Tourists flock to Santorini to capture the famous sunset amidst picturesque villages and pristine beaches. However, the impact of mass tourism on the island’s infrastructure and locals is evident. Restrictions on visitors are being considered to preserve the island’s beauty, prompting debate on balancing tourism revenue and maintaining the island’s charm.
Passengers aboard the Seven Islands Ai ferry endured a 20-hour ordeal after the vessel broke down en route to Shikinejima island. Stranded in the ocean, the crew radioed for help due to an oil leak and lost steering control. The Coast Guard faced challenges in rough seas but eventually towed the ferry to safety. Passengers were offered accommodations and a replacement vessel.
Senator Crewing Manila (SCM), part of the Columbia Group, recently expanded into the cruise market with a new office in Aseana City, Parañaque. Led by Capt. Gilbert Garcia, the move highlights SCM’s commitment to Filipino seafarers amidst the global fleet deployment recovery. The modern office space aims to provide quality overseas employment for Filipino seafarers, catering to cruise lines within the Columbia Group.
Carnival Corporation & plc has partnered with Fincantieri to build three new cruise ships, set to be the largest in the Carnival fleet and the largest ever built in Italy. These LNG-powered ships will accommodate nearly 8,000 guests each and feature advanced energy-saving technologies. Construction is scheduled for delivery between 2029 and 2033.
The MV Sea Change, powered by zero-emission hydrogen fuel cells, represents a milestone in maritime decarbonization efforts. With sponsors like Chevron and United Airlines, the ferry operates a free route in San Francisco Bay, showcasing fuel cell technology’s potential in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Governor Gavin Newsom and other officials commend the project for its role in combating climate change and advancing renewable energy technologies.
The Icon of the Seas, the largest cruise ship ever built, features innovative e-hinges by Antti Marine for select stateroom doors. These hinges, connected to an online RFID lock and Ethernet network, provide secure entry and access to onboard services. With hidden cables for durability and smart integration possibilities, Antti Marine is revolutionizing door technology in the maritime industry.
Disney and Oriental Land Co., Ltd. (OLC) have signed an agreement to introduce year-round Disney cruises in Japan starting in 2029. This collaboration continues the strong partnership between the two companies, with OLC operating the Disney-branded cruise line in Japan. The new ship will offer unique experiences tailored to Japanese guests.
UK ferry operator Red Funnel plans to launch an emission-free high-speed vessel by late 2025. The all-electric e-foiling passenger ferry, developed by Artemis Technologies, will reach speeds of up to 36 knots, with zero emissions and increased efficiency. With a passenger capacity of up to 150, the innovative ferry promises a more comfortable ride, reducing vessel motion and wake effects.
Fincantieri and Viking have signed contracts for two new cruise ships, set to be delivered in 2028 and 2029. These ships, with a gross tonnage of 54,300 tons, will accommodate 998 passengers and meet the latest environmental standards. The partnership between the two companies has resulted in 20 ships being built since 2012.
Late last year, Candela started production on the Candela C-8 Polestar Edition electric hydrofoil boat, powered by Polestar’s EV batteries. The collaboration set a world record for the longest distance traveled by an electric boat in 24 hours. The C-8 boasts premium upgrades and luxurious Scandinavian design, making it the most desirable leisure boat on the market. Delivery has now begun.
Environmental NGOs are urging cruise lines and ports along the Alaska cruise route to stop using fossil gas due to its impact on fragile ecosystems and killer whale habitats. Despite the introduction of green methanol, concerns remain about long-term pollution. Activists are calling for a sector-wide shift towards sustainable practices, including zero-emission vessel fuels and technologies to combat climate disruption.
Residents around Lisbon’s port are hopeful for a plug-in infrastructure to eliminate exhaust fumes from cruise ships. European Union regulations require seaports to have electricity infrastructure by 2030. The switch to electricity is seen as a blessing for locals as it reduces pollution and noise, benefiting the environment and health.
Amsterdam, Netherlands, is set to restrict cruise ship calls at its port starting in 2026, aiming to eventually eliminate the cruise terminal by 2035. The city’s move is in response to issues like noise and congestion due to tourism growth. The plan includes limiting cruise calls, requiring shore power, and potentially relocating the terminal. Other cities, like Barcelona, are also addressing similar challenges.
The world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, had a small fire in Costa Maya, Mexico. Crew quickly extinguished it, causing no injuries. Passengers experienced a brief blackout but were kept informed. Despite the incident, the ship continued its journey to Cozumel. This marks the second power-related issue for the new vessel, highlighting the industry’s commitment to safety.
Carnival Corp raised its profit forecast amid a surge in bookings for 2025 cruises. The company reported record customer deposits and prepaid $1.6 billion in debt. Although cruise costs increased, earnings per share for 2024 are expected to reach $1.18. Competitors Royal Caribbean Group and Norwegian Cruise Line also raised annual profit targets.
