Five years ago, AIDA Cruises, through its AIDA Cruise & Help initiative, opened its first school in Cebu City, Philippines, fully funded by donations from the program. Since then, 60 schools have been constructed in twelve different countries. One of these schools is the Namibia Okanguati Primary School. The focus of this project is on the home countries of the crew and regions visited by AIDA cruise ships. Last year, AIDA Cruises introduced a project where each ship is paired with a specific school project, funded through activities like raffles and auctions.

Do you love traveling but would like the lowest possible rates on your next cruise vacation?

Well, now one cruise line is offering guests the opportunity to participate in a Work & Travel program, giving them the chance to work part-time aboard the ships while at the same time enjoying all guest benefits. Guests aboard Aida Cruises ships can work 4 hours a day and be rewarded with a discounted cruise rate.

The program

Costa Cruises recently celebrated the "National Day of Made in Italy," an event established by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy to promote Italian creativity and excellence on Leonardo da Vinci's birth anniversary. The celebration took place onboard the Costa Smeralda, the flagship of Italian taste, design, and craftsmanship.

The German shipyard Meyer Turku unveiled its concept for the first climate-neutral cruise ship, named "Avatar". This concept was introduced at the Seatrade Cruise Global cruise trade fair in Miami in early April 2024. The "Avatar" concept is part of a larger research and development project funded by Business Finland, known as NEcOLEAP.

The Greek ferry company Seajets is stepping into the cruise market, with its acquired cruise ship, formerly known as Costa Magica. The ship is now being refitted at Çanakkale İCDAS Shipyard in Turkey. Initially renamed Mykonos Magic, it will soon take on the name "Goddess of Night" under the new start-up cruise line, Neonyx Cruises.

Seabourn has announced that the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners will serve as godparents to the Seabourn Pursuit, the cruise line's latest ultra-luxury expedition vessel. Representatives from the Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation will join the inaugural dedication ceremony on Ngula Jar Island on the Uunguu Coast, welcoming guests aboard the Seabourn Pursuit on June 29, 2024.

From the seas to the skies and now navigating the streets of London, Sir Richard Branson once again delighted the public with a giveaway of free cruise vacations. In true entrepreneurial fashion and adding his personal flair, Sir Richard Branson took to London's streets in a specially designed bus modeled after the cruise ship Scarlet Lady, offering 200 people free cruises in the Mediterranean.

The 'ship' was brimming with excitement, featuring special performances by 'The Happenings' cast – who are regulars on Virgin Voyages ships.

This summer, AIDA Cruises' fleet will offer live broadcasts of the official UEFA European Championship games, happening in Germany from June 14 to July 14. Passengers on all AIDA cruise ships will have the opportunity to watch every minute of the matches, even while at sea, thanks to satellite technology. Football broadcasts will be shown on both the public screens throughout the ships and in cabins TVs.

Royal Caribbean International recently announced the recipients of the Fleet Employees of the Year award. This prestigious award honors three shipboard employees for their exceptional contributions to the company and embodiment of Royal Caribbean International's standards and culture.

MSC Cruises is celebrating its partnership with Formula 1 by offering Crew Members the opportunity to win all expenses paid trips to Formula 1 Grand Prix events across the globe.

The first of several contests gave crew the chance to win a trip for two to the Formula 1 Lenovo Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai. This was won by Mauro dos Santos Oliveira, a Kitchen Steward on MSC Seaview, whose submission of a photo of his idea of the ‘Perfect Pit Stop’ - a vacation at his mother’s work - made him the winner.