After decades at sea, Captain Dag Dvergastein has retired, handing over command of MS Europa to his colleague, Captain Tom Petzold, in a heartfelt ceremony filled with music, memories, and gratitude.

On Thursday the show stage of MS Europa became the setting for a symbolic “handover of the keys.” The atmosphere was emotional as crew members, who had sailed under Dvergastein’s leadership, gathered to honor him with a choir performance. Their voices echoed the deep respect and affection felt for a captain who was more than just a navigator.

The largest ship ever built in Wismar, the Disney Adventure, will leave the shipyard late Sunday night and set course for the Baltic Sea. According to an order from the port authority released on Friday morning on the city’s website, the harbor basin will be closed to all other vessel traffic from Sunday 10:00 p.m. until Monday 9:00 a.m. to allow the massive vessel to maneuver out with the assistance of several tugboats.

Environmental activists from Extinction Rebellion staged a protest against P&O Cruises ship Ventura as the ship attempted to dock in Rotterdam, temporarily delaying its arrival by more than 30 minutes.

Around 15 demonstrators in small boats and canoes attempted to block the 116,000-ton vessel’s approach to the quay. Local police quickly intervened, clearing the Maas River channel and arresting two protesters. Despite the disruption, the ship docked safely and passenger operations proceeded without further incident.

A morning scare for passengers and crew aboard MSC World Europa ended on a calmer note after the ship suffered an engine failure near the island of Ponza, Italy. The vessel, carrying 8,585 people, is now en route to Naples after technicians managed to partially restore propulsion.

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced changes to both guest and crew Internet packages, introducing a new distinction between Basic Wi-Fi and Streaming Wi-Fi plans. The adjustment takes effect immediately across the fleet starting with the next embarkations.

Explora Journeys, the luxury brand of the MSC Group, has named world-renowned tennis champion Jannik Sinner as its new global brand ambassador. The announcement was made at an exclusive event in New York City, just ahead of the US Open where Sinner is set to compete.

A 27-year-old Kenyan citizen, working as a Galley Steward aboard the Sun Princess, has been reported missing after going overboard in the Dardanelles Strait on August 20, 2025.

According to Princess Cruises, the MOB was detected through CCTV review, prompting the captain and officers to immediately launch emergency protocols. The ship coordinated closely with local maritime search and rescue authorities, deploying multiple boats to comb the waters for several hours.
Tragically, despite extensive efforts, the young crew member has not been located.
 

Princess Cruises is facing pushback from its crew after announcing a new tattoo policy that requires all visible tattoos to be fully covered while on duty, effective September 10. 

The world’s largest cruise ship just got a Godmother worthy of its name, and what better person to christen the Star of the Seas than an actual astronaut?

Royal Caribbean has named astronaut, author, and science communicator Kellie Gerardi as the new Godmother of Star of the Seas, replacing legendary singer Diana Ross, who stepped down from the role last week due to unforeseen circumstances.

Guests aboard Royal Caribbean’s brand-new Star of the Seas got an unexpected scare when the ship’s emergency “Oscar, Oscar, Oscar” alert rang out at the cruise line’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.