Full Fleet, Full World: Hapag-Lloyd Extends Bilingual Service to All Five Ships
“The most important news is that we are bilingual now, every ship,” said Lisa Wilken, head of luxury at Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. “Since January, the three expedition vessels and the two Europa ships, are fully bilingual. Especially now on the Europa, we are getting more international clients.” The 135-year-old company, which helped pioneer leisure cruising, had…
Royal Caribbean Moves Ship from Galveston to Florida in 2027
Royal Caribbean International is repositioning the Symphony of the Seas to Florida starting in August 2027. The Oasis-class ship was initially set to offer cruises to the Western Caribbean and the Bahamas from the Port of Galveston. Instead, the vessel will offer six- to eight-night cruises to the Caribbean, departing from Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades….
Princess Celebrating Alaska Season Kick-Off with Seattle Drone Show
Princess Cruises is hosting an Alaska-themed drone show to mark the arrival of the Star Princess in Seattle ahead of her inaugural Alaska season. Taking place on May 1 at 8:30 p.m., the show will be best viewed from Seattle Center’s International Fountain Mall at 305 Harrison Street, the company said in a press release. After that, Princess’ newest ship will kick off her inaugural…
European Airports Welcome EU Jet Fuel Crisis Response Plan
Europe’s airports have welcomed AccelerateEU, the European Commission’s response plan to the energy crisis triggered by the conflict in the Middle East, according to a statement from ACI Europe. The plan outlines measures aimed at safeguarding the continued availability of jet fuel across the European airport network. “No airport in Europe is currently facing jet…
Silversea Opens Bookings for 2029 World Cruise
Silversea has opened general sales for its 2029 World Cruise, a 125-day voyage departing San Diego on January 5, 2029, according to a press release. The voyage onboard the Silver Whisper will visit more than 60 destinations in 19 countries across the Pacific, spanning Polynesia, Micronesia, Melanesia, Australia, Asia and New Zealand. “With 17 overnights,…
Seabourn’s 2028–29 Expedition Voyages Now on Sale
Seabourn has opened for sale its 2028–29 expedition voyages aboard the Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit. According to a press release, the cruise line will offer 49 departures ranging from eight to 96 days and visiting more than 180 destinations across 29 countries. “As Seabourn approaches its 40th anniversary, our 2028–2029 expedition season is designed for travelers who want to explore the world’s most…
Virgin Introduces AI Travel Assistant
Virgin Voyages has announced its first AI crew assistant and AI-powered travel assistant, Rovey. Coming soon to VirginVoyages.com, Rovey will help guests with cruise planning by adding personalized recommendations adapted to specific travel style, pace and interests. This is the first expression of Project Ruby, Virgin’s AI platform co-developed with Google Cloud, and a total of seven are planned, the cruise line said in a statement. Nathan Rosenberg, chief brand experience, marketing and momentum officer at Virgin Voyages, said:…
Swan Hellenic Promotes Bounas to CCO, Expands Global Team
Mario Bounas has been appointed chief commercial officer of Swan Hellenic, the company said in a press release. “I’ve had the privilege of helping shape Swan Hellenic from its earliest days, but the brand’s extraordinary growth reflects the talent and dedication of everyone in our team,” said Bounas. “Taking on the CCO role is both an honor and an exciting…
Dream Cruises Kicks Off Sailing Season from Port Klang
The Genting Dream embarked on its first voyage on April 20, 2026, marking the start of Dream Cruises’ sailing season from Port Klang. A Raya Open House event was hosted onboard the ship to mark the inaugural sailing, the company said in a press release. “This year, we are bringing together the very best of Asia — from its destinations and cuisine to its…
Oceania Nautica To Be Reborn as Oceania Aurelia
The Oceania Nautica is set to be reimagined as the Oceania Aurelia, Oceania Cruises said in a press release, describing the ship as the ultimate explorer. Having completed 25 years of operation last year, the ship will be transformed under the OceaniaNEXT program and is scheduled to come into service in late 2027. It is…
MSC Reflects on First Year of Ocean Cay’s Marine Conservation Center
The MSC Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the MSC Group, is marking a year since its Marine Conservation Center at Ocean Cay was opened in April 2025. According to a press release, the Foundation has advanced coral restoration, delivered hands-on training for over 20 marine science students and engaged more than 17,000 visitors in ocean education in its first year. “Our work in The Bahamas is grounded…
Adora Debuting ‘Cruise-To-Nowhere’ Weekend Experience
Adora Cruises announced the launch of what it says will be China’s first “cruise-to-nowhere” voyage aboard the Adora Magic City. According to a press release, the voyage will depart on June 6 from the Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal for a three-day, two-night weekend journey at sea. The aim is to create a “micro-vacation” experience at sea, with nonstop, day-and-night celebration for all guests onboard. Themed parties, stand-up comedy,…
MSC Cruises Pursues Balanced Global Growth
These are engaging times for MSC Cruises with new programs and ships being launched. “We are starting to sail to Alaska for the first time this May with seven-night cruises aboard the MSC Poesia from Seattle,” said Luca Garritano, chief revenue and sales services officer. “And we are now also operating from Galveston year-round with…
Wartsila Introduces Next-Gen Maritime Training Simulator
Wärtsilä has launched NTPRO 7, a next‑generation bridge and ship‑handling simulator designed to support maritime training. According to a press release, it has been developed to deliver realistic, immersive training environments that support advanced ship‑handling, navigation and decision‑making training in various operational scenarios. Following piloting and validation over the last two years, including a recent statement of compliance from DNV, the simulator is expected to become commercially…
Grupo Vidanta Takes Its Resort Formula to Sea With the 216-Guest Elegant
Grupo Vidanta, the Mexican luxury resort operator, has entered the cruise business as the 216- guest Elegant has launched operations in the Mediterranean, where it will sail offering a luxury yacht-like product through the fall. Ivan Chavez, executive vice president of Grupo Vidanta, told Cruise Industry News they approached the ship they bought as if…