Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Evacuates Americans from Israel
The Rhapsody of the Seas sailed on Monday from Haifa, on its way to Cyprus, carrying Americans evacuating Israel. The Royal Caribbean International cruise ship was sailing on the request of the U.S. embassy in Israel. “Royal Caribbean Group is actively supporting the U.S. Department of State in the assisted departure of American citizens,” said…
Three Costa Ships to South America in 2024-25
Costa Cruises will deploy three ships in South America in 2024-25. According to a press release, the Costa Diadema, the Costa Pacifica and the Costa Favolosa will be based in the region during the season, which stretches between November 2024 and April 2025. The Costa Diadema is scheduled to offer new itineraries that sail between…
‘Efficient Solutions’ from Chantiers de l’Atlantique
Looking ahead, Chantiers de l’Atlantique will deliver the Celebrity Ascent this November, which is another project delivered on time despite headwinds coming out of the pandemic followed by the Ukraine war and supply chain hurdles, said Arnaud Le Joncour, senior vice president of sales and marketing for the shipyard. Earlier this year, the yard delivered…
Celebrity Solstice Marking 15 Years In Service
The Celebrity Solstice is completing 15 years in service this year. After being floated out in August 2008, the Celebrity Cruises’ ship welcomed its first guests on November 23, 2008. First in a series of five ships known as Solstice Class, the vessel was built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany. After being delivered,…
Azamara Introduces New Grand Voyages
Azamara is introducing new Grand Voyages with more time in port and added amenities. Azamara’s Grand Voyages take guests on extended journeys across continents, from the remote Tasmania to Niigata in Japan. “Over the past few years, we’ve seen more of our guests opting for longer itineraries and back-to-back sailings,” said Carol Cabezas, president of…
Azamara Fleet Comes Together in Koper
Azamara brought its four ships together again on October 5 in Koper, Slovenia. In celebration of the fleet’s arrival, Azamara guests were welcomed by the city of Koper with its first-ever Gourmet Festival to highlight the city’s culinary experiences and connect with the local community. “It’s such a unique moment to have our four ships…
AIDA Cruises Opens Sales for 2025 Summer
AIDA Cruises summer 2025 sailings are now open for sale, featuring approximately 500 departure dates. The highlight of AIDA’s 2025 season are sailings exploring Japan during the cherry blossom season. A featured itinerary is the 15-day “Great Japan Round Voyages” onboard the AIDAstella. Another sailing combine destinations in China, Japan and South Korea or Japan,…
Viking Polaris Completes First Year in Service
After welcoming its first guests in September 2023, the Viking Polaris recently completed its first year in revenue service. As Viking’s second expedition ship, the 378-guest vessel spent its inaugural season offering a series of expedition cruises in Antarctica and South America. Before arriving at the region, however, the Viking Polaris was christened in Amsterdam,…
Next Royal Caribbean Ship Named Star of the Seas
The second Icon-class ship will carry the name Star of the Seas for Royal Caribbean International when it debuts in summer 2025. “The idea of combining the best of every type of vacation into one ultimate adventure has created more excitement than ever anticipated, and Star of the Seas will be the next bold answer to the…
Norwegian Jewel Sets Sail on Transpacific Cruise to Japan
After concluding its summer program in Alaska, the Norwegian Jewel recently sailed from Seattle on a repositioning cruise to Japan. The 16-night transpacific cruise sails to Tokyo and also includes several ports of call in Alaska and the Asian country. After leaving Seattle on Oct. 3, the Norwegian Cruise Line ship is scheduled to sail…
Former Costa Mediterranea Enters Service for Adora Cruises
After a refit in Singapore, the former Costa Mediterranea set sail on its maiden voyage for Adora Cruises on September 30. Now cruising year-round from its new homeport in Tianjin, the Mediterranea is offering a series of cruises between Northern China, Japan and South Korea. The five- to seven-night itineraries feature visits to several ports,…
Carnival Corp Releases 2023 Q3 Earnings; Record Revenue
Carnival Corporation has reported third quarter 2023 earnings and provides an outlook for the full year and fourth quarter 2023. Highlights: U.S. GAAP net income of $1.07 billion, or $0.79 diluted EPS, and adjusted net income of $1.18 billion, or $0.86 adjusted EPS, exceeded the June guidance range. Adjusted EBITDA of $2.22 billion also exceeded…
Holland America: Full Fleet Shore Power Ready
Following the shore power installation on the Volendam, Holland America Line’s entire fleet is now equipped for shore power connectivity. The Volendam recently completed its installation in Vancouver, British Columbia, and was connected to the port’s shoreside electricity for a full day on September 27. “At Holland America Line, our legacy of exceptional onboard care…
Crown Princess to Sail Year-Round from Australia
The Crown Princess is set to be based in Australia on a year-round basis starting in October 2024. According to Princess Cruises’ published deployment, the 3,100-guest ship will offer a series of itineraries departing from Sydney. Replacing the Coral Princess, which is currently sailing a year-round schedule in Australia, the Crown Princess will also offer…
Holland America to Offer 53-Day Cruise to Japan from Seattle
Holland America Line is set to offer a new 53-day cruise to Japan in September 2024. A first for the company, the itinerary sails roundtrip from Seattle onboard the Westerdam. In addition to the Far East, the voyage also includes port calls in Alaska and Hawaii. According to Holland America, the nearly two-month cruise, which…