Royal Caribbean International is taking crew satisfaction to new heights with the redesign of the entire crew areas on their upcoming cruise ship, Icon of the Seas. Recognizing the importance of a contented crew in ensuring an exceptional guest experience, the cruise line has thoroughly unpgraded the crew neighborhoods based on extensive surveys and feedback from its crew members.

Norwegian Cruise Line announced changes to its shipboard grooming policy for the crew, officers, and staff. Starting July 1st, all shipboard employees will be allowed tattoos, piercing, and men can have a beard.

In a letter, the company informed its crew about the latest grooming guidelines and noticeable changes which include:

Recognizing the importance of accessibility, AIDA Cruise has taken significant steps to accommodate the special requirements of individuals with disabilities and health impairments. Through its commitment to inclusion and participation, AIDA strives to make cruise travel accessible to all guests, regardless of their unique needs.

Hold onto your seats because we have some exciting news coming from Norwegian Cruise Line. Brace yourselves for the excitement, as the company has announced, in an internal letter sent to cast members, the closure of several current production shows on not one, not two, but a whopping nine cruise ships. Talk about shaking things up!

Carnival Cruise Line's newest addition to the fleet, Carnival Venezia, has embarked on its inaugural voyage from New York City. As fans of the cruise line eagerly awaited the arrival of the first "Carnival Fun Italian Style" ship, the former Costa Cruises vessel set sail to Bermuda after the naming ceremony hosted by the ship's godfather, Jay Leno.

Icon of the Seas prepares to embark on its first sea trials, marking a significant milestone in the world of cruising. The sea trielas are scheduled to start on Sunday, June 18, testing the capabilities of the newbuild, set to become world’s largest cruise ship when it starts operations in January 2024. Departing from the shipyard in Turku, Finland, the Icon of the Seas will navigate the Baltic Sea during these crucial tests.

The luxury cruise industry mourns the loss of Larry Rapp, a true leader, mentor, and inspiring soul who left an indelible mark on the industry. Larry passed away after a brave battle with acute leukemia, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be cherished.

In an unexpected turn of events, the port of Kiel witnessed the arrest of two crew members from separate cruise ships, the MSC Euribia and the MS AIDAnova. The federal police, conducting routine checks of passenger and crew lists, discovered arrest warrants for a 33-year-old North Macedonian and a 55-year-old Turkish national. As a result, their journey came to an abrupt end, and they were swiftly transported to prison, where they will serve a total of 905 days behind bars.

The highly anticipated construction of Mein Schiff 7, the latest addition to the TUI Cruises brand, has been underway at the Meyer shipyard in Turku, Finland, since June 14, 2022. This new vessel aims to increase the fleet's capacity following the retirement of the former Mein Schiff Herz (now Marella Voyager) in April of this year. With a construction timeline of less than two years, Mein Schiff 7 is rapidly taking shape, bringing excitement to cruise enthusiasts worldwide.

The Human Resources department plays a crucial role in the cruise ship industry, serving as the core of the company's onboard operations. Its main responsibility is to ensure the continuity of sustainable business operations while promoting a safe, fair, and equal treatment of all crew members. While some HR personnel may prioritize protecting the company's interests, there are many dedicated individuals who genuinely strive to support and advocate for the well-being of the crew members.