revealed

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...

Trio of Cruise Ships Remain Laid Up in China as Market Challenges Persist

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.”...

Ushuaia Port Workers Warn 2026-27 Antarctic Season at Risk

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...

Alcoholic Beverages Temporarily Not Available at Disney’s Lookout Cay

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...

Scenic Taking President’s Cruise to Seine in 2027

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...

Swiss SailGP Team Debuts New Explora Look in Bermuda

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...

Crystal Serenity Heading to Drydock in October

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 Visiting 600 Ports in 100 Countries in 2028–29 Season

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...

Upgraded Silver Spirit Welcomes Guests Back in Europe

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...

Azamara: Investing in Existing Fleet and More Markets

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 Inks Shanghai Rolex Masters Sponsorship

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....

Adora Mediterranea to Sail 25 Voyages from Tianjin in 2026

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 Hosts Largest Anchor Conference Yet

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 Honors Travel Advisors with Campaign, Giveaway

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 to Temporarily Stop Serving Alcoholic Beverages at CocoCay

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...

Lindblad Cuts Food Prep Waste Up to 75%

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...

HX Expeditions Offers Guest and Advisor Deals for 130th Anniversary

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 Introduces New Private Label Wine and Beer Selection

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...
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