Cruise
CMO Kiran Smith will be leaving Norwegian Cruise Line. Seatrade Cruise
Royal Caribbean Group posted first-quarter adjusted EPS of $3.60, beating Wall Street expectations by roughly 40 cents, driven by stronger-than-expected revenue, lower costs, and improved joint-venture performance (Cruise Industry News). The company returned approximately $1.1 billion to shareholders in the quarter. Despite the beat, full-year guidance was trimmed to reflect higher fuel costs and demand headwinds tied to the Iran conflict, according to Seatrade Cruise. CEO Jason Liberty noted that early-year softness in European bookings from North American consumers has since reversed, with current booking pace running ahead of the same period last year.
Construction on Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day Mexico destination has resumed after a previously disclosed disruption, but the timeline has shifted materially, with Royal Beach Club Cozumel now targeted for early 2028 rather than late 2026 (Seatrade Cruise). Speaking on the earnings call, President and CEO Michael Bayley framed the Cozumel project alongside Icon-class deployments from Galveston as central to Royal Caribbean's ambition to dominate the Texas cruise market. The delay represents a roughly 14-month setback to one of the line's flagship destination development projects.
Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed that Chief Marketing Officer Kiran Smith will be leaving the company, with management acknowledging her role in building the demand-generation framework during her tenure (Seatrade Cruise). No successor has been announced. The departure comes as Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings continues to execute a broader commercial and operational restructuring, making the CMO seat a consequential vacancy to watch.
Carnival Corporation has been served with three separate lawsuits stemming from a data breach affecting more than 8.7 million records, Cruise Hive reports. The legal actions add formal litigation pressure to what is already one of the larger passenger data incidents the cruise sector has seen, and will likely draw renewed scrutiny of data security practices across the industry.
Hurtigruten's full-year 2025 results showed significantly improved EBITDA, solid revenue growth, and a strengthened balance sheet, the company said in a statement covered by both Cruise Industry News and Cruise Trade News. Management attributed the gains to structural operational changes implemented over the prior year and strong trade-channel bookings. The results mark a tangible recovery milestone for the Norwegian operator following its financial restructuring.
MSC Euribia transited the Suez Canal on April 26 as part of its repositioning to Northern Europe, becoming one of the largest cruise vessels to use the waterway, Cruise Industry News reports. The LNG-powered ship had been stranded for nearly two months before the transit, making the passage operationally significant. The movement signals continued, if selective, cruise ship use of the canal amid the broader re-evaluation of Red Sea and Suez routing that has reshaped deployment patterns across the sector.
Aurora Expeditions completed its largest-ever Antarctic season in 2025/26, operating 30 voyages and recording a 30% increase in passenger numbers across 56 nationalities, Expedition Cruising reports. The growth was enabled by Douglas Mawson, the company's third vessel, which entered service in November and allowed Aurora to operate three ships simultaneously in Antarctica for the first time in its 35-year history. The season also included a return to East Antarctica, underscoring the operator's push into less-trafficked sub-regions.
Royal Caribbean Group today reported first quarter Earnings per Share of $3.48 and Adjusted EPS of $3.60. The company said these results were better than the company’s guidance due to more favorable revenue, lower costs, and better performance from joint ventures. During the first quarter, the company returned approximately $1.1 billion to shareholders through $836...
And Royal Beach Club Cozumel is now targeted for early 2028, not late 2026. With these attractions and Icon-class ships from Galveston, Royal Caribbean expects to 'own' the Texas market, Michael Bayley said.
The company acknowledged her efforts in 'laying the foundation to further transform how we drive demand.'
