Brodosplit Shipyard is facing local backlash over plans to restore the asbestos-containing cruise ship, Moby Drea. Community concerns prompted a government order for its removal, reflecting heightened sensitivities to asbestos due to past health issues. Despite assurances of safety, the ship must leave Croatian waters by early September.
Fincantieri has successfully completed sea trials for Princess Cruises’ second Sphere-Class ship, the Star Princess. Conducted from August 9 to 12, the trials tested navigation and propulsion systems in the Adriatic Sea. Scheduled for delivery, the ship’s inaugural cruise departs Barcelona on October 4, accommodating 4,300 passengers and 1,600 crew.
The Saudi Red Sea Authority has introduced new regulations to enhance the recreational yachting sector. All yachts must comply with safety protocols, including mandatory safety equipment and crew training for emergencies. The rules also prohibit pollutant discharge, aiming to promote sustainable tourism and improve access for all passengers.
At just nine, Dakarai dreams of navigating the seas like his fisherman father. Attending LJM Maritime Academy’s summer camp in Nassau, he discovers the vast maritime opportunities in The Bahamas. Inspired by lessons in navigation and engineering, he declares, “I want to wear a white-on-white cadet suit in the future.”
Italian yacht builder Riva has introduced its largest superyacht, the 54Metri, measuring 54 meters and designed by Officina Italiana Design. This all-aluminium vessel features sporty lines, four decks, and luxurious interiors with natural teak and marble. Accommodating 10 guests, it includes a beach club with a 5-meter pool.
HDF Energy, Neuman & Esser, and GIZ have signed a letter of intent to explore green hydrogen solutions for decarbonizing maritime transport in Indonesia’s small islands. This initiative aims to develop sustainable ferry systems powered by hybrid hydrogen and battery technologies, supported by a feasibility study under the International Hydrogen Ramp-Up Program.
A 29-year-old man received a suspended prison sentence for allegedly igniting a garbage can on the cruise ferry Viking Grace, carrying over 1,000 passengers. The fire self-extinguished, causing no damage. He claimed intoxication from a Christmas party impaired his memory, but surveillance footage confirmed his involvement, leading to a guilty verdict.
What if the true essence of cruising lies not on land but at sea? Costa Cruises redefines luxury with unique experiences like “Sunset Infinity” in Santorini and “Abisso” in the Calypso Trench. Each moment blends art, music, and nature, crafting profound memories that linger long after the journey ends.
V.Ships Leisure has secured a five-year ship management contract with Marella Cruises, managing five cruise ships starting in late 2025. This partnership will enhance local expertise in the UK and utilize V.’s ShipSure platform for efficient fleet management. The collaboration emphasizes sustainability and digital innovation in cruise operations.
Ecotourism is increasingly popular as travelers prioritize sustainability. Activities like scuba diving not only allow exploration of marine ecosystems but also support local economies and conservation efforts. With an estimated $20 billion generated annually, this sector fosters community engagement and environmental stewardship, highlighting its potential as a sustainable economic model.
A Royal Caribbean crew member died after allegedly stabbing a colleague and jumping overboard aboard the Icon of the Seas near San Salvador Island. The 35-year-old man attacked a 28-year-old woman before fleeing into the water. He was later found unresponsive and pronounced dead, while she remains in stable condition.
The Israeli-owned cruise ship Crown Iris faced protests during its stop in Syros, Greece, where around 1,600 passengers, including many children, were aboard. Initially scheduled for a six-hour visit, the port call was canceled due to demonstrators blocking access, raising safety concerns and prompting the ship to divert to Cyprus.
The captain of the Indonesian ferry Barcelona V has been named a suspect after a fire off Talisei Island led to a chaotic evacuation. Investigations reveal discrepancies in the passenger manifest, with 280 listed but 575 accounted for. Authorities are probing the captain and crew for potential emergency protocol violations.
The RMS St. Helena, a beloved vessel, connected the remote island of Saint Helena until its retirement in 2018. After serving various roles, it was announced in 2024 that the ship would be repurposed for expedition cruises, offering unique adventures to the Antarctic Peninsula, blending history with modern exploration.
Viking Cruises plans to tap into the tourism potential of the Brahmaputra River with its new ship, Viking Brahmaputra, launching by the end of 2027. Developed by Hooghly Cochin Shipyard, this initiative reflects the growing global interest in India’s waterways, supported by significant investments and infrastructure improvements from the IWAI.
