GPH Names Tinaztepe New Capital Markets Chief

saffet tinaztepe

Global Ports Holdings (GPH) has appointed Saffet C. Tinaztepe as executive vice president, capital markets and strategic projects. Starting on June 16, he will focus on funding the company’s growth, optimizing its capital structure, credit rating strategy and expanding relationships with capital providers, based out of New York. He will also lead strategic initiatives of Chairman and CEO Mehmet Kutman, according to a press release. “As the scale of GPH’s infrastructure platform continues to…

Carnival’s Australian Fleet Marks Anzac Day at Sea

anzac day

Anzac Day was commemorated on several Carnival Cruise Line ships in Australia on April 25, the cruise line said in a statement. Guests and crew aboard the Carnival Splendor, Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter participated in the commemorations, which included dawn services at sea. Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance that commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in military operations….

Royal Caribbean Orders Icon Class 6 and 7

Icon of the Seas in Miami

Royal Caribbean Group today announced it has confirmed with Meyer Turku the order of a sixth and seventh Icon Class ship to be delivered in 2029 and 2030, respectively. The order is part of the company’s long-term framework agreement with Meyer Turku that secures the Group’s access to shipbuilding capacity through 2036 and includes the…

Bolette Guests Join Tree Planting Program in Madeira

bolette crew and guests funchal

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines organized a tree planting initiative to support ecological restoration in Madeira’s Funchal Ecological Park during one of its recent sailings. On April 23, 28 guests and crew members aboard the Bolette joined a hands-on shore experience at a protected nature reserve and conservation area north of Funchal. Together, the group planted 300 trees, contributing to ongoing ecological restoration efforts within the park, Fred. Olsen said in a statement. “Initiatives like this…

Holland America Taps Bols for Exclusive Orange Party Cocktails

bols orange hal2

Holland America Line is partnering with cocktail brand Bols to introduce exclusive cocktails that will be served at its Orange Party.  Held once a cruise across the fleet, the party honors Koningsdag, or King’s Day, the Netherland’s national holiday celebrated on April 27.  Guests are invited to dress in orange and join the Netherlands-themed party onboard, according to a statement.  “Holland America Line and Bols are two brands deeply rooted…

American Cruise Lines Prepares for Month of ‘Firsts’ in May

american encore

American Cruise Line is getting ready for several “firsts” set to happen on U.S. inland waterways in May. In a press release, American said May would be a monumental month for the company and for river cruising around the country. “What, where, when, and how you can cruise throughout The United States today is a tremendous accomplishment that has been decades in the making,” said Alexa Paolella, spokeswoman for American Cruise…

Celestyal Offers Savings on 178 Med Voyages

Celestyal Journey

Celestyal has launched a promo for its Mediterranean and Adriatic voyages in 2026 and 2027. Running from April 27 to June 2, 2026, the cruise line’s “Iconic Sale” campaign offers savings on its collection of sailings to Greece, Italy, Croatia and Montenegro. According to a statement, the deal covers 178 itineraries currently on sale, operating in the Mediterranean season from March through November.  “Our ‘Iconic Sale’ celebrates everything that makes the Mediterranean so…

AIDA to Screen Germany’s World Cup Matches Live Onboard This Summer

aida world cup

AIDA Cruises will host sports-themed programs on selected cruises during the group stage (June 11-27) of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.  Selected matches will be broadcast live, including the German national team’s group stage games, the cruise line said in a statement.  This will be paired with pre- and post-match reports as well as half-time analyses from various German football experts.  Screening schedule: AIDAperla – Germany vs. Curacao on June 14 at 7:00 PM (during “Metropolises…

Manford’s Comedy Club Coming to P&O Cruises’ Iona and Arvia

iona

Selected P&O Cruises sailings between May and October 2026 will feature Jason Manford’s Comedy Club as part of the onboard entertainment offering.  UK comedians handpicked by Manford will perform exclusively for adults at the Limelight Club onboard the Iona and Arvia.  The program will see 70 comedians delivering 140 shows across the season, the cruise line said in a press release.  “We are delighted to be partnering…

Regent and Oceania Chart Big Future Plans

Seven Seas Splendor

“With the way the luxury market has expanded over the last 20 years, we’re perfectly situated,” said Jason Montague, chief luxury officer of Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The two brands under the Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings umbrella have a combined nine ships on order, and Montague said the brands were capitalizing on…

Costa Deliziosa to Visit 29 Countries on 2028 World Cruise

deliziosa rio

Costa Cruises has unveiled its World Cruise 2028, a 139-day journey across five continents and three oceans aboard the Costa Deliziosa.  Setting sail from Savona on November 25, 2027, the ship will call at 51 destinations in 29 countries, including 21 islands, before returning to Savona on April 11, 2028.  In a press release, the cruise line described the journey as blending major global cities, unspoiled nature, ancient cultures and remote ports.  “With…

New Family Entertainment Coming to MSC World Asia

worldasia harbour

MSC Cruises has unveiled new family entertainment options aboard its latest ship, the MSC World Asia. Once it debuts in the Mediterranean in December 2026, the ship will sail seven-night itineraries to destinations including Barcelona, Marseille, Messina, Civitavecchia for Rome, Naples and Valletta. According to a statement, the ship is set to boast an expanded family entertainment offering alongside the already announced venues. “As a family-owned company, MSC…

Dream Cruises Partners with Kiehl’s for Three-Night Wellness Experience

dc x kiehl's

Dream Cruises and skincare brand Kiehl’s teamed up for a three-night skincare and wellness experience aboard the Genting Dream. Influencers from Singapore and Malaysia were invited to experience Kiehl’s latest UV serum in real conditions during a Penang–Kuala Lumpur sailing from April 21 to 24, 2026. In a press release, Dream Cruises said the collaboration emphasizes its focus on delivering lifestyle-led experiences that resonate with today’s travelers. “We…

Key Cruise Ship Drydocks in April

Key April Drydocks

Cruise Industry News looks into some of the key drydock projects that are happening around the world in April. Harmony of the Seas Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean International Capacity: 5,558 guests Tonnage: 227,625 Year built: 2016 Drydock Period: Apr. 3 to May 21, 2026 Shipyard: Navantia (Cádiz, Spain) The Harmony of the Seas is currently…

Regent Launches Travel Partner Council for Top Advisors

explorer in dock

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is launching a Travel Partner Council as part of its Regent Elevate Travel Advisor program. It comprises three tiers: The Elevate Council, Elevate Council Elite and Elevate Premier Advisor. In a press release, Regent said the program was designed to celebrate, recognize, and further invest in its travel advisors and travel…