On Monday morning, the interisland ferry Trisha Kerstin 3 sank near Basilan Province, resulting in at least 15 fatalities. The vessel had departed Zamboanga City with 332 passengers and 27 crew members. As of Monday, 317 individuals were rescued, but 28 remain unaccounted for. The cause of the sinking is under investigation.
Amsterdam’s coalition government is re-evaluating its stance on cruise ships, initially planning to limit their presence. Now, eliminating them entirely by 2035 is on the table due to rising pollution concerns. With environmental activists pushing for change, the city may restrict ocean-going ships to one per day starting in 2026.
Coroner Monica Chow Wai-cho indicated that the choice to exclude a watertight door from the Lamma IV was deliberate, labeling the resulting deaths as “unlawful.” This decision, linked to a significant inquiry, has left families of the victims pushing for further justice, citing ignored design flaws in the ferry’s construction.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Transportation and Construction Engineering, Ltd. (MHI-TC) has successfully delivered the Mitsubishi Marine Bridge (MMB) to Yokohama City. This innovative mobile seaport passenger boarding bridge enhances safety and comfort for cruise passengers, featuring autonomous driving technology and a flexible docking system, while promoting environmental sustainability.
The recent turnaround of Celebrity Millennium at Mumbai’s Ballard Pier underscores the city’s ability to meet global cruise standards while retaining its local charm. With 2,062 guests onboard, this event demonstrated Mumbai’s capacity for high-volume cruise operations, enhancing hospitality and efficiency, and signaling potential for future lucrative itineraries in the Arabian Sea.
Interferry is calling for an immediate freeze on the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) for the ferry sector, advocating to maintain the current 70% emissions surrender obligation until 2025. CEO Mike Corrigan stresses that the maritime sector shouldn’t bear financial burdens until road transport is included and clear fund allocation regulations are established.
On January 19, 2026, Meyer Turku shipyard began production of the fifth Icon Class vessel for Royal Caribbean Group. The steel-cutting ceremony marked the start of over two years of construction. Scheduled for delivery in summer 2028, this ship will enhance the Royal Caribbean fleet with innovative holiday experiences.
Staff on Carnival Cruise Lines’ Australian ships reportedly earn as little as $2.50 per hour, far below the minimum wage, while working over 10 hours daily. The Maritime Union of Australia claims this exploitation targets impoverished workers, who endure harsh conditions, often working up to 300 hours a month without daylight.
Kenya is experiencing a surge in cruise tourism, thanks to a new multiple-entry Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. This streamlined process has attracted over 2,000 international tourists aboard luxury ships like the MV Azamara Journey, significantly boosting local economies and enhancing Kenya’s reputation as a premier maritime destination.
Fremantle Ports is leading Australia’s initiative to sustainably manage ship-generated waste by trialing recycling methods for materials from cruise ships. Historically, stringent biosecurity regulations have complicated recycling efforts, often resulting in valuable materials being sent to landfills. Fremantle’s advocacy aims to set a precedent for improved practices nationwide.
A recent norovirus outbreak aboard Holland America Line’s Rotterdam cruise ship affected nearly 90 individuals, including both passengers and crew. Symptoms primarily included gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea. The cruise line notified the CDC, which confirmed the outbreak, prompting enhanced cleaning and isolation measures to contain the situation.
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is closely monitoring the geopolitical situation in Venezuela, particularly recent airspace closures. Despite these challenges, the region’s tourism sector remains resilient. With smooth cruise and air travel, strong advance bookings, and a commitment to hospitality, the Caribbean invites travelers to explore its diverse offerings.
Newfoundland and Labrador’s cruise ship industry is booming, with over 100,000 passengers visiting last year. The season, running from March to October, is the longest in history. New ports like Trinity and Bonavista are now certified, expanding opportunities for rural tourism and highlighting the region’s unique culture and landscapes.
The luxury river cruise ship Nicko Vision became stranded on the Danube with nearly 200 passengers as they prepared for New Year’s Eve. Low water levels, about 9 inches below normal, hindered rescue efforts. Passengers initially traveled by bus to Budapest but later rejoined the cruise, continuing toward Bratislava.
The cruise ship Coral Adventurer has been detained in Papua New Guinea after running aground near Dreghafen Point. Despite listing slightly, no damage or pollution has been reported, and all 124 personnel are safe. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has raised concerns about the vessel’s seaworthiness and compliance with safety regulations.
