Australian authorities are investigating the tragic death of an 80-year-old woman left behind on Lizard Island. She separated from her hiking group during a cruise excursion and was reported missing after the ship departed. A search operation led to her body being found the next morning. The investigation is ongoing.
On October 27, a crew member fell overboard from the Viking Star cruise ship in the Mediterranean. An immediate emergency response was initiated, and a search operation commenced with the Italian Coast Guard. Despite ongoing efforts, the ship resumed its voyage, with Viking expressing condolences to the crew member’s family.
Inspectors are set to board the P&O cruise ship Arvia after a tragic lift shaft accident claimed the life of a crew member. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch will assess the situation at the next port. The cruise company has extended condolences and support to the deceased’s family and friends.
A crew member aboard P&O Cruises’ Arvia tragically died following an accident during a two-week voyage to Barbados. The incident prompted an unexpected stop in A Coruña, Spain. P&O Cruises expressed condolences, stating their commitment to support the family and friends affected, but details about the accident remain undisclosed.
A norovirus outbreak on the Oceania Insignia cruise ship has affected over 70 passengers, with 74 reporting symptoms during the journey. The cruise, which began on October 16, has implemented CDC-approved health protocols, intensifying cleaning efforts and isolating those affected. The outbreak highlights the challenges of controlling norovirus in close quarters.
Scenic Group has unveiled plans for its third ultra-luxury yacht, the Scenic Ikon, set to enhance its Discover Yacht fleet. Currently under construction at MKM Yachts in Croatia, this 26,500 gross ton vessel will accommodate 270 guests in lavish suites. Scheduled for delivery by late 2027, it promises extraordinary amenities and adventures.
Cruise Iceland is sounding the alarm over a new head tax introduced by the government in 2025, claiming it deters cruise lines and leads to a significant drop in bookings for 2026. Despite a record 2.3 million visitors in 2024, projections indicate a potential collapse in the industry by 2027.
In a major advancement for maritime transport, Incat Crowther launched two aluminum high-speed Ro-Pax ferries for Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre. Named Jazirat Dalma and Al Dhannah, these new vessels can accommodate 192 passengers and 25 vehicles, operating at speeds up to 39 knots on the Dalma Island to Jebel Dhannah route.
A collaboration between GTT, Bloom Energy, and Ponant Explorations Group aims to develop the first net-zero cruise ship, integrating fuel cells with marine carbon capture technology. The project seeks to create an energy-efficient vessel that meets onboard consumption needs while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with plans for operation by 2030.
Imagine unwinding on the deck of a cruise ship, soaking in the ocean views, when flashes of light from a small raft disrupt the peace. On September 28, 2025, Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas diverted course to rescue 8-12 stranded individuals, showcasing the crew’s bravery amid a raging storm.
A norovirus outbreak has impacted passengers aboard Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas, with 71 out of 1,874 affected since the voyage began on September 19. Symptoms include diarrhea and vomiting. The CDC is monitoring the situation, while the cruise line has implemented enhanced cleaning protocols and isolated those ill.
The Bahamas has enacted a pivotal maritime regulation mandating that all cruise ships be navigated by trained Bahamian marine pilots. This initiative not only enhances safety and local expertise but also stimulates job creation in the maritime sector, fostering a new generation of professionals and bolstering the economy through increased tourism.
Police in Bonaire are searching for Jessica Collins, a 47-year-old American woman who did not return to her Carnival Cruise ship, the Horizon, after it docked on September 17. Though she texted a Carnival team member stating she was safe and wished to remain uncontacted, her whereabouts remain unknown.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT), enhancing India’s maritime and tourism landscape. Built at ₹556 crore, MICT is India’s largest cruise terminal, accommodating five ships and one million passengers annually. With modern design and cultural displays, it aims to position India as a global cruise hub.
The cruise ship Aroya, part of the Cruise Saudi initiative, recently made a significant transit of the Suez Canal, a rare feat for passenger vessels. Carrying approximately 2,300 passengers and 1,500 crew, it is set to visit Sharm El-Sheikh before concluding its journey in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
