Columbia Cruise Services Boosts China Presence with Shanghai Office
Columbia Cruise Services (CCS) has opened a new office in Shanghai, located next to its cruise partner, Adora Cruises. According to a press release, the move is meant to bring the two teams closer together, supporting day-to-day operations across Adora’s fleet. This includes technical- and marine management and crew services. Norman Schmiedl, CEO of Columbia blue, said: “China is a vital strategic market for Columbia, and…
Marella Cruises Introduces Reusable Coffee Cups Fleetwide
Marella Cruises, in partnership with Apollo Group, is rolling out reusable coffee cups fleetwide to cut single-use plastics. The company said in a statement that it hopes to eliminate more than 1.4 million single‑use plastic cups, lids and sleeves in 2026 this way. The reusable coffee cups will be placed in each cabin on arrival, where guests can leave them at the end of the…
Windstar Launches 2028 Alaska Sales as Star Seeker Begins Inaugural Season
Windstar has opened bookings for 2028 Alaska sailings just days after the Star Seeker started its inaugural Alaska season. The first newbuild ship to debut for Windstar Cruises in over three decades, the 224-guest Star Seeker was christened in Miami early this year. The cruise line shared in a press release that the ship’s 2028 season will include 27 departures across six itineraries, sailing May through…
MSC to Deploy 7 Ships in U.S. and the Caribbean for Summer 2028
MSC Cruises recently revealed its plans for the 2028 summer season in North America and the Caribbean, which includes itineraries onboard seven ships. According to a press release, the deployment is highlighted by the first full year of service of the MSC World Atlantic. After entering service in late 2027, the new World-class ship will…
Viking Announces CEO Transition and Reports First Quarter Results
Viking Holdings today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Leah Talactac, President and Chief Financial Officer, as Chief Executive Officer. Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO, has been appointed as Executive Chairman and will continue to serve as Chairman of Viking’s Board of Directors, according to a press release. The company also announced that…
Virgin Voyages Advises Guests of Changes to EU Border Controls
Virgin Voyages is advising guests of delayed disembarkation processes in Spain due to a recent change to EU border controls Virgin said that “things are not working smoothly for cruise lines’ entry into Spain” due to a new digital border control system called the Entry/Exit System (EES), which has been live since April 10, 2026….
Carnival: Bookings ‘Below Any Reasonable Promotional Fares’ to be Cancelled
Carnival Cruise Line is cancelling reservations that took advantage of “a random display of prices that were far below any reasonable promotional fare.” In a statement to affected guests, the company said that these bookings were made over the past weekend during a planned IT maintenance project. “We regret to inform you that we will…
Canada Investing up to $14.3M in Shore Power at Port Charlottetown
The Government of Canada will support shore power infrastructure at Port Charlottetown, Atlantic Canada Cruise Association said in a press release. The Minister of Transport Steven MacKinnon announced that up to $14.3 million would be invested in the Charlottetown Harbour Authority under the Green Shipping Corridor Program Clean Ports stream. The project will cover the…
Update: Hondius Arrives in Rotterdam on May 18
The Hondius is expected to arrive in Rotterdam on Monday, May 18, with 27 people onboard, according to Oceanwide Expeditions. The vessel has 25 crew members and two medical staff from the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment conducting medical monitoring during the voyage. None is displaying hantavirus symptoms. Upon arrival, crew…
MXP365 Chat Live Across Mein Schiff Fleet
MXP has deployed its MXP365 Mein Schiff Chat across the entire TUI Cruises Mein Schiff fleet, the company said in a statement. Integrated directly into the Mein Schiff app, the solution allows what is described as seamless onboard communication through private and group chats. Guests can coordinate plans, share experiences and stay connected with family,…
TUI Finds Three Godmothers for Mein Schiff Flow
TUI has selected three godmothers who will christen Mein Schiff Flow, the latest ship to join its fleet. In a press release, the cruise line said the three godmothers represent three generations and come from different walks of life: Julia is 20, Annabelle 35 and Karin 67. All three have previously traveled with TUI, which was one…
Swan Hellenic Locks In Prices for Remaining 2026 Arctic Sailings
Swan Hellenic is offering a price guarantee for all remaining sailings in its 2026 Arctic summer season. The cruise line stated in a press release that it would absorb any increases resulting from rising fuel costs, noting that capacity is still available on its 18 voyages. Chief Commercial Officer Mario Bounas said: “We’re proud to offer voyages that not only showcase the Arctic’s natural wonders but also honor its cultural legacy, inspiring…
Norwegian Cancels Joy Cruise Due to Charter
Norwegian Cruise Line cancelled the cruise that was set to take place onboard the Norwegian Joy on April 12, 2027. According to a statement sent to booked guests, the sailing will no longer go ahead due to a full-ship charter. Sailing roundtrip from PortMiami, the vessel was set to offer a five-night cruise to the…
Mitsui’s Nippon Maru Makes Final Call at Yokohama
The Nippon Maru recently made its final call to the port of Yokohama before being withdrawn from service by Mitsui Ocean Cruises. Wrapping up a 36-year sailing career, the 600-passenger ship bid farewell to the Osanbashi Yokohama International Passenger Terminal on May 10, 2026. “We are truly honored that Yokohama was chosen as the location…
TUI Cruise Segment Posts Strong Numbers Despite Iran War Impact
TUI Group’s cruise segment delivered strong first-half 2026 financial results, with underlying EBIT climbing 25.9 percent year-over-year to 163.5 million euros, even as the ongoing conflict in Iran weighed on operations and occupancy during the second quarter. The company operates the TUI Cruises, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and Marella Cruises brands. Second-quarter underlying EBIT reached 80.3 million…