Resorts World Cruises has acquired the Pacific Explorer, expanding the fleet with a third vessel. The ship, previously part of P&O Cruises Australia, is set for a $50 million refurbishment and rebranding. In March 2025, it will debut under its new name, Star Scorpio, joining RWC’s growing fleet.
A crew member went overboard from Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas on December 17, 2024, in the final days of a 12-night Southern Caribbean cruise. The ship, sailing toward Baltimore, Maryland, activated a "Code OSCAR" emergency response, initiating a U-turn and deploying rescue boats to search the Atlantic Ocean.
Passengers onboard shared updates and photos of the unfolding situation as the crew initiated search and rescue operation.
AIDA Cruises has unveiled its heartwarming Christmas video, sparking curiosity and festive cheer with the intriguing question: Where Do Captains Spend Their Vacations?
The video offers a charming glimpse into the lives of AIDA captains beyond the bridge, blending humor, nostalgia, and the spirit of the season. Set against stunning backdrops, it portrays captains enjoying time off in unique and unexpected ways, reminding viewers of the human stories behind those who steer the ships.
Saudi Arabia is going BIG with its first-ever cruise ship Aroya Manara and Gebr. Heinemann is along for the ride, opening EIGHT boutiques across three decks! When Cruise Saudi welcomes its first passengers this December, get ready for shopping like never before. Think Arabian luxury meets global glam, with 250+ international and regional brands and a 30-strong Heinemann dream team ready to roll out the retail red carpet.
Here’s the lowdown on the luxe shopping spots:
MSC Cruises has announced a significant shift in its hiring process, centralizing crew recruitment operations to its Italian office in Sorrento. The move, aimed at streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency, means agencies in Brazil will no longer play a role in collecting resumes or managing job applications for positions aboard MSC vessels.
On December 17, 2024, the cruise ship Costa Toscana reported a few cases of gastrointestinal illness among passengers.
In response to the reported cases, Costa Cruises implemented containment measures recommended by health authorities.
These include:
• Disinfection: The ship underwent meticulous sanitation procedures to reduce contamination risks.
• Enhanced Hygiene Protocols: Stricter hygiene measures have been enforced to ensure safety.
A Royal Caribbean passenger, identified as Michael Virgil, died shortly after being detained following a chaotic incident aboard the Navigator of the Seas. Witnesses claim Virgil, reportedly intoxicated, displayed violent and disruptive behavior shortly after boarding the ship.
Details surrounding the incident remain unclear, but reports indicate that Virgil experienced a medical emergency after being restrained by ship security. Despite efforts to assist him, he did not survive.
Two crew members were injured, and others ran to hide from a drunk passenger who began terrorizing them onboard the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Navigator of the Seas. The incident happened in the guest corridors less than an hour after the ship departed the port of San Pedro.
After nearly five decades of dedicated service, Haike Witzke, AIDA Cruises’ long-time head of human resources, has retired, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and impact. The Rostock-based shipping company marked the occasion with heartfelt tributes, as Witzke passed the torch to her successor, Christina Hankel, who has been with AIDA Cruises since July 2024.
The cruise ship Costa Fascinosa became a lifeline for a stranded sailing yacht during its transatlantic voyage to the Caribbean. On December 14, 2024, while crossing the Atlantic toward the Caribbean Islands, the Costa Fascinosa received a call from a nearby Canadian-flagged vessel that had run out of fuel.
