After an extraordinary five-decade career with Royal Caribbean International, Captain Johnny Faevelen has announced his retirement. Known for his unparalleled dedication to his crew and passengers, Captain Johnny is embarking on a new chapter in life, leaving behind a legacy that few can match.

In a heartfelt post on social media, Captain Johnny shared his emotions and reflections on the decision to step away from his storied career:

Thirteen years ago, off the shores of Giglio Island, tragedy struck aboard the Costa Concordia. What began as an ordinary evening aboard the cruise ship spiraled into chaos, leaving 32 lives lost and over 4,000 survivors forever changed. Today, survivors and former crew members recount their experiences, sharing lessons in resilience, loss, and the strength of the human spirit.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has announced Lucy Kelly as the newest addition to their team, stepping into the role of Cruise Director. Kelly, who previously served with Princess Cruises, has now taken on her duties aboard the Borealis. Based in the Cotswolds, her appointment marks an exciting new chapter for both Kelly and the Fred. Olsen fleet.

After 15 years of service, one of Azamara’s most beloved and admired captains, Johannes Tysse, has announced his departure from the cruise line. The news, which Captain Tysse shared just yesterday, has come as an unexpected surprise to guests and crew alike who have had the pleasure of sailing and working alongside him.

It is with great sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of Antonio Russo, the Food and Beverage Director on Adventure of the Seas. This tragic information was shared with us by a crew member who wished to remain anonymous. Antonio passed away during the ship’s recent six-day Caribbean cruise after suffering a heart attack. He was only 53 years old.

A passenger aboard an MSC Cruises cruise ship, which was hosting a corporate charter cruise for MAG Seguros, passed away on Thursday, January 9, after suffering a sudden illness. The ship MSC Orchestra set sail from Rio de Janeiro the previous evening for a celebration marking the 190th anniversary of MAG Seguros, a company specializing in Life Insurance and Pension Funds.

Royal Caribbean International has informed guests sailing aboard Symphony of the Seas, of two confirmed cases of Legionella reported by previous passengers. According to the cruise line, the cases involved guests who sailed on separate voyages—one in October and another in December. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not yet confirmed where the individuals were exposed to the bacteria.

The British brand Ambassador Cruise Line is merging with French cruise company Compagnie Française de Croisières (CFC) to create the Ambassador Group. This newly formed company aims to become a leading European premium affordable cruise line catering to the "no-fly silver market."

The first Japanese film based on the real-life events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic is set to be released in June 2025. Titled Frontline, the movie will focus on the cruise ship Diamond Princess, which became a hotspot for the virus after arriving at Yokohama in February 2020. The movie is based on original scriptwriting and is produced by Warner Brothers Japan.

Costa Smeralda, the flagship of the Costa Cruises fleet, has successfully completed the liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering in Dubai. The operation, carried out by the Green Zeebrugge tanker, filled the ship's three cryogenic steel tanks with 3,000 cubic meters of LNG. This fuel will power the ship’s engines for at least two and a half weeks.