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Disney Dream Has Arrived in Europe for Summer Season

The Disney Dream recently crossed the Atlantic for a summer season in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. Returning to the region after a two-year hiatus, the Disney Cruise Line vessel arrived in Spain in early May. The ship’s summer schedule initially includes a series of cruises in Southern Europe, with itineraries departing from Barcelona and...

Royal Caribbean’s Ovation Drops Scenic Cruising Near Hubbard Glacier

The current cruise aboard the Ovation of the Seas is dropping planned scenic cruising near Hubbard Glacier, according to a letter sent to guests onboard. After departing from Vancouver on Friday, May 15, 2026, the one-way cruise to Alaska was scheduled to visit the area on Thursday, May 21. According to Royal Caribbean’s statement, the...

Carnival’s Surplus Meal Donation Program Expands to Latin America

Carnival Corporation has donated meals in Roatán, Honduras, making the destination the first in Latin America to receive food as part of its meal donation program.  According to a statement, 210 portions of prepared, unserved meals from the Carnival Jubilee will be distributed to local partners serving communities in need.  “Expanding our surplus meal donation program to Latin America is an important step in our Less Left Over strategy and...

AmaWaterways Launches Week-Long Memorial Day Sale

AmaWaterways has launched its Memorial Day Sale, covering around 300 departures across Europe and Colombia.  Available May 20-27, the deal covers select 2026 and 2027 sailings and applies to bookings in the U.S. and Canadian markets, according to a statement.  It combines the company’s Complimentary Land Package offer with savings of up to $2,500 per stateroom for U.S. guests and up to C$3,000...

Crystal Grace to Feature Dedicated Crew Recreation Area

Crystal Cruises has unveiled a dedicated crew recreation area aboard the Crystal Grace, its newest ship coming in 2028. Set on deck 12, the crew recreation area will include a crew gym featuring Technogym equipment, a sundries shop, bar, table seating area and lounge with a 98-inch television indoors.  This will be complemented with sun loungers, a jacuzzi and shower area outside, according...

Dalian Port Kicks Off 2026 Cruise Season with Maiden Call of Vision

The 2026 cruise season in the three northeastern provinces in China officially started on May 12 as the 105,000-ton Vision made its maiden departure from Dalian Port, carrying approximately 3,300 passengers. The Vision, operated by Tianjin Oriental International Cruise Company, is the first vessel over 100,000 tons to use Dalian as its homeport. It set sail...

Booking Open for Holland America Line’s 2028 Grand Voyages

Holland America Line opened bookings for its two 2028 Grand Voyages that the cruise line announced in late April. The Volendam’s 129-day Grand World Voyage will include a full Antarctic Experience and cruise South America’s waterways, including the Chilean Fjords, Glacier Alley and Beagle Channel.  The Zaandam’s 90-day Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage will explore the South Pacific, New Zealand and Australia, according to a statement.  Both ships will call at Bora Bora, making this the...

Seabourn Honors Encore’s First Alaska Season with Local Flavors

Seabourn has created an Alaska-inspired culinary program to offer an even more immersive experience for the Seabourn Encore’s first Alaska season. The Encore made its maiden call at Vancouver and started the line’s 2026 Alaska season on May 14, 2026. A series of seven- to 14-day voyages will be offered between Vancouver and Juneau from May to September 2026. “Seabourn Encore’s Alaska season...

Hurtigruten’s Midnatsol Resumes Service After Refit

Hurtigruten’s Midnatsol recently debuted updated features and refreshed public areas after undergoing a drydock in Northern Europe. After pausing its service in Norway earlier this month, the 2003-built vessel entered drydock at the Örskov Shipyard in Frederikshavn, Denmark. The company said that the refurbishment was quite a logistical and organizational challenge, noting that guests can...

Costa to Offer New Mediterranean Itinerary in 2027

Costa Cruises will introduce a new itinerary in the Western Mediterranean as part of its 2027 summer season. Focusing on destinations in Italy and France, the new seven-night cruise will be operated by the Costa Fascinosa. Sailing from multiple homeports, the itinerary features visits to La Spezia, Civitavecchia, Salerno and Messina, in addition to Toulon...

