Eckerö Line, a Finnish ferry company, partners with Neste to reduce emissions in the Baltic Sea by using renewable diesel made from waste materials. They aim to meet the emissions reduction requirement of the FuelEU Maritime regulation. Through various measures like speed adjustments and technical improvements, Eckerö Line is leading the way in sustainable maritime transport.
The FBI’s Los Angeles field office has issued safety tips for Americans traveling abroad for spring break, urging vigilance and precautions. More than 30 people fell ill on a Viking cruise ship, with symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea. Enhanced cleaning measures were implemented, and the CDC has reported thirteen gastrointestinal outbreaks this year.
StarCruises, a leading cruise brand in Asia, launched its revitalized Star Voyager from Thailand, marking a milestone for both the brand and the country. With a USD$50 million refurbishment, the ship offers a luxurious experience for Thai and international guests. The maiden voyage from Bangkok includes stops in Ko Samui and Singapore.
Holland America Line kicked off its 2025 season in Rotterdam with the arrival of the Nieuw Statendam, utilizing the port’s shore power system for the first time. VP Nico Bleichrodt praised the sustainability efforts and partnership with the port. The season will feature voyages to Europe, showcasing Dutch vendors and supporting local businesses.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched cruise operations at the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT) on April 21. He inaugurated key projects, including the renovated Fire Memorial and the revamped Sagar Upvan garden. The MICT, designed to accommodate 1 million passengers annually, aims to boost Mumbai’s cruise tourism status significantly.
The new Disney Adventure cruise ship, the largest for Disney, was floated out in Germany. With a gross tonnage of 208,000, it will be Disney’s first ship based year-round in Asia. Featuring the longest rollercoaster at sea, it will have a reduced passenger capacity of 6,700. Disney plans to expand its fleet to 13 ships by 2031.
The Philippine Coast Guard successfully rescued 506 passengers, including infants and children, from the grounded interisland ferry Lite Ferry Five during the busy Easter Holiday travel period. The ferry, which operates between Bohol and Cagayan de Oro, ran aground just offshore shortly after departure. No injuries were reported, and a marine assessment is ongoing.
DFNI is calling for entries for its new competition, Maritime Moguls, at the 2025 Cruise Conference in Barcelona. In partnership with HAL, HFDF, and the Cruise Retail Academy, one brand will have the opportunity to showcase their products onboard and gain exposure to a high-value cruise audience. Don’t miss this chance to break into the cruise retail sector!
The Hinnøy, Norway’s largest fully battery-powered ferry, has completed construction in Turkey and is on its way to Norway. With a capacity for 399 passengers and 120 cars, it will operate in the Arctic fjord region, setting new records in size, speed, and charging capabilities. This marks a significant step towards sustainable maritime transportation in Norway.
Michigan teenager Joshua Darrell Lowe has been sentenced to eight months in prison for making a bomb threat to Carnival Cruise Line. His motivation was his girlfriend going on a cruise without him. The FBI traced the threat back to him, leading to his guilty plea. Lowe’s relationship ended, and he now faces consequences for his actions.
The recent investigation into the sinking of the South Korean ferry Sewol has determined that a steering failure and cargo shift caused the vessel to capsize, resulting in the deaths of 304 people. The captain’s actions were deemed negligent, leading to convictions for murder by omission. Shanghai Salvage was hired to raise the Sewol for further examination.
Lloyd’s Register (LR) and Royal Caribbean Group have joined forces to promote safety, innovation, and sustainability in the cruise industry. LR will provide classification and risk management services to ensure Royal Caribbean Group’s fleet remains safe and efficient. This partnership aims to drive progress in safety measures, innovation, and sustainability practices within the industry.
Viking and Fincantieri are pioneering the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship, the Viking Libra, set for delivery in 2026. With zero emissions and a hybrid propulsion system, the ship will accommodate 998 guests in 499 staterooms. This initiative marks a significant step towards sustainable maritime transportation.
Cordelia Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line have reached an agreement to transfer Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun to Cordelia’s fleet. This move marks a significant milestone for Cordelia as they aim to provide top-tier cruise experiences for Indian travelers. The addition of these iconic vessels will allow Cordelia to expand its capacity.
To celebrate the launch of its newest cruise ship, MSC Cruises set a Guinness World Record with 1,391 Lego ships lined up on the deck of the MSC World America. The display stretched 292 feet and showcased the creativity and teamwork of the crew. A naming ceremony is scheduled.
