Funchal Sees Double-Digit Increase in Q1 Cruise Arrivals
Funchal’s cruise terminal in Madeira handled 335,748 passengers in the first quarter of 2026, representing a 24.79% increase compared to the same period last year. In a press release, Paula Cabaço, CEO of Madeira Ports (Portos da Madeira) and chair of the Port Authority of the Autonomous Region of Madeira (Administração dos Portos da Região…
Celebrity Infinity Completes 25 Years of Service
The Celebrity Infinity recently completed its 25th year of service for Celebrity Cruises. Built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France, the vessel was delivered on February 25, 2001. As the second ship in the company’s Millennium-class series, the Infinity initially offered a trans-Atlantic crossing to Fort Lauderdale before embarking on its maiden voyage…
Tarragona Cruise Port Forecasts Record Cruise Season
Tarragona Cruise Port officially launched its 2026 cruise season on Thursday, April 16, and expects a record season in terms of calls and passengers. Eighty-one calls are planned, representing a 28.6 percent increase over 2025. They will bring nearly 160,000 passengers (+23.3 percent) in the eight-month season from April to November. The port said in…
Avalon Meets Increasing Demand for Personalized River Cruising
Avalon Waterways has highlighted its commitment to meeting the growing demand for personalization and choice through its guest-first philosophy. The company said in a press release that it was building its river cruise model around personalization before flexibility became an industry trend. According to Avalon, luxury in travel is being redefined: It is more about…
Dream Cruises Celebrates Anniversary with Year-Long Celebration
Dream Cruises is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a year-long “Decade of Dreams” celebration aboard the Genting Dream, featuring a series of programs, themed events, enhanced entertainment and collaborations throughout 2026. Sailings will be offered year-round from Singapore and, from April 20 onwards, from Kuala Lumpur via Port Klang, including two-, three-, four- and five-night…
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Introduces New Pre- and Post-Cruise Programs
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has unveiled new pre- and post-cruise programs for voyages from fall 2027 through early 2029, the company announced in a press release. The programs are designed to enhance selected itineraries, allowing guests to extend their journey before or after their cruise. The programs range from guided city tours and nature-focused excursions to private…
Star Trek: The Cruise X Set to Sail in 2027
Star Trek: The Cruise X is set to sail Feb. 20-27, 2027 from New Orleans aboard Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas, the company said in a press release. The seven-day voyage will travel to Cozumel, Mexico, George Town, Grand Cayman and Montego Bay, Jamaica. The cruise will commemorate 40 years of Star Trek: The…
Five Cruise Ships Are Out of the Persian Gulf
Five cruise ships have transited the Strait of Hormuz, completing what became a two-day passage of five vessels stranded in the Persian Gulf since the onset of conflicts in the Middle East. MSC Cruises confirmed on Saturday that the MSC Euribia has departed Dubai, safely transited the strait and is now en route to Northern…
Atlas Unveils Adventurer Suites Design
Atlas Ocean Voyages has presented the suite collection for the Atlas Adventurer, scheduled for launch in late 2028. Portuguese studio Oitoemponto designed the suites divided into three categories for the 400-guest luxury expedition sailing ship, according to a statement. The design is said to reflect the Art Deco spirit of 1930s cruise ships, featuring materials including polished marble, high-gloss mahogany and hand-finished metals. “Atlas Adventurer represents a pivotal step forward for our brand and for expedition travel,” said James…
MSC Euribia Out of Dubai and Heading to Northern Europe for May 16 Start
MSC Cruises has confirmed that the MSC Euribia has departed Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, has safely transited the Strait of Hormuz and is now en route to Northern Europe. The passage was completed in close coordination with the relevant authorities, the company said. The Euribia is on course to resume her Northern Europe season, and…
GPH Spotlights North European Cruise Portfolio
Global Ports Holding (GPH) showcased its North European cruise port network at a press conference held during a Miami Beach industry event. The portfolio encompasses ports in Scotland, Liverpool and Bremerhaven. In a press release, GPH explained that it continues to see a substantial cruise ship orderbook and growing demand across Northern Europe, which it says reinforces the long-term potential of the region. Greenock Cruise Port Greenock Cruise Port’s deep-water berth…
Silversea Unveils Pacific-Focused World Cruise 2029
Silversea has unveiled its 125-day World Cruise 2029 onboard the Silver Whisper called “A Pacific Awakening.” Sailing from San Diego on January 5, 2029, the world cruise will explore more than 60 destinations in 19 countries, spanning Polynesia, Micronesia, Melanesia, Australia, Asia and New Zealand. In a press release, Silversea shared that the voyage will feature six signature events and one included overland experience. “The depth and variety of experiences around…
Norway Getting ‘Flying’ Electric Ferries
Commuting along the Norwegian coast is set to become more eco-friendly with the addition of new P-12 electric hydrofoil vessels. Norway’s Boreal has ordered 20 of these vessels from Sweden’s Candela Technology, the latter said in a press release, noting that this will mark the world’s largest electric fleet to date. “Candela P-12 is the…
Azamara Appoints MJM Marine Outfitting for Quest’s Enhancements
Azamara Cruises has announced a new partnership with MJM Marine for the execution of the upcoming Azamara Forward enhancements aboard the Azamara Quest. The collaboration follows MJM Marine’s previous work on the refit of the Azamara Pursuit. “This partnership with MJM Marine reflects our commitment to thoughtfully evolving the Azamara Cruises experience while delivering the…
Lindblad CEO Highlights Transformative Power Driving Expedition
Lindblad Expeditions’ CEO, Natalya Leahy, has shared insights into what lies ahead for adventure travel and the transformative power of exploration. Leahy said that expedition cruising is entering a new phase of strategic maturity, and identified where the real growth is coming from, how portfolio mix is shifting, what “responsible expansion” now looks like, and…