ACL Celebrating U.S. 250th Anniversary with Logo and Special Activities

American Cruise Lines is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States with a series of special activities across its fleet. As part of its “Celebrating 250 Years of America” campaign, the cruise line has introduced a program of onboard celebratory initiatives. Originally announced in February, the program is highlighted by a 250th-inspired game show...

U.S. Supreme Court Rules For Havana Docks Corporation Against Cruise Lines

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled 8-1 for Plaintiff, Havana Docks Corporation, in a $440 million lawsuit against four key cruise operators. “We conclude that the cruise lines used confiscated property to which Havana Docks owns the claim. Because the Court of Appeals concluded otherwise, it did not reach the cruise lines’ remaining arguments against...

Brilliant Lady Starts First Alaska Season for Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages is starting its inaugural Alaska season with the Brilliant Lady sailing from Seattle on May 21, the cruise line announced in a statement.  During the season running until September, the ship is set to sail 17 seven- to 12-night voyages to 12 destinations in Alaska.  “Alaska has always held a special place for me personally. The sheer scale of its landscapes, the richness of its culture,...

Jan Hutton Named Bermuda Tourism Authority CEO

The Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) has selected Jan Hutton as its next chief executive officer (CEO).  Once Hutton takes up the position on July 1, acting CEO Erin Wright will resume her role as chief operating officer (COO), according to a press release.  Hutton’s career spans more than two decades across the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific.  Her roles included managing director within Ogilvy...

StarDream Cruises Picks Versonix Seaware to Optimize Ops

StarDream Cruises has implemented Versonix’ Seaware platform into its operations. This next-generation reservation and revenue management platform combines AI, dynamic pricing tools and real-time business insights to support operations. Cruise lines can use it to make smarter pricing and inventory decisions and create more personalized guest experiences, according to a statement. “We are excited to...

MSC Gets Independent Methane Emission Certification for Two Ships

MSC Cruises has achieved independent verification and flag state recognition of actual methane emissions from two ships, the MSC World Europa and MSC Euribia. The certification was done in collaboration with Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore for the purposes of FuelEU Maritime compliance, with MSC noting in a statement that it is the first cruise...

P&O Cruises Launches Low-Deposit Deal for 2026–27 Sailings

P&O Cruises is offering low deposits on cruises across its fleet sailing from August 14, 2026, to December 31, 2027.  Thanks to the deal, a £49pp deposit applies to Select Price or Early Saver bookings made up to midnight on June 1, 2026, for sailings of three to 13 nights.  Additionally, a £99pp deposit is valid for longer sailings of 14-23 nights, P&O said in a statement.  The deal covers fly-cruise holidays to the...

Royal Caribbean’s Mariner to Sail in Mediterranean and Western Europe in 2027

The Mariner of the Seas is scheduled to sail in the Mediterranean and Western Europe during the summer of 2027. After being redeployed by Royal Caribbean International, the Voyager-class vessel will operate cruises departing from Portugal, Spain and Italy during that timeframe. Upon completing a winter season sailing from New Orleans, the 2004-built ship offers...

Regent Announces 2028-29 Deployment Featuring 238 New Sailings

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has unveiled its 2028-29 Voyage Collection, featuring 238 new sailings around the world on its fleet. According to a press release, the season is highlighted by three Grand Voyages, a 150-night World Cruise, and destination-rich itineraries in a range of regions, including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Caribbean. The company’s...

Azamara Cruises to Sail First Full Asia Season in 2028

Azamara Cruises has announced its 2028 spring, summer and fall sailings.  According to a press release, this will be the cruise line’s first full season in Asia.  With 33 sailings aboard the Azamara Pursuit, the Asia program introduces nine Combination Cruises, allowing guests to explore multiple countries including Japan, South Korea and China within a single extended journey.  “We are constantly refining our itineraries to deliver thoughtfully curated experiences for...

