Oktoberfest celebrations aboard AIDA ships have become a highly anticipated tradition, and this year’s festivities are no exception. While the Bavarian AIDA Special aboard AIDAprima is just around the corner, from September 14 to 21, 2024—featuring acts like Mickie Krause, the Hermes House Band, and voXXclub—the next big party is already open for booking.
Royal Caribbean International has announced it will resume trips to Labadee, Haiti, in October 2024, following a temporary suspension earlier this year due to rising violence and instability, Cruise Radio reported. The cruise line removed Labadee from its itineraries in March 2024, after concerns over safety were heightened by incidents.
International superstar Robbie Williams is set to become the official wellness ambassador for TUI Cruises' latest ship, the Mein Schiff Relax. The “Angels” singer, who’s sold a staggering 85 million albums and bagged 18 BRIT Awards (NBD), is diving headfirst into the world of cruising with TUI Cruises. Robbie is pumped to bring his personal motto, “Relaxing rocks,” to life on the Mein Schiff Relax, which is all about unwinding and recharging—two things the busy megastar definitely knows a thing or two about.
Cruises has teamed up with the Food Bank Foundation of Mallorca to provide support to those most in need on the island. This collaboration, launched officially on Thursday, also includes the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) and aligns with the 2030 Agenda's goals of promoting responsible consumption and reducing food waste.
Cruise Director Lee Mason is stepping up in a MAJOR way, as Fleet Cruise Director for Carnival Cruise Line, taking over after Chris Williams parted ways with the role earlier in August. This isn’t just a regular promo—this is a whole new chapter for Lee, who’s been a part of the Carnival family since 2016!
Global marine services provider Oceanic, through its SeaMed24 Medical Solutions, will offer support for seafarers by integrating VIKAND’s mental health training programs for maritime customers. This collaboration is part of Oceanic’s broader commitment to the overall wellbeing of crew members aboard the 2,300+ vessels it serves including merchant ships, cruise ships, and expedition vessels.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) arrested a cruise ship crew member for possession and importation of child pornography in Frobisher Bay, near Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut, Canada. The crew member, identified as Akshay Somaroo, a 31-year-old from Mauritius, was detained on September 1.
According to the RCMP, the arrest occurred when officers boarded the cruise ship as part of routine customs inspections, assisting the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).
Carnival Cruise Line is investigating a casino scam involving two casino staff members and passengers that lasted for three months, costing the company over $100,000. The scam, which was discovered a few weeks ago aboard the Carnival Glory, has led the company to investigate the number of people, resulting in several terminations. While the two staff members were not arrested, it has not been confirmed whether the other fired employees are being held responsible for failing in their supervisory duties.
In a move to attract more tourists, Muscat has announced a free 10-day visit visa for passengers and crew members of cruise ships visiting Oman. This new rule, part of Decision No. 132/2024, was introduced by Lieutenant General Hassan bin Mohsen Al Shuraiqi, Inspector General of Police and Customs.
On September 5, 2024, the cruise ship AIDAprima operated by AIDA Cruises made history by refueling with 100% renewable biofuel (BMF100) at the Port of Rotterdam. This refueling marked the first time the ship has used a biofuel entirely from advanced waste and residue streams. VARO Energy, the provider of the biofuel, estimates that this innovative energy source will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 85% when compared to conventional fossil fuels.
