Cruise & Ferry Review

26/07/2024

Three winning teams of Worldwide Ferry Safety Association’s safe affordable ferry competition to speak at Interferry conference in October

Winners of the Worldwide Ferry Safety Association (WFSA) annual student competition for designing a safe affordable ferry will speak at Interferry’s 48th annual conference, which is being held in Marrakesh, Morocco, on 28-29 October 2024.    For this year’s WFSA competition, participants were...

25/07/2024

The third of American Cruise Lines’ Coastal Cat vessels was delivered early by Chesapeake Shipbuilding

American Cruise Lines’ third Coastal Cat ship, American Liberty, has been delivered early by Chesapeake Shipbuilding after successfully completing sea trials. The 100-passenger ship is the latest in American Cruise Lines’ Project Blue series of 12 small ships for river and coastal cruising in th...

25/07/2024

The new outdoor family area will feature on MSC Cruises’ newest ship when it launches in April 2025

MSC Cruises has revealed the attractions and experiences for guests in The Harbour, a new outdoor space on upcoming ship MSC World America specifically designed for children and families. The area will feature on MSC World America’s open top deck, providing views of the ocean and a variety of dry ...

24/07/2024

The first B2B event exclusively dedicated to expedition cruising is taking place on 1-2 October 2024, organised by Expedition Cruise Network 👇

The Expedition Cruise Network Conference will take place for the first time on 1 and 2 October 2024 at the Bankside Hotel in London, bringing together members of the network and key industry stakeholders. The conference will be the first B2B event exclusively dedicated to expedition cruising. Attend...

24/07/2024

The 230,000 GT, LNG-powered ships ordered by Carnival Corporation from Fincantieri will be a new class of vessel for Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Corporation has ordered three new ships for Carnival Cruise Line from Fincantieri in a new class of vessel, each of which will be nearly 230,000 GT. The agreement with Fincantieri provides for the design, engineering and construction of the LNG-powered ships, which will be delivered in the....

23/07/2024

Rauma Marine Constructions and TT-Line Company (Spirit of Tasmania) floats out Spirit of Tasmania V in Finland

Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) and Tasmania-based TT-Line Company have floated out Spirit of Tasmania V at the Rauma shipyard in Finland.  The vessel was christened at the shipyard by godmother Barbara Baker, the 29th Governor of Tasmania. RMC will now begin work on the final stage of constructio...

22/07/2024

“This partnership highlights our shared vision for sustainability and our dedication to pioneering advanced technologies that drive the industry forward,” said Drew Orvieto of ABB Marine & Ports, which will provide propulsion system for five new Washington State Ferries vessels.

The ferry operator’s $3.98 billion Ferry System Electrification plan includes modernising its fleet to meet its goal of operating a zero-emission fleet by 2050.

Swiss technology provider ABB will supply the propulsion system for five new hybrid-electric vessels for US operator Washington State Ferries (WSF), which aims to modernise its fleet and reduce emissions.  ABB will supply hybrid electric propulsion systems for five, 500-passenger, 160-vehicle hybr...

19/07/2024

The 2024 edition of Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo Europe will take place from 4-5 December at ExCeL London 👇

Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo Europe (CSI Europe) will take place from 4-5 December 2024 at ExCeL London. The annual conference caters exclusively to the European cruise market, with a focus on river and expedition cruising. Attendees from  throughout the cruise interiors supply chain will be p...

19/07/2024

Norwegian Jewel will sail cruises to Bermuda for Norwegian Cruise LineLine from Port of Philadelphia in 2026, becoming the first ship to homeport in the city

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced its 2026 spring and summer itineraries to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Alaska, and Canada and New England, as well as a new season of voyages from the Port of Philadelphia (PhilaPort). Norwegian Jewel will begin sailing seven-to-nine-day cruises to Bermuda on....

18/07/2024

The Marella Cruises winter 2025 programme will include first time calls to Ponce and Isla Catalina onboard Marella Discovery

Marella Cruises is to visit two new ports in its winter 2025 programme, with calls to Ponce in Puerto Rico and Isla Catalina in the Dominican Republic onboard Marella Discovery. The new ports of call will feature on the ‘Tropical Isles’ itinerary, which will see Marella Discovery depart from La ...