Mexico Rejects Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day Destination

Mexican authorities have rejected Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day Mexico project, citing environmental concerns about damage to the Mesoamerican Reef and coastal ecosystems. “It is not going to be approved,” said Environment Minister Alicia Bárcena at a May 19 press conference, according to Reuters. “The company is also taking steps to withdraw the project.” The decision...

Mitsui Ocean Cruises Reveals 27 New Japan Sailings for 2027

Mitsui Ocean Cruises has unveiled its 2027 cruise season aboard the Mitsui Ocean Fuji and Mitsui Ocean Sakura.  From February through September 2027, the cruise line will offer 27 new sailings to North American travelers, according to a press release.  Ranging from five- to 12-nights, they will showcase Japan’s landscapes and traditions, from snow festivals and cherry blossoms to summer fireworks and autumn harvests.  “With our newly released 2027 cruise season offered...

How Juneau Avoided an Overtourism Crisis While Growing Cruise Passengers

Juneau has achieved what most cruise destinations consider almost impossible. It’s grown its cruise passenger numbers more than three-fold over 28 years without triggering the kind of resident backlash now roiling Barcelona, Venice and many other ports. The Alaska capital welcomed approximately 500,000 cruise passengers in 1997, the year it launched its Tourism Best Management...

Philippines Projects 300 Percent Cruise Passenger Increase

Despite projecting a slight dip in overall ship calls for 2026, the Philippines is expecting passenger numbers to surge more than 300 percent year over year. According to Dr. Paulo Benito S. Tugbang, director for product development at the Philippines Department of Tourism, the country welcomed 24,855 passengers across 136 calls in 2025. “We had...

Silversea’s Alaska, Arctic Seasons Begin

Silversea kicked off its 2026 Alaska and Arctic seasons last week, according to a press release.  On May 14, guests joined the first Alaska voyage, while the Arctic season began on the following day.  “Silversea has a longstanding leadership in delivering deeply immersive experiences in over 900 of the world’s most remarkable destinations, including both polar regions,” said Bert Hernandez,...

Adora Cruises Sets Date for Flora City’s Maiden Voyage

The Adora Flora City will embark on its maiden voyage from the Guangzhou Nansha International Cruise Port on November 22, Adora Cruises said in a press release.  The maiden voyage will be a five-night journey to Hong Kong and Hue (Chan May), Vietnam.  After that, the inaugural season will run until January 2, 2027.  “Guangzhou has outstanding geographical advantages and enormous...

Oceanwide CEO: No Indication Hantavirus Linked to Vessel Conditions

Oceanwide Expeditions CEO Rémi Bouysset has issued a statement addressing the hantavirus outbreak aboard the Hondius, calling it “one of the most difficult situations in our company’s history.” “First and foremost, this was and remains a human tragedy,” Bouysset said in a May 19 statement. “Three individuals have lost their lives. Several others have become...

Ushuaia Port Workers Threaten Indefinite Blockades, Allege Safety Violations

Port workers locked out of the Port of Ushuaia since January have now confirmed they will further escalate protest actions during the 2026-27 Antarctic cruise season. They allege the port is operating under invalid safety certifications, potentially disrupting operations at the gateway to Antarctica for most expedition cruises, according to a new industry statement. Franco...

Micaela Fowler to Lead Holland America and Princess Government Affairs in Alaska

Holland America Line and Princess Cruises announced a leadership change in their joint Alaska and Yukon operations. Ralph Samuels is stepping down from his position as vice president of government affairs, effective June 2, 2026, after nearly 18 years of service, according to a statement. “Ralph’s steady leadership, integrity and deep understanding of our industry...

Hondius Arrives in Rotterdam; Two Voyages Cancelled for Cleaning

The Hondius arrived safely in Rotterdam on May 18 and has begun an extended cleaning and disinfection process, according to Oceanwide Expeditions. The vessel docked at 11:00 local time with no symptomatic individuals onboard. Twenty crew members and two medical staff from the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment disembarked and are...

Explora Sailing to 178 Destinations with Full Fleet in Summer 2028

Explora Journeys has opened sales for its Summer 2028 Journeys Collection. In a press release, the company said the new collection represents a significant expansion of its global presence, spanning 178 destinations across 27 countries. Explora noted that the season’s highlight would be the debut of the Explora VI in August 2028, bringing the fleet...

