Cruise Industry News: 50 Million Guests Annually
The global cruise fleet is set to grow to around at least 540 ships by 2037, from a fleet of 459 ships at the start of 2026, according to the 2026 Cruise Industry News Annual Report. That also means that the passenger capacity grows from about 36 million at the start of this year to…
Virgin’s Valiant Drydocking in Europe
Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady is currently undergoing a scheduled drydock at Fincantieri. After crossing the Atlantic in April, the 2021-built vessel arrived at Fincantieri’s Palermo yard earlier this month. As part of its first drydock, the Valiant Lady will add the Ariya restaurant. The new restaurant was developed in partnership with Indie Culinaire by chef…
Crystal Grace to Feature Dedicated Crew Recreation Area
Crystal Cruises has unveiled a dedicated crew recreation area aboard the Crystal Grace, its newest ship coming in 2028. Set on deck 12, the crew recreation area will include a crew gym featuring Technogym equipment, a sundries shop, bar, table seating area and lounge with a 98-inch television indoors. This will be complemented with sun loungers, a jacuzzi and shower area outside, according…
Carnival Adds Patriotic Bow Crests Across U.S. Fleet
Carnival Cruise Line said in a press release that it is reinforcing its position as America’s Cruise Line with a new look across its fleet. The Carnival Legend became the first ship to get the new feature, which consists of a bow crest celebrating the company’s relationship with the United States. Debuting the “From Sea to…
Mexico Rejects Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day Destination
Mexican authorities have rejected Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day Mexico project, citing environmental concerns about damage to the Mesoamerican Reef and coastal ecosystems. “It is not going to be approved,” said Environment Minister Alicia Bárcena at a May 19 press conference, according to Reuters. “The company is also taking steps to withdraw the project.” The decision…
Key Cruise Ship Drydocks in May
Cruise Industry News takes a look at a number of drydock projects scheduled to take in May. Valiant Lady Cruise Line: Virgin Voyages Capacity: 2,770 guests Tonnage: 110,000 Year built: 2021 Drydock Period: May 9 to May 25, 2026 Shipyard: Fincantieri (Palermo, Italy) The Valiant Lady is currently undergoing its first drydock after arriving at…
Asia-Pacific Sees Largest Gain in 2026; Africa, South America Drop
With a growing cruise fleet, capacity is up in most sailing regions, although some are seeing a significant dip in 2026 from 2025, according to the 2026 Cruise Industry News Annual Report. The biggest percentage increase year-over-year is in the Asia-Pacific region which is seeing a 47 percent increase in cruise capacity from last year….
MSC Seashore Gets Two Casual Dining Options
MSC Cruises is giving guests more dining options aboard the MSC Seashore thanks to the addition of two new fast-food concepts. The two new venues – The Chicken Man and Red Cactus BBQ & Ribs – are included in the cruise fare and will complement the ship’s existing specialty restaurants, the cruise line said in a statement. “We are proud to offer our guests a variety…
Viking Well Positioned for 2027 With Strong Advanced Bookings
Viking reported strong advanced booking momentum for the 2027 cruise season during its first quarter 2026 earnings call on May 14. With the 2026 season already 92% sold, the company has shifted its commercial focus to 2027. As of May 3, the 2027 season was 38% booked, against a capacity base expected to grow 15%…
Viking Announces CEO Transition and Reports First Quarter Results
Viking Holdings today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Leah Talactac, President and Chief Financial Officer, as Chief Executive Officer. Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO, has been appointed as Executive Chairman and will continue to serve as Chairman of Viking’s Board of Directors, according to a press release. The company also announced that…
Mitsui’s Nippon Maru Makes Final Call at Yokohama
The Nippon Maru recently made its final call to the port of Yokohama before being withdrawn from service by Mitsui Ocean Cruises. Wrapping up a 36-year sailing career, the 600-passenger ship bid farewell to the Osanbashi Yokohama International Passenger Terminal on May 10, 2026. “We are truly honored that Yokohama was chosen as the location…
Trio of Cruise Ships Remain Laid Up in China as Market Challenges Persist
Three cruise ships,the Blue Dream Star, Blue Dream Melody, and Chinese Taishan,remain out of service in mainland China and looking for their next careers. The 1,218-guest Blue Dream Melody, operated by Blue Dream Cruises, was withdrawn from service at its Beihai homeport on January 4, 2026, citing a need for “systematic hardware upgrades and maintenance.”…
Scenic Visiting 600 Ports in 100 Countries in 2028–29 Season
Scenic has released its 2028–29 Worldwide Voyages program. The program spans all seven continents and visits more than 100 countries and 600 ports of call. In a press release, the company noted that the season’s highlight will be arrival of the Scenic Ikon, which will join the Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II from April 2028. Tom Batchelor, vice president, deployment, product & port operations – ocean said: “Scenic’s 2028/29 collection represents an…
Orient Express Corinthian Makes Maiden Visit to Lisbon
The OE Corinthian made its first visit to the Port of Lisbon during its maiden voyage for Orient Express Sailing Yachts. Sailing to Marseille, the ship is currently offering a repositioning cruise to the French Riviera that departed from St. Nazaire. The visit to the Portuguese capital city took place on May 6, 2026, and…
Lindblad Ramps Up Hull Cleaning, Speed Optimization to Curb Fuel Costs
With fuel prices elevated by the conflict in the Middle East, Lindblad Expeditions has a renewed effort to reduce consumption across its expedition fleet, intensifying hull cleaning and propeller polishing schedules and engaging ship leaders directly in reviews of how energy is used aboard each vessel. CEO Natalya Leahy told analysts on the company’s first…