The cruise industry is reaffirming its commitment to global humanitarian efforts through a renewed partnership with Mercy Ships, a nonprofit organization that provides free medical care aboard hospital ships. With the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Mercy Ships and the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), this collaboration is set to continue making a positive impact worldwide.
A cruise company is launching the first-ever all-female Antarctic cruise, scheduled to set sail in 2027. This pioneering voyage by Australian expedition cruise line Aurora Expeditions promises adventure and exploration in one of the most remote places on Earth.
For the first time in its history, Marella Cruises is considering newbuild cruise ships, signaling a significant shift for the TUI-owned brand known for operating secondhand vessels.
Cruise Industry News reported that during a Capital Markets Day presentation, TUI Group disclosed that it is exploring options to modernize Marella’s fleet, stating:
As part of its AIDA Evolution initiative the cruise ship AIDAdiva has donated more than 4,400 pieces of furniture to the German nonprofit DER HAFEN HILFT! eV, the company announced. The donation took place during the ship’s renovation at the Chantier Naval shipyard in Marseille from February 3 to March 22, 2025.
Among the donated items were well-preserved armchairs, chairs, and stools from AIDAdiva’s restaurants, lounges, and Theatrium. The furniture, replaced with new pieces during the ship’s refurbishment, will now find a second life in communities in need.
The latest addition to the Disney Cruise Line fleet, Disney Destiny, has reached a significant construction milestone at Meyer Werft in Papenburg. The vessel was floated within the shipyard’s covered dock last week, repositioning her for the next phases of outfitting. Disney Cruise Line has confirmed that onboard system testing is set to commence in the coming weeks.
Two passengers were arrested at PortMiami on Sunday after allegedly sexually assaulting a 14-year-old boy aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.
The suspects, identified as Ricardo Daniel Mondragón Leal, 37, and José Juan Prudencio Díaz, 36, both Mexican nationals, face multiple felony charges, including lewd and lascivious molestation of a minor and sexual battery on a child, said Miami-Dade police.
German and Colombian media report that an incident involving 38 tourists occurred off the coast of Colombia when an excursion boat capsized near the Barú Peninsula. The passengers, 36 German tourists and 2 Austrians, had boarded the excursion boat at the port of Cartagena after arriving on the cruise ship AIDAbella.
Regent Seven Seas has announced that the Seven Seas Navigator will exit the fleet in the fall of 2026. The luxury cruise ship, which has been in operation since 1999, will depart after a farewell voyage from Istanbul to Alexandria, after 27 years.
Following its departure, the ship will transition to new ownership under Crescent Seas, a company that plans to convert the vessel into a residential cruise ship. Rebranded as Navigator, the ship will serve as a floating luxury residence catering to affluent travelers seeking a home at sea.
A maritime rescue was performed 100 miles off the coast of Tenerife on Sunday March 23, as the Helimer 202 helicopter successfully evacuated a crew member from the luxury cruise ship Seabourn Venture.
The emergency operation was coordinated by the Maritime Rescue Centre in Tenerife, which swiftly mobilized resources after receiving an alert from the vessel. Responding to the distress call, the rescue team was deployed to conduct an urgent medical evacuation.
Casino players and travel enthusiasts will have a unique chance to set sail with Lorraine Bencivengo-Ziff, the gaming influencer known as the Goddess of Slots, aboard Virgin Voyages' Valiant Lady for a five-night Dominican Daze cruise departing Miami on September 12, 2025.