American Encore Christened in Idaho

American Cruise Lines held a christening ceremony for its newest riverboat, the American Encore, in Lewiston, Idaho, on May 12, the cruise line said in a statement.  The ship’s godmother is Cathy McMorris Rodgers, who represented Eastern Washington and the Snake River in Congress for 20 years.  Following an included hotel stay in Portland, Oregon on May 5, the...

Hapag-Lloyd Adds More Japan Sailings Through 2028 as Demand Grows

Hapag-Lloyd has highlighted Japan as one of its most popular itineraries, with the 2026 season now underway aboard the Hanseatic inspiration.  The cruise line said in a statement that additional Japan sailings aboard the Hanseatic spirit, Europa and Europa 2 were added for 2027 and 2028 due to strong demand.  Guests can explore all four of Japan’s main islands, Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and...

South Korea: Capitalizing on Passenger Surge

South Korea is welcoming record-breaking cruise passenger volumes, according to Lee Jong-Geun, deputy director of the Marine Leisure Tourism Division at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. With projections for 2026 already exceeding 1.8 million guests and 952 calls, the country is nearly doubling its numbers year over year. “That number was based on our...

Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas Completes Major Drydock

The Harmony of the Seas is ready to resume service after undergoing a major drydock refurbishment at the Navantia Shipyard in Cadiz. Completing the five-week refit project, the Oasis-class vessel sailed from the Spanish shipyard earlier this week. As part of the Royal Amplified initiative, the ship is set to welcome guests back later this...

Asia-Pacific Sees Largest Gain in 2026; Africa, South America Drop

With a growing cruise fleet, capacity is up in most sailing regions, although some are seeing a significant dip in 2026 from 2025, according to the 2026 Cruise Industry News Annual Report. The biggest percentage increase year-over-year is in the Asia-Pacific region which is seeing a 47 percent increase in cruise capacity from last year....

Ponant Extends Flexible Booking Program Through End of May

Ponant extended its flexible booking program through the end of May, according to a statement published on the company’s website. Originally announced for bookings in April, the “Serenity Policy” allows guests to change or postpone their cruises with no penalty. According to the company, the policy is now valid for all bookings made between April...

Celestyal Journey Makes Inaugural Call at Agios Nikolaos

The Celestyal Journey made her inaugural call at Agios Nikolaos, Crete on May 12, 2026.  According to a statement, this port will replace a stop that was previously made in Heraklion during Celstyal’s seven-night “Idyllic Greece” itinerary. Sailing roundtrip from Athens, the cruise calls at Kusadasi, Turkey; Rhodes; Agios Nikolaos; Santorini; Mykonos; and Milos.  “Agios Nikolaos has a growing role as a cruise...

Costa Cruises Unveils Flexible Booking Offer for Med Sailings

Costa Cruises has presented its “Change for Free” offer, allowing guests to plan their trips with more flexibility, according to a statement. Thanks to this, Mediterranean cruises booked by June 3, 2026, can be modified up to 30 days before departure, with no additional costs, subject to availability. The promo covers itineraries aboard the Costa...

MSC Euribia Kicks Off Northern Europe Season

The MSC Euribia has started its Northern Europe season, MSC Cruises announced in a press release.  The ship will take guests to explore Norway’s fjords sailing from Kiel and Copenhagen, stopping in Hellesylt/Geiranger and the Flaam village, among others.  Having been stranded in the Arabian Gulf for nearly two months, the ship was supposed to reposition to Northern Europe through Africa.  However, it ended...

Travel Agents Report Mixed Signals on Europe Cruise Demand for Summer 2026

Europe cruise bookings for summer 2026 now present a more complex picture than expected in 2025, with travel agents across the United States reporting divergent trends shaped by new geopolitical uncertainty, surging airfares and shifting consumer behavior. Denise Ambrusko-Maida at Travel Brilliant said that Europe cruise bookings for summer 2026 are strong and pacing ahead...

