Wärtsilä has launched NTPRO 7, a next‑generation bridge and ship‑handling simulator designed to support maritime training. According to a press release, it has been developed to deliver realistic, immersive training environments that support advanced ship‑handling, navigation and decision‑making training in various operational scenarios. Following piloting and validation over the last two years, including a recent statement of compliance from DNV, the simulator is expected to become commercially...

Cunard has announced that all four of its ships will come together in Liverpool for the first time on May 16, 2028. The Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and Queen Anne will unite on the River Mersey, marking the first time the full fleet of four has ever assembled. In a press release,...

Princess Cruises and Holland America Line are joining forces to provide $175,000 in 2026 to help rebuild an American Legion Post in Ketchikan, Alaska. After more than 85 years at the same location, the Joseph T. Craig, Post 3 building was destroyed by arson in September 2023, according to a statement. The organization provides support to Ketchikan’s veterans, their families and the broader community. “At Princess Cruises, we are deeply...

Windstar Cruises’ Wind Star has completed the second and final stage of the company’s Setting Sails refurbishment project. This redesign is meant to bring a more refined, modern feel to the experience aboard the 148-guest vessel, which celebrated its 40th anniversary of operation earlier this month. The ship is now the first in the Wind Class fleet to complete Phases 1 and 2 of the refurbishment program, the company said in a statement. The Wind Surf is scheduled to complete Phase 2...

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is reintroducing its “Classical Music Meets Meditation” format aboard the Europa in 2027, the company said in a press release. The combination of classical music and guided mindfulness will be available during a 12-day journey from Santa Cruz to Cape Town sailing November 6-18, 2027. The Swiss CHAARTS ensemble, soprano Marlis Petersen and Italian composer and violinist Francesca Guccione will create a concert setting that will serve as backdrop for daily yoga, meditation and bodywork sessions. The combination is expected to enable guests to...

SeaDream Yacht Club announced its summer 2028 Mediterranean season, with 24 new voyages between May and October aboard the SeaDream II. The ship will be repositioned from Northern Europe to deliver a full season spanning 12 countries and more than 70 ports of call, due to what the cruise line said in a statement is an extraordinary demand for its Mediterranean program....

StarCruises has presented its “Knows Hong Kong Best” itinerary, envisaged as a staycation and getaway experience for Hong Kong travelers.  The Star Voyager will be sailing from Hong Kong’s Ocean Terminal for a series of two-, three- and five-night Cruises to Okinawa in Japan, Vietnam and the coastal cities of Penghu and Keelung.  The two-night High Seas Cruise also departs every Friday night and returns Sunday in the afternoon, according to a statement. ...

Leanna Lakes has been appointed to the newly created role of technical and marine operations director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, the company said in a press release. She will oversee the captains, quality and resource and port operations, and the management of the company’s technical colleagues in Norway. Fred. Olsen added that the position has been created to provide strategic and commercial leadership...

P&O Cruises has unveiled what it says is its biggest ever summer program, with 215 new cruises on sale, departing from March to October 2028. Sailing from Southampton and on fly-cruises from Malta, the summer program will visit 121 destinations in 29 countries, with 64 overnight calls and 69 late evening departures that are expected to give guests more time to explore...

The Marella Discovery II arrived at the DP World Limassol’s cruise terminal for the first time this year, marking the start of Cyprus’ 2026 cruise season.  This is where the ship will homeport for the season, with 26 calls scheduled between April and November, according to a statement.  The ship is sailing an eight-day itinerary with stops at Kusadasi, Mykonos, Piraeus, Souda (Crete) and Rhodes before returning...

Atlas Ocean Voyages revealed a new Assurance Program for 2026 European expeditions that enables guests to cancel their trips and get full reimbursement. Thanks to the initiative, eligible voyages can be cancelled for any reason up to 15 days before departure, with guests receiving a 100 percent cruise fare value as Future Cruise Credit (FCC),...

Azamara Cruises has unveiled a new lineup of original stage productions developed in partnership with RWS Global to be introduced across its fleet. It includes two brand-new shows exclusive to the Pursuit and two shows to be gradually rolled out across the fleet: the Journey on May 21, 2026, Quest in November 2026 and Onward...

Princess Cruises’ newest ship, the Star Princess, completed its first-ever transit of the Panama Canal. This marks a significant moment in the ship’s inaugural season, the cruise line said in a press release. “A Panama Canal transit is a true ‘must-do’ journey for travelers around the world, and it’s especially meaningful when one of our newest ships makes this iconic...

Adora Cruises has revealed the inaugural itineraries for its latest vessel, the Adora Flora City, with sales scheduled to open on May 20, 2026. According to a press release, the vessel will depart from Guangzhou Nansha International Cruise Home Port on her five-night maiden voyage, calling on Hong Kong and Chan May, Vietnam. The maiden...

Hurtigruten has highlighted seaweed as a sustainable ingredient used in various products onboard. The cruise line said in a press release that the ingredient, which is deeply rooted in Nordic food, is featured in many dishes, beverages such as gin, beer and tea, as well as bath and body products. “Seaweed has become an exciting expression of modern Norwegian cuisine – flavorful, versatile, and deeply connected to...

Funchal’s cruise terminal in Madeira handled 335,748 passengers in the first quarter of 2026, representing a 24.79% increase compared to the same period last year. In a press release, Paula Cabaço, CEO of Madeira Ports (Portos da Madeira) and chair of the Port Authority of the Autonomous Region of Madeira (Administração dos Portos da Região...

Atlas Ocean Voyages has presented the suite collection for the Atlas Adventurer, scheduled for launch in late 2028. Portuguese studio Oitoemponto designed the suites divided into three categories for the 400-guest luxury expedition sailing ship, according to a statement. The design is said to reflect the Art Deco spirit of 1930s cruise ships, featuring materials including polished marble, high-gloss mahogany and hand-finished metals. “Atlas Adventurer represents a pivotal step forward for our brand and for expedition travel,” said James...

Global Ports Holding (GPH) showcased its North European cruise port network at a press conference held during a Miami Beach industry event. The portfolio encompasses ports in Scotland, Liverpool and Bremerhaven. In a press release, GPH explained that it continues to see a substantial cruise ship orderbook and growing demand across Northern Europe, which it says reinforces the long-term potential of the region. Greenock Cruise Port Greenock Cruise Port’s deep-water berth...

Silversea has unveiled its 125-day World Cruise 2029 onboard the Silver Whisper called “A Pacific Awakening.” Sailing from San Diego on January 5, 2029, the world cruise will explore more than 60 destinations in 19 countries, spanning Polynesia, Micronesia, Melanesia, Australia, Asia and New Zealand. In a press release, Silversea shared that the voyage will feature six signature events and one included overland experience. “The depth and variety of experiences around...

Commuting along the Norwegian coast is set to become more eco-friendly with the addition of new P-12 electric hydrofoil vessels. Norway’s Boreal has ordered 20 of these vessels from Sweden’s Candela Technology, the latter said in a press release, noting that this will mark the world’s largest electric fleet to date. “Candela P-12 is the...