In March 2020, the cruise industry faced a major setback due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving passengers stranded worldwide. Today, Carnival Corp is leading the industry’s recovery with strong bookings for 2025. Despite rising costs, the company exceeded profit expectations in the fourth quarter. CEO Josh Weinstein is optimistic about the future.
Irish Ferries faced challenges with their Dublin-Holyhead ferry route due to terminal damage. They opened a new route to Fishguard, but it was also temporarily shut down. Collaborating with Stena Line and Welsh government, they found alternative solutions. Despite setbacks, they are working to address disruptions in freight and passenger transport.
More than 100 passengers and crew fell ill with symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting on a Princess Cruises ship, the Ruby Princess. The CDC confirmed the norovirus outbreak and stated that such incidents are not unique to cruises. Measures were taken to isolate the sick and increase cleaning on board.
In August 2024, SEA-LNG highlighted the importance of distinguishing fact from opinion in their blog post. MSC Cruises faced scrutiny over their claims about using LNG as a cleaner fuel, with Opportunity Green challenging the portrayal of fossil LNG as green. Despite ongoing debates, SEA-LNG remains optimistic about LNG’s potential to reduce GHG emissions.
Michael Virgil, a 35-year-old man, passed away aboard Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas after being subdued by the security team following an outburst. The cause of death is still unknown, and steps are being taken to protect the privacy of those involved. Virgil leaves behind a wife and 7-year-old son.
A Royal Caribbean cruise departing from San Pedro, California, turned chaotic when a drunk passenger caused a violent scene on the Navigator of the Seas. The incident occurred just an hour after the ship set sail for Ensenada, Mexico. Despite the security team’s efforts, the incident marred what was supposed to be a celebratory vacation.
Former Filipino crew member and social media influencer Rinell Banda is advocating for the cruise industry to give all crew members at least one day off per month. His plea, shared with his 456,000 Facebook followers, has gained significant attention. Banda believes this change could greatly benefit the well-being and efficiency of crew.
According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), Europe dominates the cruise ship industry with 97% of ships built and 98% on order set to be constructed on the continent. The estimated €57 billion investment from 2024 to 2036 highlights Europe’s leading role in cruise ship construction, with Italy, Germany, and France at the forefront.
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) recently published a report on an engine room fire on the ro-ro passenger ferry Stena Europe near Fishguard, Wales. The fire, originating from a main engine, was caused by pressurized fuel spraying onto a high-temperature exhaust pipe. Recommendations were made for improved safety measures and crew training.
A video showing a tense moment as a large yacht named Aurora collided with the docked cruise ship Allure of the Seas has been circulating on social media. Passengers onboard witnessed the luxury vessel approaching and making contact with the massive cruise ship in Nassau harbor, causing concern and visible damage.
Austal Philippines has successfully delivered a 32-meter catamaran named ‘Ocean Master’ to Rottnest Fast Ferries in under twelve months. The vessel, designed by Incat Crowther, underwent sea trials in November 2024 before being accepted by representatives. President Wayne Murray praised the team for exceeding expectations in constructing high-quality vessels efficiently.
Exquisite manners, often associated with being British, can sometimes create issues on a cruise. Publicly praising dining room staff can lead to other guests requesting special treatment without notice, frustrating crew members. Being overly chatty can delay duties and cause tensions. Showing appreciation or offering help may not always be welcomed.
In 2023, European Union ports experienced a significant rise in maritime passenger traffic, totaling 395.3 million passengers, a 5.8% increase from the previous year. Italian and Greek ports played a key role in this growth, with Italian ports leading the way with 85.4 million passengers, followed by Greek ports with 75.0 million passengers.
The Greek parliament passed a bill to increase taxes on short-term rentals and hotel accommodations, along with a levy on cruise ship visitors, to address economic impacts of natural disasters worsened by climate change. With extreme weather events straining public finances, the government aims to generate 400 million euros annually through these tax adjustments.
P&O Cruises is under fire as former passengers file a lawsuit, claiming inadequate cleaning practices. An outbreak of gastroenteritis on the cruise ship Ventura has affected passengers, prompting precautions. Despite the cruise line’s efforts to maintain health standards, concerns arise over recurring incidents and potential gaps in protocols.
