The cruise industry is evolving with ultra-large ships like Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, the second-largest globally. Weighing 248,663 gross tons, it features 20 decks and 2,805 staterooms, accommodating 7,600 passengers. Designed as floating theme parks, these vessels offer diverse activities, dining, and entertainment experiences.
Oceania Cruises recently celebrated the delivery of its new ship, Allura, from Fincantieri in Genoa, Italy. This vessel, part of a $9 billion order for four larger ships, emphasizes enhanced culinary experiences. Allura accommodates 1,200 passengers and features diverse dining options, including the brand’s first Creperie.
Under the Cruise Bharat Mission, Gujarat plans three cruise circuits along its coast, featuring destinations like Diu, Jamnagar, and Dwarka. Clusters include Padala Island and routes connecting historical and cultural sites within 100 km. The Gujarat Maritime Board is enhancing infrastructure and promoting sustainable cruise tourism growth.
The Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2), launched in 1967, symbolizes British craftsmanship and maritime innovation. Now docked in Dubai, it offers guided Heritage Tours, allowing visitors to explore its storied past. With original furnishings and a preserved engine room, the QE2 remains a captivating narrative of maritime history and design.
Crew members aboard the Norwegian Prima have received seven days of free basic internet access due to ongoing complaints about slow speeds. Despite high-speed Starlink capabilities, many struggle to use basic messaging apps, leading to frustration. While the complimentary package is a step forward, crew members seek a permanent solution.
Crew members aboard the luxury cruise ship Azamara Onward are under makeshift quarantine due to a gastrointestinal illness outbreak. They won’t disembark in Saint Tropez on July 5, 2025, as they cannot ride tenders with guests. While fewer than 10 guests reported symptoms, no crew members are confirmed ill.
Indonesian maritime services and police are searching for survivors after the interisland ferry KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya sank near Bali on July 3. Six bodies have been recovered, with 29 survivors found, while about 30 remain missing. Witnesses reported the ferry tilting and taking on water before sinking.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal celebrated the luxury cruise ship MV Empress’s arrival in Vishakhapatnam, marking a significant milestone for Andhra Pradesh. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and other officials emphasized expanding cruise tourism, projecting economic benefits and job creation while enhancing maritime infrastructure at various ports across the state.
Over the weekend, a father and daughter were rescued after the girl fell overboard from the Disney Dream cruise ship during a Bahamas trip. The father jumped in after her, and Disney’s crew swiftly ensured their safe return. This incident highlights the importance of advanced overboard detection systems on cruise ships.
India is set to collaborate with ASEAN to establish cruise tourism routes in the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal, announced Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. During the ASEAN-India Cruise Dialogue, discussions focused on enhancing connectivity, improving port infrastructure, and fostering sustainable tourism across the Indo-Pacific region to boost maritime cooperation.
On June 29, a dramatic incident unfolded aboard the Disney Dream cruise ship when a child fell overboard. The crew’s swift response, prompted by the emergency “Mr. M.O.B.” alert, led to the successful rescue of both the child and her father, who jumped in after her, highlighting the crew’s commitment to safety.
The Visakhapatnam Port Authority has launched premium domestic cruise services from its state-of-the-art International Cruise Terminal, enhancing coastal tourism in India. The luxury Cordelia Cruise is set to embark on its maiden journey on July 2, 2025, optimizing passenger experiences and establishing Visakhapatnam as a key maritime hub.
In 2004, Mike Watts began his journey with Princess Cruises, focusing on shore power systems that would revolutionize emissions in the cruise industry. Over two decades, his company, Watts Marine, led North America in this technology, culminating in Seattle’s Port achieving full shore power capabilities by September 2024, significantly reducing air pollution.
Mano Maritime is organizing two special cruise voyages to repatriate Israeli citizens stranded in Cyprus, using the luxury cruise ship Crown Iris. Each round trip will take about 15 hours, with tickets priced between €399 and €650. Enhanced security measures will ensure a safe return amid the ongoing regional tensions.
A coalition of seven councils and two tourism organizations in New South Wales has formed a partnership to enhance opportunities in the cruise industry. Led by the Port Authority of NSW, the initiative aims to expand travel routes, showcasing regional highlights like the Central Coast’s beauty and Hunter Valley’s wineries.
