Solstice Kicks Off Celebrity’s First Grand Voyage
The Celebrity Solstice is currently offering Celebrity Cruises’ first Grand Voyage, a 110-night itinerary that will sail to 15 countries. Sailing from Canada to Hong Kong, the cruise departed from the Port of Vancouver on September 13, 2026. The complete voyage is scheduled to sail to 58 ports around the Pacific, including destinations in Alaska,…
Explora and MSC to Enter River Cruise Market
Explora Journeys has signed a Letter of Intent with Den Breejen Shipyard for the construction of its first luxury river ships, marking the brand’s planned entry into river cruising for MSC Group. The company that said since launching, Explora Journeys has sought to change the way people experience ocean travel through its Ocean State of…
Royal Caribbean Group Buys 50% of Sandals Resorts
Royal Caribbean Group and Sandals Resorts today announced the signing of an agreement to form a partnership in the all-inclusive resort space with a 50% investment from Royal Caribbean Group. The companies said the joint venture will create new opportunities for continued resort growth while broadening the experiences across Royal Caribbean Group’s vacation platform. The…
Ambassador Buys Oceania Sirena; Semester at Sea to Charter Ship in Winter
Ambassador Cruise Line is entering the German market with the former Oceania Sirena. The UK company said in a statement it acquired the ship from Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. It will be leased back to Oceania Cruises through spring 2028. The 670-passenger vessel will be renamed the Ambella before joining the company’s new Ambassador Kreuzfahrten…
Key Cruise Ship Drydocks in September
From routine work to major refurbishments, Cruise Industry News looks into key drydock projects taking place between late August and September. Cordelia Sky Cruise Line: Cordelia Cruises Capacity: 2,000 guests Tonnage: 77,104 Year built: 1999 Drydock Period: September 13, 2026 to TBD Shipyard: Besiktas (Yalova, Turkey) Being prepared to launch service for Cordelia Cruises, the…
MSC Musica Enters Drydock for Big Refurbishment
The MSC Musica arrived at the Palumbo Malta Shipyard earlier this month to begin a significant refurbishment project. As part of a four-ship upgrade program, the Musica-class vessel will spend approximately 45 days at the shipyard. The ship will then emerge from drydock with a new Yacht Club space, as well as new specialty dining…
Disney Floats Out Giga-Block for the Disney Believe
Disney Cruise Line has floated out the first of three blocks for the new Disney Believe under construction at Meyer Werft and slated to enter service in late 2027. The Disney Believe will be the fourth Wish-class ship for the cruise line at approximately 144,000 tons and with a guest capacity of 2,500 (double occupancy),…
Carnival Freedom Gets New Funnel in Drydock
The Carnival Freedom is getting a new funnel during its routine drydock in France, according to an update published by Carnival Cruise Line. In a social media post, the company shared a behind-the-scenes look at the new structure being added to the ship at the Chantier Naval de Marseille shipyard. The pictures show a shorter…
Planning a New Cruise Operation? These Ships May Be Available
A series of cruise ships is currently available for new cruise operations, according to data from the new Secondhand Market Report from Cruise Industry News. The list includes the World Odyssey, which is looking for a summer operator. After completing a final deployment for Phoenix Reisen earlier this year, the former Deutschland is believed to…
Great Stirrup Cay Pier Welcomes First Double Call
The new Great Stirrup Cay pier has welcomed a double call for the first time this past weekend, according to Norwegian Cruise Line. The company celebrated the milestone in a social media update, noting that the operation marked a first in its history. Spending its first summer in the Caribbean, the Norwegian Prima was joined…
MSC Announces Euribia’s Canary Islands Deployment for Winter 2027-28
MSC has announced deployment plans for the MSC Euribia during the winter 2027-28 season. The ship will offer seven-night Canary Islands and Madeira cruises, while the Fantasia will take over its current seven-night Western Mediterranean program. The company said in a statement that the deployment reflects the continued popularity of winter cruises in the Canary…
Ruby Princess Opens San Diego’s Record-Breaking Cruise Season
The Port of San Diego welcomed the Ruby Princess on September 14, officially kicking off its cruise season. The ship docked at the B Street Pier Cruise Terminal for a seven-day Classic California Coast tour. “San Diego has been an important part of the Princess Cruises story for more than 50 years, and we’re proud…
MSC World Asia Ready for Debut Following Sea Trials
MSC Cruises has announced that its World Asia has completed its final sea trials as part of preparations for its delivery on November 25, 2026. The final trials took place in the Atlantic Ocean off the west coast of France this week to test the ship’s engines, maneuverability, fuel efficiency, safety systems, speed and stopping…
Hydrogen-Powered Viking Astrea Launched at Fincantieri
Viking’s latest ocean ship, the Viking Astrea, was launched at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard. With a propulsion system partially powered by liquid hydrogen and fuel cells, the vessel is said to represent a further step in the development of innovative technological solutions for an increasingly sustainable cruise industry. With a gross tonnage of approximately 54,300 tons,…
Holland America Evolution of Oosterdam to Debut 5 Weeks Early
The Holland America Evolution transformation of the Oosterdam will reach completion five weeks earlier than previously scheduled. The Oosterdam will start its renovation earlier than planned, returning to service with its first post-Evolution voyage departing October 31, 2027. “We’re very happy with the unprecedented response we’ve received to Holland America Evolution, and we’re thrilled we…