John Wilson, Chief Executive of Liverpool Seafarers Centre (LSC), has been awarded the prestigious British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition of his services to seafarers' welfare. The award highlights Mr. Wilson's commitment and contributions to improving the lives of those who arrive at the port of Liverpool.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines celebrated World Cocktail Day across the entire fleet, transforming its ships into floating cocktail lounges for a day of fun, flair, and flavor. Guests aboard the Balmoral, Borealis, and Bolette joined the festivities with a variety of activities, including a friendly competition where the bar teams battled it out to craft the fleet’s newest signature drinks.
Cruise passengers often get so immersed in exploring the ports that they occasionally forget personal belongings behind. While such oversights can lead to stressful moments, the quick and coordinated response of local authorities frequently saves the day.
In Livorno, Italy, a wallet containing an American driving license, two credit cards, $690 USD, and €100 EUR was found near the taxi stand at Piazza Dante. Promptly turning it over to the authorities, a vigilant citizen handed it to agents of the Livorno Railway Police.
For Executive Chef Salvatore Luppino, the kitchen has always been more than a workplace; it's been a stage, a sanctuary, and, above all, a lifelong passion. This year, Costa Cruises celebrates a monumental milestone: 50 years of unwavering dedication and culinary excellence by one of its most iconic figures.
Imagine living and working on a cruise ship where the air is clean, the materials are safer, and even the cleaning supplies are chosen with health in mind. That’s exactly what the crew of the ASUKA III can look forward to, thanks to a new certification recognizing their living spaces as allergy-friendly.
Viking and Fincantieri have unveiled plans for the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship Viking Libra, currently under construction at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard in Italy. Scheduled for delivery in late 2026, this vessel will mark transition to cleaner energy and zero-emission operations.
If you're looking for a unique cultural experience in Indonesia, don’t miss the Alek Bakajang Festival, a riverside celebration that blends tradition with a modern twist. Held annually on the Batang Mahat River in Nagari Gunuang Malintang, located in Lima Puluh Kota Regency, West Sumatra, this vibrant festival draws thousands of visitors from across the region.
The World-renowned Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, famed for combining the culinary traditions of Japan with Western flavors, recently achieved a unique culinary record aboard Holland America Line’s Rotterdam.
Morimoto led a remarkable feat creating what is believed to be the longest maki sushi roll ever assembled at sea. With the help of more than 50 crew members from the ship’s culinary team, Morimoto rolled out an astonishing 90-foot-long sushi masterpiece using over 55 pounds of sushi rice, 33 pounds of Big Eye Tuna, and countless sheets of nori.
The Scottish company Zelim, specializing in maritime safety technology, has installed the first AI-driven man overboard (MOB) detection system on a cruise ship. The innovative system, known as ZOE, has been deployed aboard Ambition, a 48,123-gross-ton vessel operated by Ambassador Cruise Lines.
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.
