Nicko Cruises has announced that Star Chef Johann Lafer, an official culinary ambassador of the company, will come onboard three river ships sailing the Danube in May 2027. As part of the exclusive “ship-hopping” concept, the celebrity chef will provide a culinary barbecue highlights on the Viktoria, Bolero and Celina, with a menu specially developed...

HX Expeditions is extending its HX Greenland Promise to cover all sailings to the region in 2027.  Originally launched in January, the deal now applies to all Greenland sailings in 2026 and 2027, giving guests and trade partners greater confidence when planning travel, the cruise line said in a press release.  It allows guests to transfer to another HX voyage, receive an additional 20 percent Future...

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions announced in a press release that it is offering guests a 50 percent reduced deposit on all active voyages departing October 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027. The limited-time offer is in response to increased demand for future travel, and the company aims to make it easier for guests to plan and...

Atlas Ocean Voyages has expanded its commercial team with the recent appointments of three veteran cruise industry professionals whose expertise will support the company’s continued growth, trade partner engagement and luxury market positioning. Joining the organization are Rod Gadala as vice president of revenue management, Nicole Aguirre as regional sales director, South-Central U.S. and Dorothea...

Mercedes-Maybach has selected the Lloyd Werft Bremerhaven shipyard to build its 72-guest Beyond Horizons superyacht, the centerpiece of its Maybach Ocean Club concept. The concept is conceived as an invitation-only private members’ club centered around a superyacht, which is planned to be delivered in 2030. A preliminary agreement for this next phase of the project...

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines recently promoted a new captain as Paolo Togonon will take over the helm of the Bollette. According to a social media update, Togonon has been serving as staff captain onboard the 2000-built vessel. Fred. Olsen said that the new captain began his maritime career in 2004 as a deck cadet, after...

Velarca, an Isola Corvus company, launched the Velarca Explorer, a 32-guest, 100-meter-long luxury expedition newbuild concept developed in response to a shifting expedition market, on June 19, 2026. The company said that the expedition market is being shaped by tighter environmental expectations, evolving guest behavior and increasing demand for quieter, less congested forms of exploration....

Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas recently kicked off a year-round cruise schedule out of the port of Tampa. After completing a winter season offering short cruises to the Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale, the 90,000-ton ship is now operating four- and five-night voyages to the Western Caribbean. In addition to one or two full days...

Explora Journeys has unveiled the destination experiences that will be available during its inaugural summer 2027 Alaska season.  Fourteen departures are scheduled from May to September 2027 for the brand’s first season in the region.  Operating the itineraries will be the Explora III, which recently completed sea trials in the Mediterranean, ahead of her July 24 launch.  “Marking an exciting new chapter in our destination portfolio, the inaugural Alaskan...

Holland America Line is introducing the “Farewell Dinner” as a new experience for guests to celebrate the end of their trip. Held in the Main Dining Room on the final evening of each voyage, the experience will feature a specially curated menu, the cruise line said in a statement. Complementing the meal will be the...

Waterways Leisure Tourism, the parent company of Cordelia Cruises, has announced that it has fixed the price band at Rs. 769/- to Rs. 808/- per Equity Share, with a face value of Rs. 10/- each, for its maiden initial public offer. The Initial Public Offering (IPO or Issue) of the company will open for subscription...

The Alexandria Port Authority celebrated calls of two cruise ships in early June: the Aroya and the Regent Seven Seas Grandeur. Officials were onsite to welcome both vessels, with representatives from the Alexandria Port Authority and other governmental entities, including the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Tourism and the Egyptian Tourism Authority. Following a...

Holland America Line’s has announced that the Rotterdam will sail its first season in the Mediterranean in fall 2027. There will be five new itineraries, spanning the Western and Eastern Mediterranean, the cruise line said in a statement. The 10- and 11-day voyages will call at destinations such as Lisbon, Naples, Kotor, Rhodes and Alexandria,...

Viking’s the Yidun departed Shanghai on June 5 on a 60-day sold-out repositioning voyage to Barcelona, marking the line’s first Mandarin-language transcontinental itinerary, according to a statement. The ship reached her first stop in the voyage which was Hong Kong followed by Singapore on June 12 (pictured). The ship last visited Singapore in January this...

