A 29-year-old man received a suspended prison sentence for allegedly igniting a garbage can on the cruise ferry Viking Grace, carrying over 1,000 passengers. The fire self-extinguished, causing no damage. He claimed intoxication from a Christmas party impaired his memory, but surveillance footage confirmed his involvement, leading to a guilty verdict.
What if the true essence of cruising lies not on land but at sea? Costa Cruises redefines luxury with unique experiences like “Sunset Infinity” in Santorini and “Abisso” in the Calypso Trench. Each moment blends art, music, and nature, crafting profound memories that linger long after the journey ends.
V.Ships Leisure has secured a five-year ship management contract with Marella Cruises, managing five cruise ships starting in late 2025. This partnership will enhance local expertise in the UK and utilize V.’s ShipSure platform for efficient fleet management. The collaboration emphasizes sustainability and digital innovation in cruise operations.
Ecotourism is increasingly popular as travelers prioritize sustainability. Activities like scuba diving not only allow exploration of marine ecosystems but also support local economies and conservation efforts. With an estimated $20 billion generated annually, this sector fosters community engagement and environmental stewardship, highlighting its potential as a sustainable economic model.
A Royal Caribbean crew member died after allegedly stabbing a colleague and jumping overboard aboard the Icon of the Seas near San Salvador Island. The 35-year-old man attacked a 28-year-old woman before fleeing into the water. He was later found unresponsive and pronounced dead, while she remains in stable condition.
The Israeli-owned cruise ship Crown Iris faced protests during its stop in Syros, Greece, where around 1,600 passengers, including many children, were aboard. Initially scheduled for a six-hour visit, the port call was canceled due to demonstrators blocking access, raising safety concerns and prompting the ship to divert to Cyprus.
The captain of the Indonesian ferry Barcelona V has been named a suspect after a fire off Talisei Island led to a chaotic evacuation. Investigations reveal discrepancies in the passenger manifest, with 280 listed but 575 accounted for. Authorities are probing the captain and crew for potential emergency protocol violations.
The RMS St. Helena, a beloved vessel, connected the remote island of Saint Helena until its retirement in 2018. After serving various roles, it was announced in 2024 that the ship would be repurposed for expedition cruises, offering unique adventures to the Antarctic Peninsula, blending history with modern exploration.
Viking Cruises plans to tap into the tourism potential of the Brahmaputra River with its new ship, Viking Brahmaputra, launching by the end of 2027. Developed by Hooghly Cochin Shipyard, this initiative reflects the growing global interest in India’s waterways, supported by significant investments and infrastructure improvements from the IWAI.
Carnival Cruise Line crew members aboard the Carnival Sunshine have been detained in Norfolk, Virginia, amid accusations of child pornography, as reported by the Pilipino Workers Center. Advocacy director Aquilina Soriano Versoza criticized the detentions, calling them unjustified deportations of migrants who have valid work visas and have not been charged with crimes.
The river cruise tourism sector in India is surging, with series rising from 371 in 2023-24 to 443 in 2024-25—a 19.4% increase. Viking Cruises is entering this market with the MV Brahmaputra, enhancing investment. The Inland Waterways Authority of India aims to develop 51 new circuits by 2027.
India is collaborating with ASEAN to enhance maritime cooperation and sustainable tourism in the Indo-Pacific. The second ASEAN Cruise Dialogue in Tamil Nadu aims to develop cruise routes similar to the Caribbean, showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage and promoting regional connectivity and collaboration in the growing cruise industry.
At least 18 Filipino crew members from the Carnival Sunshine were detained and deported by Customs and Border Patrol agents in Norfolk, Virginia, despite holding valid visas. Advocacy groups claim the deportation lacked due process, leading to protests demanding justice. Concerns about cruise operations and crew safety have escalated.
Barcelona is tackling concerns over overcrowding and overtourism linked to cruise ships by redeveloping its seaport. With a 20% rise in cruise passengers since 2018, Mayor Jaume Collboni proposes limits, including higher tourist taxes. The city plans to reduce cruise terminals from seven to five by 2030, enhancing sustainability.
Over 140 individuals aboard the Royal Caribbean ship Navigator of the Seas fell ill during a cruise from Los Angeles to Mexico, as reported by the CDC. Symptoms included diarrhea and vomiting. In response, Royal Caribbean intensified cleaning and isolated affected passengers while the CDC investigates the outbreak’s cause.