18/07/2024

The ferries under construction by Damen will be the first fully-electric vessels in BC Ferries’ fleet

17/07/2024

International Cruise Summit 2024 will examine the key questions facing the cruise industry in the upcoming year

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International Cruise Summit 2024 is set to be held on 12-13 November in Madrid, Spain, at the Hotel Melia Castilla, bringing together cruise line executives and delegates from across the cruise industry. The summit will aim to examine questions facing the cruise industry and key topics on which it w...

17/07/2024

A partnership between Ponant and Paspaley will see Paspaley Pearl sail year-round to destinations in the Asia-Pacific region

Ponant has partnered with pearling company Paspaley to add a 30-guest expedition ship, Paspaley Pearl, to its fleet in January 2025. Paspaley Pearl will sail with a crew of 21, including four naturalist guides, to destinations in the Asia Pacific region including the Kimberley and north of Australia...

16/07/2024

The official naming of Royal Caribbean International‘s newest ship was hosted by the ship’s godmother Meghan Trainor

Singer songwriter Meghan Trainor has christened Royal Caribbean International’s Utopia of the Seas in an official naming event onboard the ship in Port Canaveral, Florida. Trainor performed her role as the ship’s godmother at the ceremony, which was attended by more than 4,000 guests. The singer...

16/07/2024

Ilma officially joined The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection fleet in a handover ceremony at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has taken delivery of its second luxury superyacht, Ilma, in a handover ceremony at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. The ceremony included several maritime traditions, including the changing of flags onboard the yacht and a celebrat...

16/07/2024

“Achieving net zero is not something any one company can do alone – it requires collective problem solving, creative thinking and a willingness to have tough conversations,” said Royal Caribbean’s Jason Liberty, discussing how the maritime industry can improve sustainability across their operations

Maritime leaders convened at Royal Caribbean Group’s Decarbonization Summit to discuss how technology advancement, alternative fuel options and policy development could help them to achieve their decarbonisation goals. The three-day event was hosted onboard Royal Caribbean International’s Utopi...

15/07/2024

The 30th Annual Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Cruise Conference & Tradeshow will take place on 22-25 October on St. Maarten

The 30th Annual Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Cruise Conference & Tradeshow will take place at the Sonesta Maho Beach Casino and Spa All-Inclusive Resort on St. Maarten, hosted by the FCCA and the Port of St. Maarten. The conference is intended to foster a better understanding of the c...

15/07/2024

Two voyages onboard Crystal Symphony will feature onboard programmes designed by Crystal Cruises in collaboration with health, spa and fitness professionals

Crystal Cruises is to offer two sailings focused on wellness in December 2024, featuring an exclusive onboard programme of dining and activities. Crystal Symphony will depart from Barcelona on 1 December on a 14-night voyage to Tema, Ghana, with stops in Gibraltar, Morocco, the Canary Islands and Ca...

15/07/2024

‘Our Ocean – Our Obligation – Our Opportunity’ was chosen by the International Maritime Organization - IMO to reflect the ocean’s role in the world economy and environment

The International Maritime Organization has selected ‘Our Ocean – Our Obligation – Our Opportunity’ as the theme for World Maritime Day in 2025. The IMO Council, meeting for its 132nd session, endorsed the theme following a proposal by Arsenio Dominguez, secretary-general of the IMO. It is i...

12/07/2024

Margarita Salas will reduce carbon dioxide emissions on Baleària’s Barcelona-Alcudia-Ciutadella route by 13,000 tonnes per year

Baleària has introduced the world’s second fast ferry with dual gas engines, Margarita Salas, to its Barcelona-Alcudia-Ciutadella route. The catamaran can carry up to 1,200 passengers and 425 vehicles, increasing Baleària’s passenger capacity on the route by 50 per cent and doubling its vehicl...

12/07/2024

Fifteen new shows have been developed by producer Blackburn International for Holland America Line’s global itineraries

Holland America Line is introducing a new slate of shows to its entertainment programme for its Grand Voyages, starting with the 2025 ‘Grand World Voyage’ and ‘Grand Voyage: Pole to Pole’. Producer Blackburn International has developed 15 new shows to debut on the cruises when they depart in...

