Norwegian Targets Marketing Overhaul with New Leadership, Leaner Spend
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is moving to rebuild its marketing function at the Norwegian Cruise Line brand, bringing in new leadership and cutting overall spending, said Chairperson and CEO John Chidsey. Speaking on the company’s first quarter 2026 earnings call, Chidsey acknowledged that marketing underperformance has been a significant part of the brand’s occupancy shortfall,…
Ponant: Guest Insight and Real-World Scouting for New Itineraries
Developing new itineraries requires a balance of guest insights, regulatory understanding and real-world scouting, according to Sylviane de Tracy, director of cruise research and development for Ponant. The process begins with understanding passengers’ evolving expectations and preferences, she explained. “Surveys are being sent out with different options and different choices. Both our current customer base…
Carnival Corporation Working on Harmonizing Supply Chain Operations Across Brands
Data harmonization and advanced demand planning are currently hot topics as Carnival Corporation works to overhaul its supply chain operations, according to Kevin Muhich, head of MAST. With a portfolio of eight different brands, the company is currently focused on standardizing its Planned Maintenance System (PMS) across the fleet to eliminate operational inconsistencies. “We have…
MSC Ready for Alaska Debut, Accelerating North America Growth
MSC Cruises is ready for the Poesia’s debut in Alaska, as the ship will spend the summer sailing Alaska cruises on Mondays from Seattle, marking the company’s entry to the region. “We’re so excited for this moment,” said Lynn Torrent, president of MSC Cruises North America. “From the time we announced the program until now,…
Lindblad Expeditions Eyes Fleet Expansion
Lindblad Expeditions is actively pursuing expansion of its expedition fleet, according to CEO Natalya Leahy. Speaking on the company’s first quarter 2026 earnings call, Leahy said fleet growth conversations are ongoing and that the current geopolitical environment has done nothing to slow them. “We continue to be actively focused on looking to expand capacity in…
API’s Decade-Long Fincantieri Agreement Signals Flooring Evolution
API has signed another agreement (with a 10-year framework) with Fincantieri, which covers 23 vessels, deepening the Italian marine flooring specialist’s relationship that stretches back through multiple project cycles and hundreds of cruise ships since 1958. “This is our third framework agreement,” said Veno Cravino, managing director at API. “From a strategic standpoint, both parties,…
Explora Journeys Attracting Land-Based Guests
Explora Journeys is targeting land-based luxury travelers by highlighting the value of ocean travel and redefining its onboard hospitality culture, according to President Anna Nash. With a significant portion of the luxury market still hesitant to book cruise vacations, Nash believes the niche must emphasize the operational simplicity of its product. “I think the opportunity…
Oceanwide Arranges Medical Evacuations from Hondius
Oceanwide Expeditions confirmed on Tuesday afternoon it is arranging the medical evacuation of two passengers requiring urgent care and another guest associated with the passenger who passed away on May 2. Two specialized aircraft are en route to Cape Verde and passengers will be transferred for onward medical evacuation to the Netherlands. The company said…
Oceanwide Provides Update on Hondius Situation as WHO Reports 7 Cases
Oceanwide Expeditions has provided an update on the ongoing medical situation onboard the Hondius, which remains off the coast of Cape Verde, according to a May 5 press update. The World Health Organization confirmed on May 4 that seven cases, including two laboratory-confirmed hantavirus cases and five suspected cases, have been identified. Three passengers have…
Lindblad Expeditions Posts Record Q1 Occupancy
Lindblad Expeditions delivered a record first quarter occupancy of 93 percent even as it grew available guest nights by more than 6 percent, with Chief Executive Officer Natalya Leahy noting disciplined commercial execution and strengthening demand across the company’s global portfolio. “In a complex macro and geopolitical environment, our team delivered another record quarter,” she…
Oceania Dropping NCFs on 2028–29 Sailings
Oceania Cruises is eliminating non‑commissionable cruise fares (NCFs) on all newly launched sailings, set to be announced in May and June. Covering the 2028 summer and 2028–29 winter seasons and 2028 and 2029 Around the World voyages, the change is meant to simplify advisor compensation and expand their earning opportunities. Once the new itineraries go…
BW LNG Picks BASSnet Neo Software for LNG and FSRU Ops
BW LNG has signed an agreement with BASS Software to deploy BASSnet Neo software solution across its fleet of liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers and floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs). According to a statement, the contract win followed a global evaluation process covering up to 30 solutions in the market. “We are extremely proud…
Malta Eyes Luxury Cruise Growth and Homeporting Expansion
Malta is working to attract more boutique cruise ships and expand homeporting operations, according to Arthur Grima, director of marketing for the Malta Tourism Authority. In 2025, in addition to 4 million tourists, the destination welcomed 870,560 cruise passengers who visited the country as part of 387 calls. While overall passenger volume increased by 2.5…
MSC: Leveraging LNG and AI to Meet Long-Term Sustainability Goals
As MSC Cruises continues to expand its LNG-powered fleet and explore next-generation ship designs, the company is focusing on building vessels capable of exceeding current sustainability targets over a three-decade lifespan, according to Chief Energy Transition Officer Michele Francioni. Cruise ships designed today will enter service in five years and operate for 35 years or…
Lindblad Expeditions Reports 2026 First Quarter Financial Results
Lindblad Expeditions has financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026. Natalya Leahy, Chief Executive Officer, said: “In a complex macro and geopolitical environment, our team delivered another record quarter, achieving 93% occupancy- highest in the Company’s history, record yields, and 16% EBITDA growth. These results reflect the strength of our strategy and…