The cruise industry isn’t just about all-you-can-eat buffets, ocean views, and laid-back days at sea. Behind it all, a handful of business moguls are calling the shots—turning the high seas into their empire and raking in fortunes big enough to buy their own private islands (and some probably have!).
Let’s take a closer look at the power players shaping the world of cruising!
Carnival Vista crew member sustained an injury on Thursday, forcing the cruise ship to make an unexpected return to St. Thomas shortly after departing.
The incident occurred after the cruise ship left Charlotte Amalie, where it had been docked since 7 a.m. Instead of continuing its scheduled itinerary, Carnival Vista turned back to the West Indian Company (WICO) dock to allow the injured crew member to receive medical attention on land.
Bergen Harbor recently welcomed Norway’s Minister of Climate and Environment, Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, to witness an innovative and environmentally friendly method of hull cleaning developed by ECOsubsea.
Norfolk is officially launching year-round cruising, with Carnival Sunshine. The 3,700-passenger ship set sail on its first weekly cruise from the Half Moone Cruise Center, with year-round cruises from the Mermaid City.
City officials including Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander and Nauticus Executive Director Stephen Kirkland—celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Norfolk is now a permanent homeport, expecting around 150,000 cruise passengers each year.
Christine Duffy is hitting the big 1-0 as the powerhouse president of Carnival Cruise Line, and let’s just say – she’s been busy! Since stepping into the role in 2015, Duffy has led Carnival through massive growth, tons of ship additions, and even a skydiving stunt for hurricane relief.
Before taking the helm at Carnival, she was the CEO of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) – but Carnival’s former big boss Arnold Donald saw something special in her. And boy, was he right!
Elizabeth “Lizzie” Clough, one of Carnival Cruise Line’s most dynamic Fun Squad members, has been officially promoted to Cruise Director. Known for her boundless energy and passion for creating unforgettable guest experiences, Clough has already served in the role for nearly a year aboard Carnival Valor. Her next assignment begins February 9, 2025, when she steps into the Cruise Director position aboard Carnival Miracle.
Jonathan Bennett just served up a dose of nostalgia with a side of fabulous! The Mean Girls star and godfather of Carnival Firenze hit TikTok on January 2 to recreate one of Kathie Lee Gifford’s iconic Carnival Cruise Line commercials from the 1980s — and it's giving everything.
Bennett shared a side-by-side of his re-creation, captioning the post, “My tribute to the most iconic commercial of all time. Kathie Lee, you are a legend!” The video is a perfect homage, with Bennett singing the same jingle and rocking outfits that scream vintage Kathie Lee vibes.
For the fourth consecutive year, Carnival Cruise Line returned to New York’s Times Square to celebrate New Year’s Eve, highlighting its dedication to military service members and their families.
The Bahamas’ beloved Half Moon Cay is getting a serious makeover and a fresh new name: RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Line just spilled the tea on this major rebranding, and it’s all about upgrading the island vibes while keeping that pristine tropical paradise energy.
A passenger sailing on one of Carnival Cruise Line's ships shared a video revealing that they managed to smuggle a handgun onboard. Kendra Gordon from Bradenton, Florida, posted a video showing the gun she brought onboard, which had gone unnoticed by security checks. In the video, she displays the firearm stored in her stateroom safe.
