US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) removed up to 13 crew members from Victory Cruise Lines’ ships during port calls in Detroit. Reports indicate some were handcuffed, with one facing child pornography charges. The company is cooperating with authorities, raising concerns among international crew members about potential immigration sweeps.
Over the weekend, a father and daughter were rescued after the girl fell overboard from the Disney Dream cruise ship during a Bahamas trip. The father jumped in after her, and Disney’s crew swiftly ensured their safe return. This incident highlights the importance of advanced overboard detection systems on cruise ships.
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.
Fincantieri and TUI AG have signed a MoA for two new cruise ships for Marella Cruises, worth over $2.1 billion. The ships, designed for the English market, focus on sustainability and luxury. Fincantieri will deliver them in 2030 and 2032. This marks a significant milestone for Marella Cruises.
Two recent outbreaks of norovirus on Cunard Line and Seabourn Cruises ships have left over 200 crew members and passengers feeling ill. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 183 out of 2,853 guests and 14 out of 1,232 crew members on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 experienced symptoms of the virus.
The mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, initially opposed large cruise ships due to overtourism concerns. He now proposes daily limits on cruise ship port calls starting July 1. Critics argue Nice can only accommodate luxury ships, while the industry fears financial losses. A compromise plan allows smaller ships to visit, balancing health and economic interests.
The first LNG bunkering for cruise passenger ships in Asia Pacific was successfully completed at the Singapore Cruise Centre, a milestone for the industry. TotalEnergies Marine Fuels, V.Ships, and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines delivered LNG to Silversea’s Silver Nova, ensuring compliance with safety standards for smooth operations. Industry leaders highlighted the significance of collaboration and readiness.
Cruise expert Lucy Southerton, with almost a decade of experience working on cruise ships, cautions passengers against removing gratuities from their bills. She stresses that gratuities are crucial for crew members’ wages, not just extra earnings. Fellow expert Gary Bembridge suggests budgeting for basic gratuities and tipping exceptional crew members in cash for a more rewarding experience.
Former Filipino crew member and social media influencer Rinell Banda is advocating for the cruise industry to give all crew members at least one day off per month. His plea, shared with his 456,000 Facebook followers, has gained significant attention. Banda believes this change could greatly benefit the well-being and efficiency of crew.
The crew of the Mein Schiff fleet has a unique opportunity to showcase their artistic talents by designing sculptures for the InTUItion 2 Pool Deck on the upcoming ship Mein Schiff Flow. This initiative allows crew members to make a significant contribution and leave a lasting impact on the ship’s visual appeal.
The Dutch advertising board ruled against MSC Cruises for greenwashing, finding their sustainability claims misleading. Despite MSC’s goal of “net zero by 2050,” the board criticized their promotion of LNG as a cleaner fuel. Environmental groups filed the complaint, emphasizing the importance of transparency in companies’ environmental efforts.
Carnival Corp has exceeded market expectations for third-quarter results, raising its annual profit forecast for the third time. The surge in demand for cruise vacations and reduced operational costs contributed to the company’s strong performance. Despite a slight decline in fourth-quarter earnings per share target, Carnival remains optimistic about its financial outlook for the year.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has unveiled details about its upcoming ship, Norwegian Luna, joining the fleet in spring 2026. The ship, part of the Prima Plus class, will be the fifth largest in NCL’s fleet, accommodating 3,550 guests. With exciting features like the Aqua Slidecoaster and Glow Court, the ship promises unique experiences for guests sailing to Caribbean destinations.
In 2008, Chris Willson discovered a Craigslist ad for a rundown cruise ship and embarked on a 15-year journey to restore it. Despite facing challenges, Willson renamed the ship Aurora and dedicated himself to its revival. However, tragedy struck in 2023 when Aurora began to sink, leading to its uncertain fate and highlighting the fragility of maritime heritage.[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1XqqzTGcl4[/embed]
The Federal Government and Lower Saxony partner to save MEYER WERFT with a majority stake acquisition and €400 million investment. They plan to provide guarantees of €1 billion each to stabilize the company amid financial challenges from the pandemic, conflict, and rising prices. Orders worth €11 billion indicate a bright future for the shipyard, securing thousands of jobs. The goal is to return the company to private ownership in the future.
