Virgin Voyages Announces $199,999 2026 Annual Pass
Virgin Voyages has announced its 2026 Annual Pass, offering year-round access to any ship in its fleet, along with a one-week stay on Necker Island, Richard Branson’s private island retreat. Following the launch of its 2025 Annual Pass, the company unveiled the 2026 version ahead of schedule to allow travelers more time to plan. Nicole…
AIDA Set for Evolution Drydock Program
“We are looking forward to the largest fleet modernization program in our company’s history,” Steffi Heinicke, senior vice president of guest experiences and onboard revenue, told Cruise Industry News. Three ships are going into drydock, starting with the AIDAdiva which will dock into the Chantiers Naval shipyard in Marseille from February to March. For the…
Carnival Cruise Line: Reinventing Fun
The addition of five new ships through 2033 will provide Carnival Cruise Line with opportunities to innovate further and continue building on the Carnival (fun) experience, Christine Duffy, president, told Cruise Industry News. “New ships also give us the opportunity to diversify our offering across our 14 U.S. homeports as we plan new deployments, appealing…
Crystal Marks 35th Anniversary with Themed 2025 Voyages
Crystal has announced a series of themed cruises in 2025 aboard the Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity to commemorate the brand’s 35th anniversary, according to a statement. Guests will sail alongside notable figures, including Michelin-starred Chef Nobuyuki (Nobu) Matsuhisa and Abercrombie & Kent Founder Geoffrey Kent. They will also have the opportunity to meet Crystal…
A Look at Carnival’s New Year-Round Cruises Out of Norfolk
The Carnival Sunshine is launching a year-round deployment out of Norfolk in February, following a drydock in Europe. Cruise Industry News takes a closer look at the new cruise schedule, which includes itineraries to the Caribbean, the Bahamas and Bermuda. Debut Voyage Ship: Carnival Sunshine Date: Feb. 11, 2025 Length: 5 nights Homeport: Norfolk (United…
Queen Anne Departs Southampton for Maiden World Voyage
The Queen Anne set sail on her 107-night maiden world voyage from Southampton on January 9, 2025. Spectators gathered to witness the ship’s 9 p.m. departure, highlighted by a fireworks display. The 3,000-passenger ship will make its first stop in New York on January 17, 2025. Over the course of 107 nights, the Queen Anne…
Ambassador Cruise Line and CFC to Merge
Ambassador Cruise Line and Compagnie Française de Croisières (CFC) have reached an agreement to merge, forming the “Ambassador Group,” according to a press release. The new group aims to establish itself as a leading European cruise operator, specializing in premium, affordable, no-fly cruises for older travelers. The transaction is expected to close by the end…
Azamara Announces 188-Night 2027 World Cruise
Azamara has unveiled its biggest World Cruise yet, sailing for 188 nights in 2027. The world voyage will visit 103 destinations across 37 countries and five continents on the Quest. Key ports of call include the cities of San Francisco, Miami and San Diego, as well as Tokyo, Singapore, Auckland, Sydney and Hong Kong. “For…
Magnifica Sets Sail on MSC Cruises’ 2025 World Voyage
The MSC Magnifica recently kicked off MSC Cruises’ 2025 World Voyage. Sailing roundtrip from Italy, the 120-night cruise is set to visit over 45 ports. After departing from Civitavecchia, the itinerary included visits to Genoa, Marseille and Barcelona, where guests could also start the cruise. The worldwide adventure is now set to cross the Atlantic…
Holland America Invests $70 Million Into Denali and Alaska Cruise Tours
Holland America Line has announced a $70 million capital investment to expand guest capacity while elevating the line’s Denali property experience and enhancing its land and sea cruise tours. The company said in a press release that the investment will build on Holland America’s position with more glacier viewing opportunities and more ways to see…
Port of Tokyo: New Facility Launching in Summer 2025
In 2024, over 70 cruise ships arrived at the Port of Tokyo, and many passengers enjoyed a stay in Tokyo. The Port of Tokyo is easily accessible from Haneda and Narita International Airports, making it an ideal port for fly and cruise travelers. Japan’s leading metropolis is home to many popular spots such as Ginza,…
Zuiderdam Embarks on Holland America’s Grand World Voyage
The Zuiderdam is sailing from Port Everglades on Saturday for Holland America Line’s 2025 Grand World Voyage. According to Holland America Line, the 124-night itinerary is highlighted by bucket-list destinations, including Machu Picchu, Easter Island and the Great Barrier Reef. The full itinerary includes ports in 34 different countries. The cruise also features six overnight…
New Cruise Ships: The Class of 2025
A range of new cruise ships will enter service in 2025: Mein Schiff Relax Cruise Line: TUI Cruises Capacity: 4,000 Tonnage: 161,000 Shipyard: Fincantieri Inaugural Cruise: March 16, 2025 Built by the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, the LNG-powered vessel is the first in a new series of vessels by TUI. Following the Mein Schiff…
Cruise Ships Set for New Homes in 2025
A number of cruise ships will start new lives in 2025. Cruise Industry News lists the vessels that are set to enter service for new operators. Carnival Adventure Capacity: 2,600 guests Tonnage: 109,000 Year built: 2001 Former names: Pacific Adventure and Golden Princess Previous operator: P&O Australia New operator: Carnival Cruise Line Debut: March 2025…
Cruise Orderbook: $56.9 Billion of New Ships Through 2036
According to Cruise Industry News’ latest cruise ship orderbook, 67 new ships and 170,422 berths are set to be introduced through 2036, totaling an orderbook value of just under $57 billion. Thirty-five of those orders were placed in 2024, showcasing a strong growth trajectory for cruise. Of the 67 orders placed through 2036, Fincantieri will…