Royal Caribbean is offering a series of perks for guests willing to change or cancel their bookings for the June 19, 2026, cruise onboard the Voyager of the Seas. “We are looking to see if you and your travel party have flexible travel arrangements. If your plans are set in stone, please mark this email...

Celebrity Cruises recently cancelled one of the sailings scheduled to take place onboard the Celebrity Equinox in 2027. According to a statement sent to booked guests, the August 12, 2027, departure will no longer go ahead due to a full-ship charter. “We understand that this is not an ideal situation, and we truly apologize for...

Mystic Cruises’ Atlas Adventurer is in the tank testing phase ahead of its construction at the China Merchants shipyard in China. According to an update shared by CEO Mário Ferreira, a scale model of the vessel’s hull was built to study its hydrodynamics. The testing is aimed at identifying potential areas for enhancements and improvements,...

As Australis rounded out its 35th anniversary season in Patagonia, the Chilean expedition cruise line is seeing strong passenger demand, a recovering European market, and a broadening demographic, according to the 2026 Expedition Market Report by Cruise Industry News. Felipe Castro, who oversees North American sales for the brand, said that sourcing is strong globally,...

Margaritaville at Sea Cruise Line is adding three original production shows to the entertainment offering aboard its upcoming ship, the Beachcomber.  Designed exclusively for the ship launching in January 2027, the shows will run multiple times per sailing, the cruise line said in a statement.  “Live music and original entertainment have always been central to the Margaritaville at Sea experience and are one of the ways...

Azamara Cruises has unveiled its June Flash Sale valid for select 2026 and 2027 sailings.  Thanks to the promo, guests can get a discount of up to 20 percent on certain sailings, as well as up to $750 in onboard credit.  The offer is valid for new and individual bookings made June 16–30, 2026, and...

Crystal has released renderings and additional information about The Bistro on The Crystal Grace. Located on Deck 5, midship, this venue offers an elegant, relaxed setting for a morning beverage or an afternoon snack. The company said that guests will enjoy a curated selection of coffee, tea, light snacks and sweets available throughout the day,...

Brett Milutin has been named chief operating officer (COO) of the Galveston Wharves. In addition to the new title, he will continue serving as executive deputy port director, Port of Galveston said in a press release. “This new title reflects the important and growing role that Brett plays in overseeing day-to-day port operations, including the...

Bookings are open for Oceania Cruises’ new 2028 and 2029 program featuring more than 230 itineraries across the globe. Ranging from seven to 180 days, sailings include more than 60 overnight port stays in cities such as Copenhagen, Lisbon, Bangkok and Bali, but also smaller ports like Seville and Malé. With more than 80 Mediterranean...

Carnival Cruise Line, Starboard and Diageo have partnered to introduce a limited-edition Bulleit Bourbon as part of their celebration of America’s 250th anniversary this year. The single-barrel bourbon will be available exclusively in retail stores on 14 Carnival ships this summer. This collaboration complements Carnival’s planned A250 summer celebrations honoring America’s 250th anniversary from sea...

The “Gatsby Nights at sea” short cruise along the Cote d’Azur is returning to Hapag-Llyod’s Europa. Following what the cruise line said was a successful 2026 launch and enthusiastic guest feedback, the short cruise “Savoir vivre on the Cote d’Azur – with Gatsby Nights at sea” will be back May 27–31, 2027. “Our guests’ response...

New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) is looking for fund administrators to manage the Manhattan Cruise Terminal Community Fund (MCTCF).  As stated in a press release, the MCTCF is financed through a $1 per passenger fee collected from cruise lines operating at the terminal.   NYCEDC expects total funds for MCTCF to reach around $2 million by the end of 2026, with...

Port Tampa Bay has upgraded its cruise terminal infrastructure with three new passenger boarding bridges. The new bridges, two at Cruise Terminal 2 and one at Cruise Terminal 6, are designed to accommodate multiple vessel configurations and boarding heights, according to a statement. This is expected to enable various types of ships to call at...

