Mexico Rejects Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day Destination
Mexican authorities have rejected Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day Mexico project, citing environmental concerns about damage to the Mesoamerican Reef and coastal ecosystems. “It is not going to be approved,” said Environment Minister Alicia Bárcena at a May 19 press conference, according to Reuters. “The company is also taking steps to withdraw the project.” The decision…
Mitsui Ocean Cruises Reveals 27 New Japan Sailings for 2027
Mitsui Ocean Cruises has unveiled its 2027 cruise season aboard the Mitsui Ocean Fuji and Mitsui Ocean Sakura. From February through September 2027, the cruise line will offer 27 new sailings to North American travelers, according to a press release. Ranging from five- to 12-nights, they will showcase Japan’s landscapes and traditions, from snow festivals and cherry blossoms to summer fireworks and autumn harvests. “With our newly released 2027 cruise season offered…
Fred. Olsen Offers Free Flights on Select Grand Voyage Itineraries
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has unveiled a promo that includes free flights on selected Mediterranean sailings this year, with flights departing from or arriving at London Gatwick or Manchester Airport. According to a press release, the deal is valid for new Freedom Fare bookings made by May 31, 2026, and applies to the first and…
How Juneau Avoided an Overtourism Crisis While Growing Cruise Passengers
Juneau has achieved what most cruise destinations consider almost impossible. It’s grown its cruise passenger numbers more than three-fold over 28 years without triggering the kind of resident backlash now roiling Barcelona, Venice and many other ports. The Alaska capital welcomed approximately 500,000 cruise passengers in 1997, the year it launched its Tourism Best Management…
Philippines Projects 300 Percent Cruise Passenger Increase
Despite projecting a slight dip in overall ship calls for 2026, the Philippines is expecting passenger numbers to surge more than 300 percent year over year. According to Dr. Paulo Benito S. Tugbang, director for product development at the Philippines Department of Tourism, the country welcomed 24,855 passengers across 136 calls in 2025. “We had…
Silversea’s Alaska, Arctic Seasons Begin
Silversea kicked off its 2026 Alaska and Arctic seasons last week, according to a press release. On May 14, guests joined the first Alaska voyage, while the Arctic season began on the following day. “Silversea has a longstanding leadership in delivering deeply immersive experiences in over 900 of the world’s most remarkable destinations, including both polar regions,” said Bert Hernandez,…
Adora Cruises Sets Date for Flora City’s Maiden Voyage
The Adora Flora City will embark on its maiden voyage from the Guangzhou Nansha International Cruise Port on November 22, Adora Cruises said in a press release. The maiden voyage will be a five-night journey to Hong Kong and Hue (Chan May), Vietnam. After that, the inaugural season will run until January 2, 2027. “Guangzhou has outstanding geographical advantages and enormous…
TUI Ships Resume Service After Sailing Around Africa
The Mein Schiff 4 and the Mein Schiff 5 resumed service for TUI Cruises after spending nearly three months out of service due to conflicts in the Middle East. Offering itineraries in the Arabian Gulf during the 2026-27 winter season, the vessels were forced to pause their operations in late February following military strikes in…
Oceanwide CEO: No Indication Hantavirus Linked to Vessel Conditions
Oceanwide Expeditions CEO Rémi Bouysset has issued a statement addressing the hantavirus outbreak aboard the Hondius, calling it “one of the most difficult situations in our company’s history.” “First and foremost, this was and remains a human tragedy,” Bouysset said in a May 19 statement. “Three individuals have lost their lives. Several others have become…
Ushuaia Port Workers Threaten Indefinite Blockades, Allege Safety Violations
Port workers locked out of the Port of Ushuaia since January have now confirmed they will further escalate protest actions during the 2026-27 Antarctic cruise season. They allege the port is operating under invalid safety certifications, potentially disrupting operations at the gateway to Antarctica for most expedition cruises, according to a new industry statement. Franco…
Key Cruise Ship Drydocks in May
Cruise Industry News takes a look at a number of drydock projects scheduled to take in May. Valiant Lady Cruise Line: Virgin Voyages Capacity: 2,770 guests Tonnage: 110,000 Year built: 2021 Drydock Period: May 9 to May 25, 2026 Shipyard: Fincantieri (Palermo, Italy) The Valiant Lady is currently undergoing its first drydock after arriving at…
Micaela Fowler to Lead Holland America and Princess Government Affairs in Alaska
Holland America Line and Princess Cruises announced a leadership change in their joint Alaska and Yukon operations. Ralph Samuels is stepping down from his position as vice president of government affairs, effective June 2, 2026, after nearly 18 years of service, according to a statement. “Ralph’s steady leadership, integrity and deep understanding of our industry…
Hondius Arrives in Rotterdam; Two Voyages Cancelled for Cleaning
The Hondius arrived safely in Rotterdam on May 18 and has begun an extended cleaning and disinfection process, according to Oceanwide Expeditions. The vessel docked at 11:00 local time with no symptomatic individuals onboard. Twenty crew members and two medical staff from the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment disembarked and are…
Explora Sailing to 178 Destinations with Full Fleet in Summer 2028
Explora Journeys has opened sales for its Summer 2028 Journeys Collection. In a press release, the company said the new collection represents a significant expansion of its global presence, spanning 178 destinations across 27 countries. Explora noted that the season’s highlight would be the debut of the Explora VI in August 2028, bringing the fleet…
American Encore Christened in Idaho
American Cruise Lines held a christening ceremony for its newest riverboat, the American Encore, in Lewiston, Idaho, on May 12, the cruise line said in a statement. The ship’s godmother is Cathy McMorris Rodgers, who represented Eastern Washington and the Snake River in Congress for 20 years. Following an included hotel stay in Portland, Oregon on May 5, the…