AIDAluna Enters Drydock for Evolution Refit
The AIDAluna recently arrived at the Chantier Naval de Marseille in France for its AIDA Evolution refurbishment. As the second ship to undergo a refit under the initiative, the 2009-built vessel entered drydock following a fall season in Western Europe. During its seven-week enhancement, the AIDAluna will get new features, in addition to an overall…
Celebrity Takes Delivery of Celebrity Xcel, Introduces Celebrity Xcite
Celebrity Cruises has taken delivery of and welcomed the Celebrity Xcel and announced the name of its sixth Edge Series ship, the Celebrity Xcite. The ship’s first piece of steel was cut, and construction commenced at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire. The Celebrity Xcite is expected to set sail in 2028. “Celebrity Xcel…
Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas: Efficient Design, New Tech Drives Savings
The new Star of the Seas is about 24 percent more efficient than previous Oasis-class ships for Royal Caribbean International, said Nick Rose, associate vice president of environmental programs. The main drivers are new streamlined hull design, the move to LNG as a fuel, and significant improvements made in waste heat recovery, even gaining ground…
Viking Celebrates 100 Ships, Names Nine New River Ships
Viking has announced the naming of its nine newest river ships, including the company’s 100th ship, during a simultaneous ceremony in Basel, Switzerland. “We are proud to name our newest river ships and to honor the nine distinguished members of our extended Viking family serving as their godparents,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman and CEO of…
Scenic Reveals 2028 Newbuild, Scenic Ikon
Scenic Group has announced the launch of Scenic Ikon, set to join the Scenic fleet for its inaugural season from April 2028. The company said this exceptional new vessel will redefine ultra-luxury expedition cruising,. At 26,500 gross tons, 672 feet (205 meters) long and spanning a 78 feet (24-meter) beam, it will cater for up…
Princess Cruises Unveils Its 2027-28 West Coast Season Collection
Princess Cruises announced its 2027-28 West Coast season, offering a collection of warm-weather escapes during the cooler months. From September 2027 through April 2028, eight Princess ships will sail 69 departures across 15 itineraries to Mexico, Hawaii and the California Coast, with voyages ranging from four to 16 days. On sale now, the season features…
AIDA Announces Deployment for 2027-28 Winter Season
AIDA Cruises opened bookings for its 2027-28 winter season on Wednesday, the company announced in a press release. The deployment includes over 300 cruises to a wide range of destinations, including the Canary Islands, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, South America, the Indian Ocean and South Africa. Among the highlights of the season are the itineraries…
Fincantieri: Proactive Partner
With a record orderbook, one of Fincantieri’s greatest strengths lies in its integrated network of shipyards, both in Italy and abroad, according to Luigi Matarazzo, general manager of the Merchant Ships Division. Claiming a 45 percent share of the cruise ship newbuild market, Fincantieri’s confirmed orderbook counts 41 cruise ships to be built and delivered…
Carnival’s Mardi Completes Comprehensive Drydock
Carnival Cruise Line has announced that the Mardi Gras has returned to action with a variety of enhancements following a comprehensive drydock in Marseille, France. The ship sets sail from Barcelona on a 15-day transatlantic journey back to her homeport of Port Canaveral, Fla., to resume a year-round schedule of cruises to stunning destinations in…
Disney Takes Delivery of the New Disney Destiny
The Disney Destiny was delivered to Disney Cruise Line today, according to an update shared by the company. Built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany, the vessel was welcomed during a special ceremony in Eemshaven, Netherlands. The company said that the delivery ceremony is a maritime tradition that marks the completion of construction and…
Carnival’s Decarbonization Focus
Carnival Corporation is already on track to meet its 2030 greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction target four years early relative to a 2019 baseline. The 2030 goal was to reduce GHG emissions by 20 percent. By the end of last year, Carnival had already reached a 17 percent reduction in emissions compared to 2019 and 41…
Crystal Announces Key Dates For First Newbuild
Crystal has announced two key milestone dates in the construction of the first new ship scheduled for delivery from Fincantieri in May 2028. This is the first newbuild for the brand in 25 years and under the ownership of Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group. The ship’s steel cutting will take place in May 2026, with…
Virgin’s Brilliant Lady on Its Way to Miami
The Brilliant Lady is currently offering a repositioning cruise to Miami ahead of kicking off its maiden deployment in the Caribbean. Having entered service for Virgin Voyages in early September, the new ship initially offered itineraries to Canada, New England and Bermuda. Joining its fleetmates Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady, the 2,770-guest vessel…
MSC Announces 2026-27 Season in South America
MSC Cruises announced its deployment plans for the 2026-27 season in South America, which will see five ships sailing in the region. The fleet will be highlighted by the MSC Virtuosa, which is set to debut in the region, the company said in a press release. The 2021-built ship will be joined by the MSC…
Carnival Announces More 2027-28 Deployments and Solar Eclipse Sailing
Carnival Cruise Line has opened new 2027-28 itineraries, featuring a mix of Caribbean sailings from three U.S. homeports and expanded European voyages, including a special solar eclipse sailing on July 29, 2027. The Carnival Miracle will sail from Galveston, Texas, before heading to Europe for the summer season. The Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise will…