Hurtigruten has relaunched the Vesteralen with a unique onboard concept inspired by the company’s 133-year history sailing the Norwegian coast, bringing this heritage to life throughout the guest experience. The ship now features historic details, coastal artwork, classic design references and tributes to ships and crew that have shaped Hurtigruten’s legacy. Menus take inspiration from...

AIDA Cruises will again be the event sponsor for Kiel Week in 2026, which will run from June 20-28, 2026. The company said in a press release that the AIDAnova will call on the port of Kiel during the week on June 20 and 27, and that the AIDAbella will call on June 21. The...

Ponant Explorations has unveiled its 2028 Arctic season, which is now open for booking. Sailing from May to October 2028, the season will feature more than 35 departures operated by four ships. The itineraries will be accompanied by polar activities including guided excursions, hiking, polar plunging, kayaking and more, as well as wildlife sightings, Ponant...

Adora Cruises announced that it will operate three additional departures in December 2026 aboard the Adora Magic City that do not call at any overseas port. The new sailings follow the news of pricing strength for cruises to nowhere in China. The sailings are scheduled for December 11, 18, and 25, each departing Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal...

The Harmony of the Seas returned to Europe in late May, kicking off a season in the Western Mediterranean following a five-year hiatus. As part of Royal Caribbean International’s summer deployment in the region, the Oasis-class vessel is scheduled to offer a series of seven-night cruises to Spain, Italy and France. Passengers can board the...

The Port of Galveston has announced a plan to develop new facilities on Pelican Island, creating a new LNG bunkering site for cruise and cargo ships. According to a press release, the initiative is part of a $40 million project to create a multi-use berth that will also support cargo and shipbuilding operations, in addition...

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has licensed Versonix Seaware, a reservation and voyage management platform. “We are honored to partner with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, a brand that has set the standard for luxury hospitality worldwide,” said Yuri Polissky, COO of Versonix. “Luxury is defined by exceptional experiences delivered with effortless precision, and Seaware was built...

Swan Hellenic’s Minerva has earned the DCA ESG Certification from Dream&Charme, an internationally accredited certification body specializing in hospitality. The audit was conducted onboard by Giorgio Caire di Lauzet, CEO of Dream&Charme. The certification recognizes the company’s and the vessel’s dedication to environmental, social and governance excellence. The audit took place during the Hiroshima-to-Otaru cruise...

Century Cruises and United Waterways have confirmed the delivery of the river cruise vessel, the Century Star, from Dutch shipbuilder Concordia Damen. The newbuild is designed specifically for European waterways and underscores a strategic partnership that combines Century Cruises’ customer base and brand recognition with United Waterways’ European operating platform and infrastructure. United Waterways said...

Royal Caribbean unveiled six artists whose work will be featured on its upcoming ship, the Legend of the Seas, debuting in Europe in July 2026.  Emerging artists from across the Caribbean and Central America will debut original, destination-inspired artwork throughout the ship, as part of the cruise line’s Artist Discovery Program.  “Since its introduction on Icon of the Seas, the Artist Discovery Program has continued to...

Aman at Sea is looking into adding Madeira in its itineraries, Administration of the Ports of the Autonomous Region of Madeira (APRAM) said in a press release.  The potential collaboration was discussed during the 68th MedCruise General Assembly, taking place June 9-12 in Palermo, Italy  “One new cruise line, Aman at Sea, operating within the premium luxury segment, expressed interest in including Madeira in its...

The Hanseatic Spirit underwent its first scheduled drydocking for Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, spending 10 days at Lloyd Werft in Bremerhaven. The ship got a fresh coat of paint and public spaces were refurbished to align with the “inspired by nature” design concept, according to a statement. “Hapag-Lloyd Cruises enjoys a trusting partnership with Lloyd Werft in...

The Mitsui Ocean Fuji will offer a 47-day voyage to the South Pacific from its homeport in Japan in early 2027. According to Mitsui Ocean Cruises, the South Pacific Paradise Cruise will be highlighted by visits to 13 destinations, including ports in Australia, Tahiti, Guam and Fiji. The company added that the voyage was designed...

