In times of struggle, one of the most beautiful things that often rises to the surface is the strength and unity of a community. Today, we are calling on the cruise ship crew and beyond to rally around one of our own.

Marlene dela Cruz is a single mother of three boys and a former Beauty Specialist at Harding Brothers aboard Princess Cruises ships. Marlene has dedicated years of her life to making passengers feel their best, is now in the fight of her life against stage 2B breast cancer.

Norwegian Cruise Line has appointed its first Filipino Staff Captain, Ryan James D. Martinez, marking a historic moment for the Filipino maritime community.

As the second-in-command aboard the Norwegian Gem, Captain Ryan’s rise to this prestigious position showcases exceptional talent, dedication, and leadership. 

We all know about the infamous Costa Concordia disaster, which claimed the lives of 32 people when the luxury cruise liner capsized after striking a reef off the coast of Italy in 2012. But this wasn’t the first vessel named Concordia to meet a tragic fate. Over the years, several ships bearing this name, or similar variations, have been involved in accidents. 

This raises the question: Is naming a vessel Concordia a stroke of bad luck, or are these disasters simply coincidences?

Norwegian Cruise Line introduced Starlink internet services, offering crew members hope for faster and more reliable internet connections while at sea. During the initial launch, crew members aboard the Norwegian Bliss reported that the internet ran smoothly, delivering fast and providing stable connectivity with their families and offering a source of entertainment during off-hours. However, concerns have surfaced after NCL reportedly changed the internet domain for the crew, leading to a noticeable drop in internet speed.

Since August 2024, Mein Schiff has been featuring a series of videos introducing the captains of their fleet. One standout is Captain Todd Burgman, the only American captain in the German cruise line. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Todd joined the Mein Schiff fleet in 2014, leaving behind a career as a finance professor in New York. His journey to becoming a cruise ship captain is inspiring, as he shares his experiences and passions, including his love for cycling and his impressive ability to speak German.

Crew Center recently received a letter from a former crew member who wanted to share his side of the story about a situation that ended with him losing his job. 
This crew member worked as a bartender on the cruise ship MSC Seaside, and thought of his team as family. They joked around, supported each other, and made their work environment feel like home. He worked closely with a waitress from the Philippines, and for two months, they had a good working relationship filled with jokes and mutual respect.

Cunard honored two outstanding crew members for their exceptional contributions with Stars of the Year for 2023 award. The programme, known for recognizing excellence in service and adherence to Cunard’s Culture Essentials, continues to highlight the dedication and commitment of those working aboard Cunard ships.

When it comes to mind-blowing entertainment at sea, Royal Caribbean International is in a league of its own! Their cruise ships aren’t just floating hotels; they’re stages for the world’s top performers and athletes. We’re talking about Red Bull Cliff Diving legend like Michal Navratil, who’ve wowed crowds with jaw-dropping high dives. 

On a recent MSC Cruises voyage, newlyweds Yulia and Sergey made waves with a jaw-dropping request when they ordered everything on the menu for two people! 

The hilarious moment was caught on video and has taken the internet by storm.

Crew members from the shipping, cruise, and superyacht industries are participating in a research project led by the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN). This study will use wearable and mobile technology to track the impact of crew social interaction and the impact on their overall wellbeing.