JAMVAC Director Representing Jamaica in Cine-Tourism Talks at Cannes

Executive Director of Jamaica Vacations Limited (JAMVAC), Joy Roberts, will participate in tourism and film industry events linked to the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, according to a statement. She will serve as panelist at the 7th edition of the Pavillon Afronova at the Cannes Film Festival, participating in a Cine-Tourism Panel focused on destination development,...

Norwegian Jade and Gem Resume Service Following Drydocks

The Norwegian Jade and the Norwegian Gem are back in service after recently undergoing routine drydocks. As part of Norwegian Cruise Line’s maintenance schedule, the ships spent time at shipyards in the Pacific Northwest and the Mediterranean, respectively. Now offering summer cruises in Alaska, the Norwegian Jade entered drydock in Victoria, Canada, on April 20,...

Seven Seas Prestige to Feature Custom Italian Suite Sleep Systems

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has partnered with Italian bedmaker Flou to bring its Leonardo Sleep Systems to the Seven Seas Prestige, launching in December 2026. Thanks to this, the ship’s “Distinctive Suites” categories (Seven Seas Suites up to Signature Suites) will get handcrafted mattresses. Furthermore, a bespoke custom mattress will be designed exclusively for the...

Heritage Expeditions’ Japan Voyages to Feature on Australian Travel Show

Heritage Expeditions’ Japan voyages will be featured on Australian travel show Travel Oz Global, the company said in a press release.  Premiering on Channel 10 at 9:30am (AEST), Sunday, May 17, season 8 episode 5, “Japan By Sea,” will star operations director and expedition leader Nathan Russ, alongside travel writer Susan Elliott.  Sailing aboard the Heritage Adventurer, they explore destinations such as Tokyo, Mt Fuji, Nagoya, Owase, Kochi, Shikoku Island, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Miyajima...

Hurtigruten Offers 10% Discount on Select 2027–28 Sailings

Hurtigruten has unveiled a promo for select 2027–28 season departures, which are now open for booking.  The cruise line is offering a 10 percent discount on select departures of its Original Voyages and the Signature Limited Collection itineraries launching in 2027 and 2028 when booked before June 21, 2026.  According to a press release, the discount applies to select departures from April 2027 through March 2028.  “Today’s travelers want more than a cruise; they...

Ginori 1735 Revamping Evrima’s Outdoor Spaces

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has partnered with luxury and lifestyle brand Ginori 1735 to enrich the spaces aboard the Evrima.  Custom-designed outdoor textiles and vibrant décor celebrating the art of travel will be featured on the ship as part of the Ginori Terrace Concept at sea.  A limited-time craft cocktail menu inspired by Ginori 1735’s Italian heritage will also be available, according to a statement.  Drawing inspiration from the marine world, the collection brings...

Lindblad Unveils Resource Hub for Travel Advisors

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions has launched a Travel Advisor Resource Hub, a centralized platform with resources for sales partners.  Designed to simplify how travel advisors do business with the brand, the hub brings together toolkits, digital assets and training materials, as well as latest news and direct access to the sales team, among other things.  In a press release, the cruise line said this marks a significant step forward in optimizing advisor workflows...

Seabourn Pursuit Delivers Cyclone Relief to Papua New Guinea Communities

The Seabourn Pursuit has delivered four tons of relief supplies to communities in Papua New Guinea that have een affected by Cyclone Maila during a stop in Alotau on May 11, according to the company. The donation included essentials like fresh produce, non-perishable food items, sheets, towels and other supplies sourced from the ship. The...

LTH-Baas Completes Cabin and Technical Projects on Ovation and Harmony

LTH-Baas has completed drydock projects on two cruise ships, including cabin installations on the Ovation of the Seas and exhaust system work on the Harmony of the Seas, according to the company. The Ovation of the Seas project, completed during a drydock in Singapore, included the installation of 26 new guest staterooms, including six suite...