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has presented its new Autumn/Winter 2027 program. It features 20 sailings departing between October and December 2027, allowing guests to see the Northern Lights in Arctic Norway, explore Morocco and the Mediterranean, or enjoy a festive escape, from Christmas markets to Caribbean island-hopping. It includes four maiden calls for the cruise...

HX Expeditions (HX) has announced its first-ever Artist in Residence program, launching with writer and novelist Katie Hale. The initiative is designed to bring creative perspectives onboard selected sailings, giving guests new ways to engage with the places they visit while supporting the arts. Gebhard Rainer, CEO of HX, said: “By introducing artists on board...

Dream Cruises partnered with Mrs. Malaysia Tourism Pageant 2026 to host the pageant’s talent show segment aboard the Genting Dream. Ten finalists showed their talents before a panel of judges, one of whom was Genting Dream’s Captain Johan Bohman, according to a press release. “At Dream Cruises, we are always looking for new ways to...

The Chinese cruise market has been marked by a pricing divergence this year between two product types: the conventional international itineraries visiting South Korea and other destinations, and the newly introduced cruises without port calls. The latter are commanding a pricing premium. Traditional South Korea voyages remain volume drivers for the season. Early-bird pricing for...

Former Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) CEO Frank Del Rio has opened the discovery phase of his lawsuit against the company, serving a set of document demands on the company, three former directors and the compensation consultant that advised on his exit package. The requests, filed June 12 in the Circuit Court of the Eleventh...

The board of directors of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) has named Jeremy Dunn as its new chief executive officer (CEO).  Effective July 7, 2026, he will replace Don Krusel, who served as GVHA’s interim CEO since December 2025.  Krusel is set to return to his position on the GVHA Board, GVHA said in a press release.  “Victoria has a unique harbor with unique opportunities. I’m excited...

Holland America Line has announced that the Oosterdam will be positioned for a rare sunset eclipse viewing on August 12, 2026, off the coast of Spain, as part of a 13-day cruise departing Lisbon, Portugal, on August 9, that is open for booking. Astronomers have predicted that travelers who choose to view the solar eclipse...

MSC Cruises has released new images of its upcoming flagship MSC World Asia, highlighting The Spiral @ Tree of Life experience, which is set to become the longest dry slide at sea. Currently under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, the new flagship will begin Mediterranean cruises from December 4, 2026....

The 68th MedCruise General Assembly has come to a close in Palermo.  Starting on June 9 and ending on June 12, this year’s edition of the event hosted by the Port System Authority of the Sea of Western Sicily drew more than 240 participants.  As shared in a press release, 27 cruise lines were in attendance, and more than 700 B2B meetings were held, a record for a MedCruise General...

Atlas Ocean Voyages is launching Atlas Inner Circle, a new referral program rewarding past and new Atlas guests. Thanks to this, guests who refer a first-time Atlas traveler will get a $250 Future Cruise Credit per suite once the referred guest books and sails on their inaugural voyage. Guests sailing with Atlas for the first...

Azamara Cruises unveiled its 2027 Overland Experiences collection, allowing deeper exploration of destinations that its ships sail to.  The collection features 18 journeys across seven countries.  With enhanced programming, expanded access to destinations and small-group experiences, it is designed to foster connections with the places guests visit, the cruise line said in a press release.  “The Overland Experiences for 2027 invite...

Singapore Cruise Centre has announced that it will relocate all ferry and cruise operations to its new Singapore Cruise Centre (HarbourFront) terminal in two phases starting in July 2026. Jacqueline Tan, CEO of Singapore Cruise Centre, said, “Regional travel continues to play an important role in how people connect and conduct business across the region.”...

Carnival Cruise Line issued a video update to inform guests of the current hurricane season, which started on May 15, 2026. Hosted by the company’s weather contributor, Amy Sweezey, the forecast says that fewer and weaker hurricanes are expected this year. “The big weather story for this season is that El Niño is making a...