11/07/2024

More than 8,500 passengers have arrived in unexpected calls to Portland Port UK from Cunard, Ambassador Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Saga and PLANTOURS Kreuzfahrten

Unscheduled cruise calls by five cruise ships to Portland Port in the UK during 2024 have boosted the local economy by £750,000 ($966,000), the port has revealed. The vessels chose to stop at Portland at late notice after being unable to stop at their planned destinations elsewhere. They include Am...

11/07/2024

The MSC Cruises ship connected to shore power in Valletta as the Maltese Prime Minister was given a tour onboard

MSC World Europa has become the first ship to connect to the shore power facility in Valletta, Malta, the first to be operational in the Mediterranean Sea. Valetta’s local power grid supplied electricity for MSC World Europa’s operations while the ship was berthed, allowing all engines to be swi...

10/07/2024

A.F. Theriault & Son Ltd. has partnered with EV Maritime for the delivery of up to five electric ferries to the Halifax Regional Municipality

Canadian shipyard AF Theriault & Son has formed a partnership with New Zealan electric ferry design and technology company EV Maritime for the delivery of up to five electric ferries to the Halifax Regional Municipality. The five ferries will serve Bedford, Nova Scotia. The project will include ferr...

10/07/2024

The first ship for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is under constructed by Fincantieri ahead of its scheduled debut in January 2026

Fincantieri and Four Seasons Yachts have celebrated the start of construction on Four Seasons I with a keel-laying ceremony at the shipbuilder’s yard in Ancona, Italy. The traditional ceremony includes the welding of specially chosen coins to the bottom of the vessel as a symbol of good luck for i...

10/07/2024

Helena Sawelin explains how Tillberg Design of Sweden is rethinking both its business and design process as it strives to deliver greater value for clients and improve sustainability

The cruise industry has gone through some significant challenges in recent years and is facing another as the demands to meet sustainability goals grow louder. However, turbulent times can be an opportunity for the cruise industry to rethink and do better, creating cruise ship design 2.0.  That is ...

09/07/2024

Igor Arh of Metalika Ship & Yacht Interiors shares insights on how the company teamed up with SMC Design to revolutionise maritime accommodation onboard DFDS ferries with a new sleeping pod solution for passengers.

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Metalika has a 90-year history of blending tradition with innovation, including more than 20 years of experience of furnishing maritime interiors. So we relished the opportunity to work with leading maritime design studio SMC Design to solve an accommodation challenge for DFDS.   The demand for th...

09/07/2024

Disney and Oriental Land Company to bring ‘the magic’ of Disney Cruise Line to Japan in 2029 onboard new Wish-class ship built by MEYER WERFT

German shipbuilder Meyer Werft is to build a Disney Wish-class cruise ship for Oriental Land Company (OLC). The ship, which will operate Disney cruises for the Japanese market, is expected to be delivered in 2028 and begin operations in early 2029.  The ship is expected to feature many signature Di...

09/07/2024

Mitsui Ocean Cruises (商船三井クルーズ)’s new ship Mitusi Ocean Fuji is to sail five new itineraries in 2025 including 66-day ‘Grand Asia’ itinerary and 12-day ‘Golden Week’ voyage

Mitsui Ocean Cruises is to sail five new itineraries in 2025 onboard its new 458-guest Mitusi Ocean Fuji, which is scheduled to debut in Yokohama, Japan, in December 2024.  Mitsui Ocean Fuji will sail four shorter cruises before embarking on its ‘Grand Asia’ itinerary. From 10-24 April the ship...

08/07/2024

In the latest issue of Cruise & Ferry Interiors, Markko Takkinen of Antti-Teollisuus Oy shares how the company’s e-hinges provide a safe, maintenance-free and invisible solution for stateroom doors on passenger vessels

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Royal Caribbean International’s majestic Icon of the Seas entered service on January 2024. It is the greatest cruise ship ever built, with a variety of features that make it iconic and innovative, including the door hinges. Antti Marine delivered over 3,200 e-hinges to certain types of stateroom d...