Europa 2 is a cruise ship operated by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises that was built by STX France in Saint-Nazaire and delivered in April 2013. The ship is notable for its relatively small size compared to other cruise vessels, which allows it to access remote destinations such as the Amazo
View vessel profile →Ferries & Tech
Stena Line invests GBP 14 million in Irish Sea fleet. Shippax
Liberty Lines has taken delivery of ETTORE MORACE, the ninth and final vessel in a hybrid high-speed craft series built by Astilleros Armon in Vigo, Spain, completing an order placed in 2022 (Ferry Shipping News). The Trapani-based operator now has a full nine-unit fleet of vessels featuring integrated MTU hybrid propulsion, marking one of the more substantial regional ferry newbuild programmes in the Mediterranean in recent years. The vessel has already entered service from Trapani, Sicily.
Works have commenced at Port Askaig to deliver shore power capability for the new Islay vessels, with CMAL and SSEN leading the programme in collaboration with Argyll and Bute Council and CalMac (Ferry Shipping News). The project centres on a new high-voltage cable running from the SSE substation at Keills to Port Askaig pier and is expected to take four to five months to complete. The initiative forms part of the broader electrification effort accompanying the introduction of the new hybrid ferries on the Scottish island routes.
Stena Line has committed GBP 14 million to its Irish Sea fleet, the company announced via Shippax, in a move that underlines the operator's continued focus on one of Europe's busiest short-sea corridors. The investment follows separate developments at the Port of Immingham, where Ravestein B.V. has secured a marine works contract from Dragados SA in support of Stena Line's new Eastern RoRo Terminal, a project being delivered on behalf of Associated British Ports (Ferry Shipping News). Together, the two announcements signal a period of sustained capital deployment by Stena across its North European network.
GNV POLARIS is returning to Mediterranean service following a cabin upgrade refit, Shippax reports. The refurbishment reflects a wider trend among Mediterranean RoPax operators investing in passenger accommodation standards to remain competitive during the peak summer season. No further technical details have been released at this stage.
A NEPITA, the RoPax vessel operated by Corsica Linea under charter to Marine Atlantic on the North Sydney to Port aux Basques route for five years, entered dry dock at the Perama repair zone in Greece on 28 April for modifications including ramp and visor work (Ferry Shipping News). The ship will be renamed ILE ROUGE and is expected to emerge from the yard by the end of May ahead of redeployment. The case illustrates the active secondary market for purpose-built North Atlantic RoPax tonnage as vessels transition between operators and route profiles.
GRENDI HORIZON, a new RoRo vessel built by Cantiere Navale Visentini in Italy, has completed initial sea trials and reached the Adriatic Sea for the first time before entering dry dock in Trieste ahead of a scheduled delivery before end of June (Ferry Shipping News). The vessel will be operated by Grendi Trasporti Marittimi under a five-year arrangement. The delivery will add a modern unit to the Italian domestic short-sea freight and passenger market.
Stena AB reported 2025 revenues of SEK 51.9 billion with EBITDA of SEK 11.1 billion and available liquidity of SEK 20 billion, with management pointing to stable ferry operations and a record year for Stena RoRo as key contributors (Ferry Shipping News). The group's diversified structure continues to provide resilience across its ferry, property, and offshore segments. The results provide financial context for the capital investment programme Stena Line is executing across its Irish Sea and North Sea operations.
Liberty Lines, the Trapani-based ferry operator owned by the Morace family, has taken delivery of the ninth and final hybrid high-speed craft in a series built by Astilleros Armon (Vigo, Spain). Named ETTORE MORACE, the vessel is part of an order placed in 2022 for nine units and has already arrived in Trapani, Sicily. The new high-speed ferries feature an integrated propulsion system with MTU… Source
CMAL and SSEN have started infrastructure works at Port Askaig to provide shore power for the new Islay vessels. The project is being delivered in collaboration with Argyll and Bute Council and CalMac. The scheme includes installation of a new high-voltage cable from the SSE substation at Keills to Port Askaig pier. The full programme is expected to take four to five months. Source
On this day in 1840, the first postage stamp — the Penny Black — went on sale in Britain, transforming mail delivery including ocean mail contracts that had sustained transatlantic shipping lines.
