The Saudi Arabian cruise line Aroya Cruises is set to launch its first ship, the Manara, following extensive preparations that began in 2023. The vessel, originally delivered as the World Dream in 2017 by the Papenburg-based Meyer Werft for Dream Cruises, is now transformed and ready for operations in the Red Sea.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has announced that two-time Emmy Award-winning actor Eric Stonestreet, best known for his role on Modern Family, will serve as the godfather of its newest ship, Norwegian Aqua. The ship is set to debut in April 2025, offering cutting-edge features and innovative experiences.
Oceania Cruises is celebrating the 15th anniversary of its groundbreaking Culinary Center, the first hands-on cooking school at sea. Since debuting aboard Marina™ in 2011, the Culinary Center has expanded to four ships, including Riviera™, Vista™, and the upcoming Allura™, set to launch in summer 2025.
For the first time in its 160-year history, Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) has taken its gaming expertise beyond Monaco’s borders. On November 14, 2024, the inaugural Monte-Carlo Casino outside Monaco was unveiled aboard the luxury cruise ship Crystal Symphony in Venice, Italy. The event was attended by industry leaders, including Manfredi Lefebvre, Executive Chairman of A&K Travel Group, and Stéphane Valeri, Chairman-Elect of SBM.
Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Treasure, was officially christened in a grand celebration in New York City.
The festivities kicked off with an electrifying performance by American singer Jordin Sparks, who sang the ship’s theme song, “Live the Adventure.” The event reached new heights with an aerial drone display, featuring a treasure chest that opened to reveal scenes from beloved Disney movies like Moana, Coco, Aladdin, and more. The spectacle culminated with a giant virtual champagne bottle, symbolizing the christening of the vessel.
Italian Customs in coordination with Anti-Fraud Office of the Territorial Directorate of Lazio and Abruzzo conducted inspections on several passenger ships and seized slot machines in the port of Civitavecchia belonging to several shipping companies.
Some devices, which had expired authorizations for commissioning, and others without the necessary authorizations, were seized and left in custody. The administrative sanctions for the irregularities found amount to approximately 9 thousand euros.
Last month, the Brazilian Navy, through its Northeast Maritime Search and Rescue Service (Salvamar Nordeste), successfully coordinated the urgent medical evacuation of a Filipino crew member, Marapau Rogelio Sumabong, from the Portuguese-flagged cruise ship Ocean Endeavor. The vessel was en route from Canada to Montevideo, Uruguay, when the emergency arose.
Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess has been honored with the 2025 Good Housekeeping Family Travel Award, with its reputation as a leader in family-focused cruising.
Disney has named its entire global family of 200,000 cast members, crew, Imagineers, and employees as the honorary “godparents” of Disney Treasure. This tribute honors everyone who brings Disney’s iconic stories to life, creating unforgettable moments for families around the world – whether on land, at sea, or in the comfort of their homes.
Imagine if cruise ship crew members enjoyed the same labor protections as workers on land: overtime pay for Sundays and holidays, night shift bonuses, and an annual bonus. Well, this became a reality for hundreds of Brazilian crew members after they sued major cruise lines—and won. However, all of them were fired following the ruling, and now several cruise lines no longer hire crew from Brazil. According to a crew member, the cruise lines that don’t hire Brazilian crew include NCL, Virgin Voyages, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea.
