Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas Set for Sea Trials From Meyer Turku
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, which will be the largest ship in the world when it launches in 2024, is leaving the Meyer Turku this weekend for its first set of sea trials, the shipyard announced on its official Facebook page. “We are once again very happy that we get to celebrate yet another…
Ocean Albatros Sets Sail on Maiden Cruise
The new Ocean Albatros is entering service for Albatros Expeditions today. After being delivered in late April, the vessel is setting sail on its first expedition cruise to the Arctic. Departing from Longyearbyen, the eight-day journey explores Norway’s Svalbard Archipelago with an exact itinerary dependent on weather and ice conditions. While the plan includes visits…
MSC Expands Cruise Shore Power Plan to More Ports
MSC Group has unveiled what it said was the next phase of its shore power plan for both MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys. At least 15 new ports between 2024 and 2026 will be added to the existing use for its vessels to plug into shoreside electricity grids to further demonstrate its commitment to, and…
Here Are the Five New Cruise Ships Entering Service for the 2023 Summer
Of the 19 newbuilds scheduled to enter service this year, five are debuting for the upcoming cruise summer season. With large contemporary ships and also small expedition ships, the lineup includes ships for five different brands. Here’s the complete list: MSC Euribia Cruise Line: MSC Cruises Shipyard: Chantiers de l’Atlantique (France) Capacity: 4,888 guests Tonnage: 177,000 Maiden…
China Update: Cruise Restart Plans Summarized
With the Chinese market finally set for a broader reopening, Cruise Industry News looks at the status and the restart plans for the brands that historically have a presence in the region. Blue Dream Cruises Fleet: Blue Dream Star (former Olympia Explorer, Glory Sea) Status: In service Service Resumption: May 2023 Blue Dream Cruises became…
Previewing the Noordam’s 2024-25 Voyages in Asia
Holland America Line’s Noordam will explore Asia throughout 2024-25 in what will be the cruise line’s most diverse Asia season so far, according to a statement. Starting in October 2025 through April 2025, the Noordam will sail nine different 14-day itineraries visiting Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. The Noordam…
First Time on Silversea World Cruise: Semi-circumnavigation of Australia
In a first for Silversea Cruises, the Silver Dawn will embark on a 21-day semi-circumnavigation of Australia, sailing between Hobart (Tasmania) and Darwin The ship will sail along Australia’s southern and western coastlines during its 140-day “The Curious and the Sea” world cruise which departs from Fort Lauderdale on January 6, 2026. Guests will get…
Torstein Hagen Lays Out His Plans for Viking
Viking has already sold 49 percent of its 2024 ocean cruise capacity and 31 percent of its global river capacity, according to Torstein Hagen, chairman, who spoke at the christening of the Viking Saturn in New York this week. As for the company’s 2023 capacity, 89 percent of its ocean cruise capacity was sold and…
Carnival Venezia Crosses the Atlantic Ahead of NYC Debut
The Carnival Venezia is currently offering a trans-Atlantic crossing ahead of its debut in New York City. Set to sail from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal starting on June 15, the new Carnival Cruise Line vessel departed Barcelona on the repositioning voyage on May 29. The 15-night itinerary includes visits to several ports of call in…
Pullmantur’s Brand Auction Ends with No Winner
The auction of the Pullmantur Cruises brand ended with no successful bids. Part of the company’s liquidation process, the auction had been announced in early February. According to reports in the Spanish media, the insolvency administrator of the former cruise line was approached by potential buyers during the tender process. No binding offer, however, was…
New Chinese Cruise Ship Floats Out
Under construction in China for Adora Cruises, the Adora Magic City was floated out last week. The vessel is now undergoing a six-day undocking operation that includes a series of trials and equipment testing. According to reports in the Chinese media, the ship is then set to depart on its first set of sea trials…
Coral Princess Sets Sail on World Cruise from Australia
The Coral Princess is starting its 2023 Australia World Cruise today. Sailing roundtrip from Sydney, the vessel is offering a 107-night voyage that will feature visits to six continents and different destinations across the globe. According to Princess Cruises, the full itinerary sails for 32,500 nautical miles and includes 44 ports of call in 26…
Orderbook: Five New Cruise Ships Debuting For Summer
Following the six cruise ships that were already delivered this year, the MSC Euribia was handed over n France at the end of May, meaning five additional new vessels are set to enter service in time for the upcoming summer season. According to the latest issue of Cruise Industry News’ Global Cruise Ship Orderbook, the…
Norwegian Epic Heading to Port Canaveral Instead of Europe
The Norwegian Epic will sail from Port Canaveral for the winter 2023-24 season in place of a previously scheduled and then cancelled European winter. Starting from December 17, 2023, the ship will offer seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, providing guests with unforgettable experiences in these sought-after destinations. “Thanks to our great partnership and strong…
Premium Cruise Market to Grow by 20% Over Next Decade
The premium segment of the global cruise industry is set to grow by 20 percent in capacity between 2023 and 2033, according to the 2023 Cruise Industry News Annual Report. While still aggressive, that compares to over 60 percent grown between 2013 and 2023. The coming growth over the next decade will be led by…