General Shipping
Study: MPAs are Unusually Vulnerable to Wastewater Runoff. Maritime Executive
The United States is actively pressing allied nations to join an international maritime coalition to restore freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, following its closure to commercial traffic, with oil prices surging to their highest level in more than four years on fears of prolonged supply disruptions (gCaptain). The State Department has circulated a cable to partners outlining what officials are calling a "Maritime Freedom Construct," reflecting the severity of the disruption to global energy flows through one of the world's most critical chokepoints. The closure compounds existing pressure on tanker markets and trade routes already strained by geopolitical instability across the broader Middle East.
The U.S. is intensifying its campaign against the IMO's proposed global carbon pricing framework, with Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Laura DiBella urging member states during high-level talks in London this week to consider alternatives to the stalled Net Zero Framework (gCaptain). Washington is actively courting what it characterizes as a "silent majority" of member states skeptical of the levy-based approach, seeking to fracture the coalition backing the current draft. The push adds significant uncertainty to the IMO's decarbonization timeline, with a formal decision on the framework still pending.
Ocean Network Express posted a 92% drop in annual profit for fiscal year 2025, with the Singapore-based liner operator citing weak cargo demand, surging fleet capacity, and intensifying geopolitical disruption across major trade lanes (gCaptain). The result underscores the deepening disconnect between elevated newbuild deliveries and demand fundamentals, a dynamic now being reflected across multiple carrier balance sheets. ONE's figures offer one of the clearest financial signals yet of how overcapacity is eroding the windfall margins carriers enjoyed in prior years.
Spot container freight rates declined for a third consecutive week, with Drewry data confirming continued softening across major corridors despite ongoing geopolitical disruption, according to gCaptain. The persistent slide points to oversupply as the dominant market force, with carriers struggling to defend rates even as Hormuz-related disruptions add complexity to routing decisions. The trend aligns with ONE's earnings data and reinforces concerns about structural overcapacity in the container segment heading into the second half of the year.
A contract has been awarded for the removal of the MSC Baltic III, the containership that ran aground on the remote Newfoundland coast fourteen months ago after losing power, with MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company overseeing the operation (Maritime Executive). The award marks a significant step in resolving a protracted salvage situation in a logistically challenging environment. Wreck removal in the region has been complicated by weather and the vessel's isolated position.
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed for forfeiture of two oil tankers seized by naval forces as part of enforcement action against Iranian oil exports, even as Washington separately released six Iranian seafarers who had been held aboard one of the vessels (Maritime Executive). gCaptain reports that a senior administration official confirmed the forfeiture proceedings, which represent a significant escalation in U.S. efforts to constrain Iranian crude flows through legal as well as naval means. The dual action signals Washington intends to maintain pressure on Iran's shadow fleet operations while managing the humanitarian dimension of crew detentions.
India's Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has outlined a plan to add 62 vessels to the country's domestic fleet in an accelerated push to expand national shipping capacity, framing the initiative as a strategic priority for trade self-sufficiency (Maritime Executive). The announcement follows broader Indian government efforts to reduce dependence on foreign-flagged tonnage for domestic cargo. If executed, the expansion would represent a meaningful addition to India's merchant fleet and could open procurement opportunities for regional shipyards.
Singapore-based liner giant Ocean Network Express reported a modest but resilient profit for fiscal year 2025, navigating weak cargo demand, rising capacity, and mounting geopolitical disruption across key trade lanes. The company...
The U.S. is intensifying its push against the International Maritime Organization’s proposed global carbon pricing regime, with Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Laura DiBella urging member states this week to consider alternatives to the stalled Net Zero Framework (NZF) during high-level talks in London.
The U.S. is pushing for other countries to form an international coalition to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a State Department cable seen by Reuters, as oil prices surged to their highest in more than four years on fears of longer-term disruptions to global fuel supplies.
