Carnival Cruise Line faces scrutiny in Australia due to a campaign by the Maritime Union of Australia (MNU), which led to an inspection by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. The MNU alleges poor working conditions and low wages for crew members, while Carnival claims the union’s actions are a recruitment tactic.
Fincantieri has landed a major deal with Carnival Corporation worth over $2 billion to build two new cruise ships for AIDA Cruises. This marks the first time Fincantieri will construct ships for AIDA Cruises, showcasing their commitment to sustainability and innovation. The vessels are set to be delivered in the early 2030s.
Mitsui Ocean Cruises has acquired a second luxury cruise ship from Carnival Corporation’s Seabourn Cruise Line, signaling its expansion in the domestic cruise market. The Seabourn Sojourn, with a gross tonnage of 32,477, was delivered to MOL on February 28 and will be chartered back to Seabourn until May 15, 2026.
Francesco Schettino, the captain of the ill-fated Costa Concordia cruise ship, is seeking early release from his 16-year prison sentence in Italy. The tragic incident in 2012 claimed 32 lives and led to significant changes in the cruise industry. Schettino’s petition for release has sparked mixed reactions and protests.
One Carnival Valor passenger expressed frustration over the lack of staff in self-service laundry rooms, suggesting timers to prevent items from being left unattended. Carnival’s Brand Ambassador explained it’s not feasible to monitor laundry activities. Some guests proposed signage or integrating timers into the Carnival Hub app. Not all ships offer self-service laundry.
Viking has ordered two more cruise ships from Fincantieri, bringing the total to 10. The collaboration began in 2012, resulting in the launch of Viking Star in 2015. The new ships will be larger, accommodating 998 passengers. Fincantieri has a busy schedule with orders from various cruise lines, indicating a resurgence in the industry.
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.
Cunard Line received its first new cruise ship in 14 years, the Queen Anne, from Fincantieri. The ship, at 114,000 gross tons, marks one of Carnival Corporation’s pre-pandemic orders. With a capacity for 2,996 passengers, the Queen Anne continues Cunard’s traditions while offering modern amenities like fitness and spa facilities.
