Rio de Janeiro Expecting Eight Ships During 2025 Carnival

The Port of Rio de Janeiro is expected to host eight cruise ships during the upcoming Carnival celebrations, which extend between March 1 and 5, 2025. According to a press release, Pier Mauá will host over 20,000 passengers during this timeframe, as well as two four-day visits. The lineup includes vessels from Azamara, Costa, Crystal,…
Octantis Sets Sail on Viking’s Longitudinal World Cruise

The Viking Octantis recently kicked off the fifth edition of Viking’s Longitudinal World Cruise. Sailing from Ushuaia, the 68-night repositioning voyage sails to Milwaukee and features visits to destinations in South America, the Caribbean and North America. According to Viking, the itinerary offers a unique way to discover the Americas’ coastlines with visits to 11…
Mein Schiff 4 Back Sailing After Sustainability Improvements

TUI has announced that shortly before its 10th birthday, the Mein Schiff 4 received a comprehensive facelift: from Feb. 10 to 23, 2025 as the ship was drydocked in Dubai to improve its efficiency and sustainability. TUI said in a press release that during the 14-day stay in the shipyard, renovations were carried out in…
Explora Journeys Targeting Luxury Travelers Globally

Explora Journeys is a new lifestyle travel brand with two luxury ships sailing global itineraries and offering travelers an Ocean State of Mind. Explora Journeys promises guests their own private yacht, with effortless European elegance awaiting them aboard. Explora Ships Explora Journeys’ ships are designed with European family heritage in mind by owners MSC Group….
Scarlet Lady Celebrates Fifth Anniversary

As Virgin Voyages’ first cruise ship, the Scarlet Lady was delivered by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri five years ago. Built at the yard’s facility in Genoa Sestri Ponente, the 110,000-ton vessel officially joined Virgin’s fleet on Feb. 13, 2020. The Scarlet Lady was then scheduled to embark on a series of introductory events before entering revenue…
Carnival Updates Firenze Itineraries for 2025

Carnival Cruise Line updated the itineraries of three cruises scheduled to take place onboard the Carnival Firenze in 2025. According to a statement sent to guests, the sailings departing from Long Beach on Feb. 25, Apr. 22 and May 6, 2025, will now operate with a different schedule. The order of port visits has been…
Carnival Sunshine Resumes Service with Enhancements

The Carnival Sunshine recently welcomed guests back with a series of enhancements to its public areas and staterooms. After undergoing a drydock in Europe, the ship returned to North America earlier this month for a year-round operation in Norfolk. According to Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador John Heald, the vessel underwent updates to various public…
Pacific Explorer Completes Final Cruise for P&O; Enters Drydock in Singapore

After departing from Fremantle earlier this month, the Pacific Explorer has completed its final voyage for P&O Cruises Australia on Feb. 18, 2025. The 11-night cruise included visits to ports of call in Indonesia and Malaysia before arriving at its final destination in Singapore. Wrapping up an eight-year sailing career for the Australian brand, the…
MSC World America Completes Sea Trials Ahead of April Launch

MSC World America has completed sea trials in the Atlantic, testing engines, maneuverability, fuel efficiency and safety systems. According to a press release, the LNG-powered ship is now undergoing final preparations at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France before its official delivery on March 27. The naming ceremony is set for April 9 at MSC’s new…
Royal Caribbean Reveals Name and Itineraries for Next Icon Class Ship

The next Icon Class ship will carry the name Legend of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International said in a press release. Currently under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard, the 250,800-ton vessel will debut in the Western Mediterranean in July 2026. Following a summer season in the region, the new Legend of the Seas repositions…
Carnival Radiance Offers Journeys Cruise to Hawaii

The Carnival Radiance is currently in Hawaii as part of a 14-night cruise that sailed from Long Beach earlier this month. Part of Carnival Cruise Line’s Journeys program, the itinerary includes visits to five destinations before returning to California on Feb. 23, 2025. After departing from Long Beach, the Carnival Radiance visits to Kahului, Honolulu,…
A Look at Royal Caribbean’s 26-27 Season from San Diego

As part of Royal Caribbean International’s recently announced 2026-27 winter season on the West Coast, the Serenade of the Seas is scheduled to offer itineraries from San Diego. Cruise Industry News takes a closer look at the new cruise schedule, which includes two- to seven-night cruises to Baja California, the Mexican Riviera and the Sea…
Costa Opens Bookings for 2027 World Cruise

Costa Cruises has announced that bookings for the 2027 edition of the World Cruise are now open. The company said in a press release that the cruise, onboard the Costa Deliziosa, will offer a 139-day experience, departing on Nov. 25, 2026, from Savona and arriving on April 12, 2027. The ship will cross five continents,…
Viking Cancels February Visits to Santorini Due to Earthquake

Viking has cancelled its scheduled visits to Santorini in February due to ongoing seismic activity on the Greek island. According to a report by Arxipelagos, the Viking Star was set to visit the destination twice this month, with calls scheduled for Feb. 10 and Feb. 15. With Santorini declaring a state of emergency and tourist…
Cordelia Cruises Announces Expansion Plan

Cordelia Cruises said it is planning to expand, according to a press release. Following a board meeting in Mumbai, the company said it will increase capacity with the addition of two ships at approximately 2,000 guests each. “The board further decided, subject to regulatory approvals, to raise funding/capital through appropriate means of financing including an…