Crystal Serenity to Host Music-Led Wellness Retreat in October

Crystal is adding a new Wellness at Sea Retreat aboard the Crystal Serenity, sailing roundtrip from Lisbon Oct. 11–17, 2026. The voyage will mark the debut at sea of Sanctum, a music-led movement practice that combines high-intensity training, breathwork and meditative movement into an immersive experience. Crystal said in a statement that the retreat will...

Fred Olsen Hosts International Women in Maritime Day Event Aboard Bolette

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines welcomed 39 female students aboard the Bolette in Liverpool to mark International Women in Maritime Day, according to a press release. The event, held in partnership with Liverpool Cruise Port, brought together students from Liverpool John Moores University, Hugh Baird College and Fleetwood Nautical Campus for presentations and a panel discussion....

Andy Saporito Becomes Strategic Advisor at TradeLaneTalent

Andy Saporito has joined TradeLaneTalent (TLT), an executive recruiting agency focused on the maritime, logistics transportation and supply chain sectors, as strategic advisor. He will work with the agency’s leadership to support its expansion and strengthen relationships across the maritime, port, transportation and logistics sectors, according to a press release. “I’m excited to join TradeLaneTalent...

MSC Seashore Gets Two Casual Dining Options

MSC Cruises is giving guests more dining options aboard the MSC Seashore thanks to the addition of two new fast-food concepts.  The two new venues – The Chicken Man and Red Cactus BBQ & Ribs – are included in the cruise fare and will complement the ship’s existing specialty restaurants, the cruise line said in a statement.  “We are proud to offer our guests a variety...

Viking Unveils All-Electric Coach for Land Excursions in Vienna

Viking has revealed its first fully electric motor coach, supporting a destination-focused shore excursion program in Vienna. In a press release, the cruise line said this makes it the first river line to operate a 100 percent electric motor coach for guest transportation in Europe. “We have always been deliberately concerned about the environment, which is why we design our ships thoughtfully to reduce fuel consumption. As...

Adventure and Encounter Complete First Year of Service for Carnival

The Carnival Adventure and Encounter have recently completed their first year of service for Carnival Cruise Line. The two vessels made their debut for the American brand in March 2025, following the shutdown of P&O Cruises Australia, where they were operating as the Pacific Adventure and Encounter. Originally built for Princess Cruises in the early...

Aurora Expeditions CEO Michael Heath Resigns After Four Years

Michael Heath has resigned as chief executive officer of Aurora Expeditions after four years leading the expedition cruise line, according to the company. “Aurora Expeditions confirms that CEO Michael Heath has made the decision to leave the business following a significant period of growth and transformation for the company,” the company said. “During his tenure,...

Port of San Francisco Celebrates Maiden Calls from Carnival and Virgin

The Port of San Francisco recently marked the maiden calls of the Carnival Luminosa and Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady. Dominic Moreno, the acting maritime director for the port, exchanged plaques with the captains of both ships to commemorate the occasion and honor their arrival. “The Port of San Francisco continues to contribute to the economic...

AmaWaterways Appoints Ex-Carnival Duo to CFO and Newbuild Roles

AmaWaterways has appointed Quinby Dobbins as chief financial officer and Stefano Negro as vice president of newbuild and maintenance. In a press release, the company said the leadership additions support its next phase of fleet growth and long-term operational scaling. “These appointments underscore our continued focus and investment in the future of AmaWaterways,” said CEO...

Seabourn’s 2026 Alaska Season Begins with Encore’s First Vancouver Call

The maiden arrival of the Seabourn Encore in Vancouver marked the start of Seabourn’s 2026 Alaska season and the first time the ship will sail in the region.  According to a statement, the ship will operate 17 voyages between Vancouver and Juneau ranging from seven to 14 days between May and September 2026.  As previously reported, each of these can be combined to...

IShowSpeed Showcasing Jamaica’s Cruise Tourism on Caribbean Tour

Jamaica Cruising, a cruise marketing brand of Jamaica Vacations Limited, is teaming up with global influencer IShowSpeed, who made a stop in Jamaica as part of his Caribbean tour.  The American Ghanaian content creator, whose full name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr., is sharing Jamaica’s locations, culture and experiences with millions of viewers worldwide, according...
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