Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Secures Debt Relief; Reports 51% Load Factor
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has secured a debt restructuring agreement with its lenders while posting record quarterly bookings, according to the company’s Q1 2026 bond report, published on May 29. Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter of 2026 was negative $19 million, compared to negative $33 million for the first quarter of 2025. The company confirmed…
Antarctica21 Prepares for Arrival of Magellan Discoverer
Antarctica21 is preparing to welcome its newest vessel, the Magellan Discoverer, as the Chilean fly-cruise operator positions itself at the top of the fly-cruise Antarctica expedition market. The Magellan Discoverer is scheduled for delivery on September 30, with an inaugural voyage set for December 15, Francesco Contini, executive vice president of sales and marketing, said…
Cunard To Add 30 New Cabins to Queen Mary 2
Deck plans published on Cunard’s website show that the company is planning to add 30 new staterooms to the Queen Mary 2. Set to undergo a major refurbishment program in 2027, the 2004-built vessel will see the introduction of new suites and inside cabins. Designed as the world’s first modern ocean liner, the Queen Mary…
Astoria Grande Expands Deployment to Greece and the Western Med in 2026
Astoria Grande is expanding its deployment in 2026 with the debut of additional itineraries that sail beyond the Black Sea. Operating out of Russia, the 1996-built vessel is scheduled to embark on longer voyages to destinations in Southern Europe and Africa, including Greece, Italy, Malta and Egypt. The new cruises are part of the ship’s…
Corazul Cancels European Debut, Will Launch in Brazil Instead
Corazul Cruceros has cancelled its planned Mediterranean debut with the Buenavista and will instead launch its first commercial season in Brazil in 2026-27. Cruise Industry News reported earlier this week the company was facing challenges in its planned start up. All European departures scheduled for 2026 will be cancelled as a result, the company said….
Jennifer West Named Windstar’s Sales VP for North America
Jennifer West has been named new vice president of sales for North America at Windstar. In her new role, she will lead the company’s sales strategy and trade engagement efforts for the region, strengthening relationships with the travel advisor community and helping them grow with the brand. With more than 15 years of cruise industry experience, West brings expertise in sales operations, trade partnerships, advisor engagement and commercial strategy,…
Princess to Sail Largest European Season in Its History in 2028
Princess Cruises has announced its Europe season for 2028, described in a press release as the largest deployment for that region in Princess history. Featuring 291 departures across 150 itineraries, the season will include sailings throughout Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and Transatlantic voyages. Booking is now open for seven- to 53-day sailings, visiting 128 destinations in 37 countries and featuring 32 late-night or overnight stays. “At…
Harding and Princess Extend Retail Partnership Through 2031
Harding+ has announced that it has extended its partnership with Princess Cruises, building on a collaboration established in 2021. The retailer will continue to operate and evolve retail environments across select Princess ships in a multi-year agreement, including the Sun Princess, Majestic Princess, Sky Princess, Regal Princess, Emerald Princess, Caribbean Princess, Grand Princess and Coral…
Emerald Astra Christened in Amsterdam
The Emerald Astra, the latest addition to Emerald Cruises & Tours’ European fleet, was christened in Amsterdam on May 31, 2026, according to a statement. The ship’s godmother is Toni Lanotte-Day, a US travel advisor and entrepreneur, described as one of Scenic Group’s top global sellers. “Emerald Astra reflects the vision for the growth of Emerald Cruises brand globally. Contemporary, immersive and connected to the destinations…
Mitsui Ocean Sakura to Offer 29 Cruises During Inaugural Season
The Mitsui Ocean Sakura will offer 29 cruises during its inaugural season, according to a press release issued by Mitsui Ocean Cruises. The 2010-built ship is set to make its debut for the Japanese company on September 19, 2026, having completed its final cruise for Seabourn earlier this year. For its first sailing, the former…
VidantaWorld’s Elegant: Entertainment Highlights for First European Season
VidantaWorld has spotlighted the entertainment offering on its 216-guest ship, the Elegant. The ship started its inaugural European season in April 2026 with a series of itineraries to the Azores and Madeira, followed by sailings to various Mediterranean destinations. According to a press release, the entertainment options range from morning wellness rituals to late-night celebrations, original stage productions and live performances. “At a time when many luxury cruise…
Costa Cruises Marking Solar Eclipse with Special Med Voyage
Costa Cruises has unveiled a special itinerary centered around the solar eclipse that is returning to the Mediterranean in August after 20 years. The cruise line said in a press release that there will be two departures for its eight-day Eclipse Cruise aboard the Costa Pacifica, one from Civitavecchia (Rome) on August 8 and the…
Azamara Pursuit Makes Inaugural Call to Nanaimo
The Azamara Pursuit has made its inaugural visit to Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada. In a press release, The Nanaimo Port Authority (NPA) described this as a milestone, being the first time the port will welcome a peak-season Alaska cruise itinerary to the passenger terminal. “We are so excited to welcome Azamara Pursuit on its inaugural call to Nanaimo. This visit marks an important moment for…
Anglo-Eastern: Backbone Supporting Multiple Cruise Operators
“We industrialize the complexity behind the scenes so the guest experience can remain highly bespoke on the surface,” Frits van der Werff, VP commercial at Anglo-Eastern Leisure Management, told Cruise Industry News. The company provides end-to-end vessel management services across the cruise industry, including technical management, crewing, catering and hotel operations. The client roster includes…
Carnival to Introduce New Dining Menu on More Ships
Carnival Cruise Line is bringing its new dinner menu to additional ships over the next few weeks, according to an update shared by Brand Ambassador John Heald. In a social media post, Heald said that three vessels will introduce the new menu to their dining rooms through early July. The Carnival Celebration will be the…