Royal Caribbean announced that it has celebrated a construction milestone for the seventh Oasis-class vessel with a keel-laying ceremony at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. The event marks the start of assembly of the company’s new ship and kicks off the next two years of construction ahead of its anticipated 2028 debut....

Jamaica’s tourism sector is entering a new era of transformation under the banner of Tourism 3.0, a strategy aimed at repositioning the destination for sustained growth, enhanced competitiveness and greater benefits for Jamaican workers and communities. Speaking at the opening of CTO Caribbean Week in New York, Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett underscored the resilience...

Galataport Istanbul is celebrating the arrival of Aroya Cruises at its cruise terminal for a second homeporting season. According to a social media update, the Aroya arrived at the port in early June for a series of 15 cruises departing from Istanbul. Visiting various destinations in Turkey, the operation will have significant impact on the...

A petition asking the Mexican government to bar Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day Mexico project recently hit five million signatures. Published on the Change.org platform, the petition was created in late May and asks Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo to stop the development. First announced in late 2024, the project aimed to build a new private...

The Carnival Legend arrived in Europe earlier this month to operate Carnival Cruise Line’s summer season in the region. Concluding a trans-Atlantic crossing that started in Miami in late May, the Spirit-class vessel docked at its new homeport of Dover on June 7, 2026. The ship is now offering a series of nine- to 12-night...

This World Ocean Month, Star Clippers has encouraged travelers to celebrate the seas with its marine-focused itineraries. The company said that World Ocean Month, celebrated in June, serves as a meaningful reminder of the responsibility shared by travelers and the tourism industry alike. Officially observed each year on June 8 as World Oceans Day, the...

A new 24/7 public access defibrillator funded by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has been unveiled in Rosyth, Scotland. Guests and team members across the fleet and the cruise line’s UK office raised funds for the Norfolk-based charity Heart 2 Heart, with the installation supported by Cruise Forth, a volunteer-led organization promoting cruise tourism in and...

Adora Cruises launched its “Ahoy Shanghai, Nóng Hǎo Shanghai” city experience for the crew of the Adora Magic City on June 8.  Departing from Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal, nearly 100 international crew members explored Shanghai’s landmarks, such as Yu Garden (City God Temple area), Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and the Bund.   In a press release, the cruise line singled out a flash mob performance at the North Bund waterfront...

TUI River Cruises will sail its first-ever music-themed sailing, “Rewind on the Rhine,” this fall.  The three-night itinerary onboard the TUI Skyla will combine cruising through the castles, vineyards and riverside towns surrounding the Rhine in Germany with music programming featuring hits from the ‘70s and ‘80s.  According to a statement, the cruise will depart Frankfurt on November 18, 2026, sail down the Rhine and stop in Koblenz and Rüdesheim, before returning to Frankfurt on November 21, 2026.  “This themed cruise...

Disney Cruise Line’s first two-ship season in Alaska is underway. Marking the company’s largest deployment in the region, the cruise program includes the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder. The vessels arrived in the region in May, kicking off a series of cruises departing from Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada. The Disney Magic started its...

Carnival Cruise Line is introducing a new design for its Sail & Sign cards, as well as a new milestone recognition system as part of the new Carnival Rewards loyalty program. In a recent interview with the company’s Brand Ambassador John Heald, President Christine Duffy detailed the changes. “We know how important it is to...

Signature Travel Network welcomed top-performing members aboard the Azamara Quest for its annual Member Appreciation Cruise through the South of France, according to a press release. The weeklong voyage featured calls in Nice, St. Tropez, Cannes, Provence and Sète, offering members a firsthand experience of the Azamara product alongside fellow members and Signature team members....

AIDA Cruises has announced the 2027 edition of its Festival Cruise, with bookings now open. Combining cruising and a music festival, the fourth edition of this sailing will take place May 24–29, 2027, aboard the AIDAperla, the cruise line said in a statement. During the roundtrip voyage from Hamburg to Sweden and Denmark that includes...

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has revealed its Spotlight Collection of immersive sailings for 2027. The collection features seven voyages that cover a range of themes, from wellness and genealogy to gastronomy and wine, with accompanying programming. In a press release, the cruise line singled out its first-ever wellness-focused cruise in partnership with Elemis aboard the...