Orient Express Corinthian has been christened with a ceremony at the Joubert graving dock in Saint-Nazaire, France, on 29 April 2026. The 220-metre ship eclipses Sailing Yacht A, a 142-metre private vessel owned by Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko, as the world’s largest sailing yacht. The new ship is owned and operated by Orient Express Sailing Yachts, designed by architect Maxime d’Angeac and constructed by French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique. Orient Express Corinthia
Hong Kong, Korea, the Philippines, and Shanghai and Xiamen in China are investing to improve port infrastructure, terminal facilities and shore experience programmes for cruise guests. Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has developed premium experiences for cruise guests, including horseracing parties in private boxes, VIP helicopter rides and private docent tours at Hong Kong Palace Museum and contemporary art museum M+. Cruise travellers can also participate in events and festivals throughou
Stena Line is to invest approximately £14 million ($18.9 million) to upgrade guest accommodation and public spaces onboard the 11 ferries in its Irish Sea fleet. The operator will extensively renovate cabins, increase the number of pet-friendly cabins, modernise family entertainment areas and enhance the Stena Plus lounges. “This investment reflects our commitment to continuously improving the onboard experience for our customers,” said Orla Noonan, commercial travel manager. “By acti
Legend of the Seas has sailed successfully through her sea trials and returned to the shipyard for final outfitting work. Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas Passes Big Test Before July Launch
Carnival Corporation has been slapped with three lawsuits over the current global data breach, which impacted more than 8.7 million records. Carnival Served With Multiple Lawsuits Over Major Data Breach
On 29 April 2026, Seajets’ SUPERSTAR II (ex COLOR VIKING) entered service on the Volos–Sporades (Skiathos–Skopelos–Alonissos) route, replacing her older fleet mate SUPERSTAR (1974). According to Seajets, the ship is a significant upgrade for the line and the largest vessel ever deployed to the Sporades islands. She was purchased from Color Line in November 2022. Built in Denmark in 1985… Source
Stena AB reported 2025 revenues of SEK 51.9 billion, with EBITDA (excluding asset sales) of SEK 11.1 billion and profit before tax of SEK 2.15 billion. Available liquidity stood at SEK 20 billion, underlining the Group’s financial strength. The diversified structure again proved valuable. Management highlighted stable ferry operations, a record year for Stena RoRo, continued resilience in property… Source
Liberty Lines, the Trapani-based ferry operator owned by the Morace family, has taken delivery of the ninth and final hybrid high-speed craft in a series built by Astilleros Armon (Vigo, Spain). Named ETTORE MORACE, the vessel is part of an order placed in 2022 for nine units and has already arrived in Trapani, Sicily. The new high-speed ferries feature an integrated propulsion system with MTU… Source
Havila Voyages has reported strong growth on Norway’s Bergen–Kirkenes coastal route, underlining the continued importance of the service as a ferry link for coastal communities. From 2024 to 2025, the number of local passengers using the route as everyday transport increased by 14%, while cargo volumes rose by 11%. Havila operates four vessels on the state-contracted route alongside fellow… Source
The new RoRo ship GRENDI HORIZON, built by Cantiere Navale Visentini in Italy, has reached the Adriatic Sea for the first time after leaving the shipyard. Following several days of sea trials, the vessel will enter dry dock in Trieste ahead of delivery, scheduled before the end of June. The Musso family-controlled shipping company Grendi Trasporti Marittimi will operate GRENDI HORIZON under a five… Source
Fourteen months after the containership MSC Baltic III blacked out and washed ashore in a remote part of Newfoundland, Canada, MSC Mediterranean Shipp...
For the second time, Israeli forces have acted to stop a flotilla of small boats loaded with activists that were attempting to reach Gaza and creating...
The state of Maryland has decided to change contractors for the reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which was destroyed by a ship strike...
India’s Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, mapped out an ambitious plan to rapidly expand the country’s domestic maritime...
Edda Wind, which had been launched as an early service provider dedicated to the emerging offshore wind sector, has officially wound down its operatio...