Mario Salcedo, known as ‘Super Mario’ in cruise circles, has spent the last 25 years living on cruise ships. Recently, he celebrated his 1,000th voyage with Royal Caribbean, showcasing an unparalleled level of customer loyalty. Salcedo revealed that he spends approximately $101,000/£81,000 annually on cruises, opting for a cabin with a balcony.
Fincantieri and Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings LTD celebrated the launch of “Four Seasons I” at the Ancona shipyard, marking a significant milestone in luxury cruising. With its residential-style design and exclusive suites, the ship promises to redefine opulence at sea. The vessel’s innovative design and focus on sustainability set a new standard for luxury cruising.
The mayor of Nice, France, is pushing for a ban on large cruise ships in the bay between Nice and Villefranche due to concerns of overtourism and pollution. Christian Estrosi aims to limit ships with over 900 passengers or 190 meters in length, focusing on smaller, luxury vessels to preserve the city’s image.
Francesco Schettino, the captain of the ill-fated Costa Concordia cruise ship, is seeking early release from his 16-year prison sentence in Italy. The tragic incident in 2012 claimed 32 lives and led to significant changes in the cruise industry. Schettino’s petition for release has sparked mixed reactions and protests.
The Asuka III, the first Japanese-flagged cruise ship in 35 years, is a symbol of growth in the Japanese cruise market. With luxurious amenities and a focus on Japanese preferences, the ship will offer a unique experience for passengers. Its construction in Germany marks a new chapter for Japanese cruise operators like NYK and MOL.
The cruise industry is currently facing outbreaks of norovirus and other gastrointestinal illnesses, with Silversea Cruises’ new ship, Silver Ray, being the latest affected. Despite its smaller size, the ship is experiencing an unidentified outbreak as it sails from Lima to Fort Lauderdale. Enhanced sanitation measures are in place to contain the spread of the illness.
The port of Nassau in the Bahamas has broken its record for the highest number of passengers passing through its cruise port. With the introduction of a new cruise terminal, Nassau is capitalizing on the short-duration cruise market. The port’s ability to accommodate mega cruise ships has led to a surge in visitors.
The Vizag International Cruise Terminal (ICT) in Visakhapatnam is set to open in March, costing Rs 96.05 crore. It can accommodate 2,000 passengers and has various facilities. Discussions with major cruise lines are ongoing. The Vizag Port also completed the Vizag International Cruise Terminal (VICT) to attract more ships and boost tourism in the region.
A second outbreak of gastrointestinal illness has hit the Queen Mary 2 cruise ship, with 138 passengers and 12 crew members falling ill. The CDC is investigating the cause, which may be norovirus. This is the fifth outbreak in December 2024, raising concerns about the safety of cruise ship travel during the holiday season.
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.
