Royal Caribbean has appointed Sailor as the chief dog officer (CDO) for the upcoming ship, Star of the Seas, following the success of Rover on Icon of the Seas. The new ship will offer waterparks, dining options, and a refreshed Empire Supper Club. Legend of the Seas will debut in 2026.
On February 26, 2025, the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Brilliance of the Seas rescued 11 refugees stranded in the Gulf of Mexico. Discovered adrift in an overcrowded boat, they were in desperate need of help. The ship’s crew swiftly launched a rescue operation, providing essential care and coordinating with authorities.
Passengers and crew aboard the Crown Princess faced chaos during a 14-day voyage when the ship listed to one side in strong winds. Tables overturned, people were thrown about, and items scattered. Despite minor injuries, Princess Cruises assured no structural damage and continued the voyage as planned, prioritizing safety and quick response.
The mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, initially opposed large cruise ships due to overtourism concerns. He now proposes daily limits on cruise ship port calls starting July 1. Critics argue Nice can only accommodate luxury ships, while the industry fears financial losses. A compromise plan allows smaller ships to visit, balancing health and economic interests.
Eighty-eight individuals aboard Holland America’s Eurodam cruise ship in the Caribbean were affected by a norovirus outbreak, marking the fifth incident since December. Symptoms included vomiting and diarrhea. The crew quickly implemented increased cleaning measures and isolated affected passengers. The Vessel Sanitation Program is monitoring outbreaks across cruise lines.
Resorts World Cruises has announced the return of StarCruises and Dream Cruises, two iconic Asian cruise brands. After using the Resorts World Cruises brand temporarily post-Covid, the company will now focus on reinforcing StarCruises and Dream Cruises as pioneers in the cruising industry. The fleet will transition under both brands, with Genting Dream.
The first LNG bunkering for cruise passenger ships in Asia Pacific was successfully completed at the Singapore Cruise Centre, a milestone for the industry. TotalEnergies Marine Fuels, V.Ships, and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines delivered LNG to Silversea’s Silver Nova, ensuring compliance with safety standards for smooth operations. Industry leaders highlighted the significance of collaboration and readiness.
The ‘Vizag Cruiser’ is set to launch within the next one to two months, offering a unique sea-based cruise experience off the Visakhapatnam coast. With the MV Sai Vaishnavi cruise ship catering to various events and activities, tourists can expect packages ranging from early morning coffee to sunset tours and even scuba diving excursions.
On a recent Royal Caribbean cruise, passengers were thrilled to encounter two unexpected furry stowaways: a pair of ducks. Initially mistaking them for decorations in the ship’s Central Park, travelers quickly captured the charming duo’s antics, turning them into the unofficial stars of the voyage and sparking joy among everyone.
The cruise industry is staging a strong comeback post-pandemic, with Carnival Corporation reporting record revenues in December 2024. CEO Josh Weinstein noted a $700 million revenue increase over initial projections. As demand rises, major players like Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line invest in new LNG-powered vessels to enhance fleet capabilities and sustainability.
American Cruise Lines recently christened their newest small ship, American Legend, in Key West, Florida. The ceremony took place at Mallory Square during one of their popular 8-Day Florida Gulf Coast & Keys cruises. The event included speeches, plaque exchanges, and a traditional bottle smash with the ship’s Godmother, Mayor of Key West.
Since its 2015 launch, the all-electric ferry MF Ampere has journeyed 17 times around the equator on battery power, showcasing electric technology’s potential. Reducing CO2 emissions by 5,700 tons annually and cutting operational costs by up to 90%, it has inspired global initiatives for sustainable maritime transport and electrification.
In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, Jayaram Bhogi’s research on edge computing in maritime connectivity is revolutionizing cruise ship operations. By integrating agile methodologies and advanced technologies, Bhogi addresses challenges like high latency and bandwidth limitations to enhance passenger experiences and operational efficiency. His work sets a new standard for digital transformation in the maritime industry.
Austal Australasia, a subsidiary of Austal Limited, has secured a contract worth A$265 to A$275 million from Gotlandsbolaget of Sweden for a 130-meter hydrogen-ready vehicle passenger ferry. This high-speed ROPAX catamaran will feature a unique propulsion system with gas and steam turbines, aiming to redefine commercial ferry capabilities with a focus on sustainability and efficiency.
Cruise expert Lucy Southerton, with almost a decade of experience working on cruise ships, cautions passengers against removing gratuities from their bills. She stresses that gratuities are crucial for crew members’ wages, not just extra earnings. Fellow expert Gary Bembridge suggests budgeting for basic gratuities and tipping exceptional crew members in cash for a more rewarding experience.
