ABS has signed a letter of intent with United Waterways (UW) to establish a joint venture (JV) with River Academy, UW’s training and education subsidiary. The aim of the JV is to provide crew training programs across the European inland barge, river cruise and coastal vessel sectors, ABS said in a press release. “River Academy has earned a strong reputation for developing the skilled crews that this industry depends on,...

Adora Cruises will take delivery of its new cruise ship, the Adora Flora City, ahead of schedule. Based on an agreement with Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipyard, the vessel will be delivered on November 6, 2026, the company said in a press release. The ship will then launch international routes from Guangzhou, capital of south China’s Guangdong Province. Adora’s CEO Roger Chen said: “We are now fully focused on the early...

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) floated out the Norwegian Aura during a ceremony held on April 16 at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. Now that the external hull construction is complete and the ship has touched water for the first time, work will continue on the ship’s interior development, according to a statement. Said to be the...

Oceania Cruises has shared new details of La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France, its dining venue debuting aboard the Oceania Sonata next year. In a press release, Oceania described La Table as the most exclusive fine dining venue at sea, noting that it will offer an experience that embraces classic French techniques and innovative pairings to only 18 guests. “At Oceania Cruises, our dedication to cuisine is rooted...

Royal Caribbean Group has launched the Royal Caribbean Group Foundation to advance change through global and regional partnerships and community-based solutions. In a press release, the company described the Foundation’s creation as a formal expansion of its commitment to strengthening ocean communities around the world. Its inaugural pledge supports the creation of the Emergency Medicine...

The Riverside Mahler will make her debut for Riverside Luxury Cruises in 2028, according to a press release. Joining her sister-ship, the Riverside Debussy, she is slated to sail itineraries on the Rhine, Main, Moselle and Danube rivers. “This is the next chapter for Riverside. Introducing Riverside Mahler gives us the opportunity to take everything...

Colombia’s cruise industry is expanding, with cruise passenger arrivals increasing by more than 20% in the 2025–26 season. The industry generates approximately $50 million annually and plays a key role in local economies, according to a press release. One of the reasons for this expansion is thought to be the interconnection between biodiversity, culture, sustainability and community in the country. “Colombia offers a cruise portfolio as diverse as its...

Atlas Ocean Voyages will open bookings for the maiden season of its new sailing yacht, the Atlas Adventurer, on May 20, 2026. According to the company’s president and CEO, James A. Rodriguez, reservations will open first for the members of the brand’s loyalty program, the Atlas Yacht Club. The general public will be able to...

Explora Journeys will become the title partner of the Switzerland SailGP Team, the company announced at a press conference in Miami Beach. According to the brand’s president, Anna Nash, the partnership will highlight Explora’s European roots and values while increasing the company’s exposure in different parts of the world. As part of the deal, the...

ABS has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Meyer Group’s Alfred Maritime to explore technical projects. According to a statement, the deal establishes a framework for collaboration across three key areas: fleet performance and health monitoring, maintenance optimization and safety and emergency systems. “ABS is committed to helping shape the future of cruise vessel safety, reliability and performance. We are pleased to join Alfred Maritime in this agreement...

Scenic Group has shared new details about 2028 plans for three ships: the Emerald Xara, Scenic Eclipse II and Scenic Ikon. More details about the itineraries for the Xara and Ikon have been unveiled in a press release, while the Eclipse II is set to expand its global deployment. In 2026, the company debuted the Emerald Kaia earlier this month, while the Emerald Astra will follow May. 2027 will see the addition of the Emerald Lumi, Emerald...

Princess Cruises has released what it says is its most expansive Asia deployment ever, bringing together its 2027-2028 Southeast Asia and 2028 Japan program. In total, the season features 96 departures across 61 itineraries visiting 55 destinations in nine countries, with now two ships homeporting in Japan, the company said in a press release. “This is...

CruisePAL’s IssuTrax module, a maintenance and cruise guest service automation tool system, has been deployed aboard the Four Seasons I yacht, the company said in a statement. Designed to streamline onboard communication and issue resolution, it officially went live on March 20, 2026, during the vessel’s maiden voyage. “We are honored to partner with Four Seasons Yachts during this landmark moment in their history. Launching IssuTrax in tandem with their first guest voyage demonstrates the robustness of...

Holland America Line today announced a $500 million Evolution refurbishment program to upgrade six vessels across its fleet. The initiative was announced by the company’s President and CEO, Beth Bodensteiner, during an industry event in Miami Beach. According to Bodensteiner, the program will be the largest fleet update program in the company’s 153-year history. The...

With six cruise ships currently stuck in the Persian Gulf, MSC Cruises is pushing the idea that those vessels could be used to evacuate their own crew members out of the area. Speaking in Miami Beach on Tuesday morning, MSC Group Cruise Division Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago said the situation remained fluid. “The reality is...

Versonix has announced an AI strategy for Seaware, its reservation platform, to help cruise lines respond faster with real-time intelligence. According to a press release, the strategy is meant to enhance pricing and forecast accuracy, accelerate insights and decision-making and improve conversion and guest experience. “Cruise commerce is becoming a real-time game where speed and confidence in decision-making are critical,” said Yuri Polissky,...

StarCruises presented what it says are enhanced summer itineraries aboard the Star Voyager departing from Hong Kong’s Ocean Terminal to destinations across Asia, according to a press release. Sailing between July 3 and August 30, 2026, the itineraries are said to be designed to offer more discovery and flexibility onboard and ashore. Bookings will open...

The 2026 cruise season at Port of Cork officially started on April 13 with the arrival of the AIDAluna on its maiden call to Cork Harbor. This is the first of 93 vessels and over 175,000 passengers scheduled to visit between April and November. Eleven cruise ships are also scheduled to visit Bantry Bay Harbor...

Michael Marino has been appointed to the newly created role of chief marketing and growth officer at Margaritaville at Sea. In a press release, the company said Marino will spearhead its growth strategy during a period of rapid expansion, leading trade partnerships and distribution strategy, along with charter and group sales, direct marketing and contact center operations. “I’m incredibly excited to welcome Michael to Margaritaville at Sea as we embark...

The Four Seasons I has completed her maiden voyage in the Mediterranean, with Anglo Eastern Cruise Management Inc. (AECMI) as its technical ship management partner. In addition to this, AECMI shared in a statement that it covered safety and regulatory compliance and crew recruitment and training services. Neil McNeil, managing director, AECMI, said: “From the outset, close cooperation with Malta Flag (Transport Malta), the shipowner and the classification society...

Adora Cruises’ Adora Magic City is scheduled to operate international sailings from Shenzhen as its homeport during this summer season for the first time. In a press release, the company said it expects this deployment to further deepen its presence in the Greater Bay Area (Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao) and inject new momentum into the development of Shenzhen’s cruise market. “We are delighted to bring Adora Magic City to Shenzhen this summer to meet...