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has unveiled a promo that entails half‑price premium drinks packages on selected autumn and winter 2026-27 sailings aboard the Bolette, Borealis and Balmoral.  For new bookings made by July 30, 2026 (inclusive), on selected sailings departing between October 2026 and January 2027, the premium drinks package is available from £20 per person per night.  It includes beverages ranging from cocktails and premium spirits to wines, beers, soft...

The Douglas Mawson of Aurora Expeditions made her maiden call at the Port of Caen-Ouistreham in France from June 5 to 7, coinciding with the 82nd anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, according to the port. The call took place alongside the Clio of Grand Circle Cruise Line, which was making a turnaround...

Celebrity Cruises’ eight-ship summer season in Europe is now underway, following repositioning voyages of six ships. Joining the Celebrity Infinity, which has been sailing in the region on a year-round basis, the vessels recently completed trans-Atlantic crossings to the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. The highlight of the season is the Celebrity Xcel, which completed the...

The Gemini was reportedly arrested in Greece due to Miray Cruises’ debts with DenizBank, a Turkish financial institution. According to HaberDenidez.com, the seizure of the 1992-built ship was confirmed earlier this week after a hearing by a Greek court. Initially set to kick off its summer season in the Eastern Mediterranean in late May, the...

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has collaborated with Approach Guides to provide travel advisors with personalized, co-branded marketing content and a fully co-branded version of ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com, reinforcing its commitment to the advisor community. The company said in a statement that since launching in 2022, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has introduced a distinct expression of luxury travel...

The Greek island of Santorini recently implemented new rules for cruise operations, changing the proportion of passengers who can disembark at specific piers. While a pier for large vessels is not available at the destination, cruise ships can tender passengers to different ports. In its recent ruling, the local government determined that only 30 percent...

Mat McLachlan History Cruises has announced the launch of an inaugural D-Day Anniversary River Cruise aboard AmaWaterways’ AmaLyra. The voyage will consist of an eight-day Paris-to-Normandy sailing along the Seine through France, departing June 3, 2027, fully escorted by an expert Historian, with two exclusive days exploring the D-Day landing beaches on the anniversary of...

Cunard has launched a sweepstakes that offers travelers the chance to win passage on the Queen Mary 2’s 450th transatlantic crossing this November, according to a press release. “Transatlantic travel is the foundation of Cunard’s rich heritage and remains one of the most iconic experiences in luxury travel today,” said Liz Fettes, senior vice president,...

Fincantieri and TUI Cruises celebrated the delivery of Mein Schiff Flow at the Monfalcone shipyard. The vessel is the second of two next-generation InTUItion-class cruise ships, designed for dual-fuel operation (liquefied natural gas and marine gas oil). “With the delivery of Mein Schiff Flow, we celebrate a new milestone in our collaboration with TUI Cruises...

Aurora Expeditions has recorded strong growth from the North American market for its 2025-26 Antarctic season, the cruise line said in a press release. Its U.S. bookings increased by 37 percent year-over-year, with travelers from the region accounting for one in three Aurora expeditioners last season. By comparison, the broader North American Antarctic market grew...

Marella Cruises has unveiled PJkini, said to be the world’s first hybrid outfit between a pajama and a bikini. Designed to take guests from cabin to pool to restaurant without having to change, the outfit is meant to encourage them to embrace guilt-free relaxation while on holiday. The cruise line said in a press release...

AIDA Cruises is reportedly cancelling most of the visits to the Greek island of Santorini scheduled for the AIDAblu in 2027. Five of the six calls planned for the summer season will no longer go ahead, according to a report by Schiff und Kreuzfahrten. The visits were part of a series of seven-night cruises to...

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ Great Stirrup Cay paid around $840,000 in environmental penalties for Covid-era environmental infractions, according to a report by The Tribune. The amount was revealed by Zane Lightbourne, the Bahamas’ Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, in what is described as a rare public disclosure of the value of an environmental enforcement...