Category Cruise News

Rhapsody of the Seas Forced to Cancel Sailing

Royal Caribbean has canceled the September 15, 2024, sailing of *Rhapsody of the Seas* due to lifeboat damage, affecting the ship’s safety capacity. Guests will receive a full refund, a Future Cruise Credit, and reimbursements for travel changes. *Rhapsody* is expected to resume sailing on September 22, 2024, with her 7-night Caribbean itinerary.

Carnival Cruise Line Launches Multi-Device Premium Wi-Fi Plan

Carnival Cruise Line has just rolled out a new Multi-Device Premium Wi-Fi Plan. It allows up to four devices to connect simultaneously. This is perfect for families, groups, or professionals who need reliable internet access while at sea. This plan comes as a highly requested upgrade from passengers. It is now available fleetwide. This marks another improvement in Carnival’s internet offerings.

Greece Tackles Overtourism: New €20 Visitor Tax for Cruise Passengers

Greece is set to introduce a €20 ($22) visitor tax for cruise passengers visiting the popular islands of Santorini and Mykonos during the peak summer season. This new tax, announced by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, aims to address the overtourism challenges these destinations face due to the high influx of visitors, particularly from cruise ships.

Carnival Cruise Line Opens 2026/27 Cruises from Tampa and Mobile

Carnival Cruise Line has announced its new 2026/27 itineraries departing from U.S. homeports in Tampa and Mobile, now open for booking. Guests can choose from exciting voyages to The Bahamas, the Caribbean, and the Panama Canal. Carnival Paradise and Carnival Legend will sail year-round and seasonally from Tampa, offering a range of four to 13-day cruises to destinations like Cozumel, Belize, Celebration Key, and Panama. Meanwhile, Carnival Spirit will sail seasonally from Mobile with itineraries to The Bahamas, including a special 16-day Panama Canal journey.

Luxury on the High Seas: Ritz-Carlton’s Ilma Begins Maiden Voyage

Embark on a journey of luxury with the Ritz-Carlton’s Ilma. Discover its Mediterranean escapades and Caribbean adventures as this opulent vessel sets sail.

Carnival Stay Local in Alaska to Help State’s Seafood Industry, Fisheries

In partnership with the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI), Carnival is enhancing its commitment to sustainability and local sourcing. This collaboration involves educational programs for staff. It includes curated menus featuring local seafood. It also promotes Alaska’s seafood through guest experiences on their cruise ships. Holland America Line stands out as the only cruise line with Responsible Fisheries Management certification

Royal Caribbean Group and Goldbelt Inc. Launch Free Starlink Internet Pilot in Juneau

Royal Caribbean Group has teamed up with Goldbelt Incorporated. Goldbelt is an Alaska Native corporation based in Juneau. They launched a pilot program offering free high-speed Starlink internet to locals. The program also serves cruise guests and businesses in Juneau. This initiative aims to enhance internet connectivity in the area.

AIDA Cruises Opens State-of-the-Art Fleet Operations Center in Hamburg

On September 2, 2024, AIDA Cruises unveiled its newly modernized Fleet Operations Center (FOC) in Hamburg, Germany. This cutting-edge facility is the most advanced of its kind in the country. It serves as the central hub for overseeing AIDA’s fleet…

Rising Cruise Ship Market: Key Trends and Opportunities 2021-2031

The cruise ship market, growing at a CAGR of 7.9%, is projected to rise from $8 billion in 2021 to $16.7 billion by 2031. North America currently leads, but Asia-Pacific is expected to dominate soon, driven by lower labor costs and rising disposable income. Innovations, strategic partnerships, and COVID-19 recovery efforts are fueling this growth.

Carnival Corporation’s Strategic Growth with Excel-Class Ship Expansion

Carnival Corporation has finalized an agreement with Meyer Werft for a fifth Excel-class cruise ship to be delivered in 2028, marking the 11th Excel-class ship across its brands. The new LNG-powered vessel will hold over 6,400 guests. The company plans to add 1-2 ships yearly starting in 2027.

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