The second luxury superyacht for the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, named Ilma, completed sea trials off the coast of France. Designed by Aivan, the ship features a sleek exterior inspired by private yacht design. With larger size and traditional layout, Ilma will accommodate 448 passengers in 224 suites, offering ultra-luxury amenities.
A luxury cruise ship in the Mediterranean Sea was at the center of a criminal investigation after a baby’s body was found in a crew cabin. A 28-year-old Filipina crew member was arrested for voluntary manslaughter after neglecting her newborn. The incident has raised concerns about the challenges faced by cruise ship employees.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings raised its full-year profit forecast due to strong demand and higher ticket prices. The company expects adjusted earnings of $1.42 per share and plans to generate total revenue of about $9 billion this year. Shares rose as much as 7.7%, showing positive investor sentiment.
Hungary arrested the captain of a Swiss cruise ship involved in a fatal collision on the Danube, leaving two dead and five missing. The captain, a Czech citizen, faces charges for failing to stop and render aid. The search for the missing continues as investigations unfold. Reuters © 2024.
Norwegian transport operator Torghatten and Kongsberg Maritime have partnered to develop a self-driving ferry service on the Flakk-Rørvik route in Trøndelag county. The collaboration will incorporate advanced technologies for auto-docking, collision avoidance, and more to enhance safety and efficiency while reducing fuel consumption.
Two people were killed and five were missing after a small motorboat collided with a cruise ship on the Danube in Hungary. The search for the missing individuals was ongoing, with civil protection units involved. A criminal investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident.
At the picturesque port of St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands, an unexpected turn of events unfolded aboard the Carnival Venezia during a routine emergency drill. While most guests were ashore exploring, a crew member fell overboard, prompting a swift rescue operation that ensured his safety and the continuation of the cruise.
During an emergency drill on the Carnival Venezia in St. Thomas, a crew member fell overboard, prompting a swift rescue operation. The incident did not disrupt the ship’s itinerary, with the vessel continuing its Eastern Caribbean voyage from New York. Safety drills for guests and crew are crucial for preparedness.
A cruise ship rescued three stranded sailors off New Caledonia after a mayday call. The P&O Cruises Australia ship diverted its voyage to assist the sailors, who had been stranded at sea for three days. All three were in good health and were brought onboard for medical assessment before the ship resumed its journey.
Cruise operator Royal Caribbean Group is seeking to hire thousands of workers to keep up with the record demand for cruises worldwide. Bookings hit a new high in 2023, prompting the company to increase its workforce. With plans to hire over 10,000 employees and commission new ships, their growth strategy is in full swing.
Holland America Line’s flagship cruise ship, Rotterdam, is testing 100 percent low carbon intensity biofuel in Norwegian fjords. Carnival Corporation’s series of tests with biofuels on Holland America and AIDA ships is a step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime industry. The success of these tests is paving the way for more sustainable practices in cruising.
Mobile operator Telenor Maritime and AT&T have partnered to offer 5G roaming services to cruise and ferry passengers worldwide. AT&T’s Cruise International Day Pass allows customers to use their phone plan at home while on selected ships for $15 per day. Telenor Maritime’s network covers over 280 ships, providing seamless connectivity for millions of passengers.
Royal Caribbean Group raised its annual profit forecast after record bookings and higher ticket prices. CEO Jason Liberty highlighted the success of their fleet, including the launch of Icon of the Seas. The company expects adjusted earnings per share to increase and net cruise costs to rise about 5.5% for the year.
Norwegian Cruise Line celebrated the float out of the upcoming mega cruise ship, the Norwegian Aqua, at Fincantieri in Italy. The ship, set to debut in 2026, is part of the company’s revised strategy to enhance passenger amenities and capacity. The Aqua will feature a hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, among other upgrades.
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter performed a medical evacuation of a crew member from the P&O Australia cruise ship, Pacific Adventure, near Newcastle, NSW. The patient received urgent medical assistance on land after being stabilized by a NSW Ambulance critical care paramedic and an NSW Health doctor. Passengers and crew praised the aircrew and medical team for their role in the successful mission.
