MSC Cruises has announced that Captain Paolo Benini will take command of the new MSC World Asia when the ship enters service later this year.
The announcement comes as MSC Cruises marks six months until the vessel's debut, while also sharing new details about the highly anticipated addition to its World Class fleet.
Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, confirmed the appointment, praising Captain Benini's leadership and experience.
A days-long search on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts ended in tragedy after authorities located the body of Wang Zyuan, a 33-year-old Chinese national who went missing while hiking Mount Liamuiga.
The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) confirmed that Wang was found deceased on June 1, by one of the search teams after disappearing on a hiking trail on May 27. According to ship tracking websites the only Royal Caibbean vessel on May 25 was Rhapsody of the Seas.
Princess Cruises is expanding its partnership with onboard retail operator Starboard, which will take over retail operations on eight additional ships over the next year. The expansion will significantly increase Starboard's presence across the fleet.
The Freedom Ship concept has resurfaced with plans for a nuclear-powered floating city unlike anything ever built. Measuring over 2 million gross tons, nearly a mile in length, about 800 feet wide, and rising 30 decks above the water, Freedom Ship would become the largest maritime vessel in history. The ship is designed to travel continuously around the globe at a leisurely speed of seven knots while accommodating up to 80,000 people, including 50,000 permanent residents, 10,000 visitors, and 20,000 crew members.
The cruise ship Manara, operated by Aroya Cruises, will house thousands of athletes during the 2026 Mediterranean Games in Taranto, Italy.
The former World Dream cruise ship, now operated by Saudi Arabia-based Aroya Cruises, will host approximately 3,500 athletes aboard during the Games, which will take place between August and September 2026. Athletes from 26 Mediterranean nations are expected to participate.
Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that its new Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas will officially open on September 4, 2026, marking a major addition to the cruise line’s private island destination.
Guests sailing to Great Stirrup Cay on or after the opening date can now purchase waterpark day passes in advance and reserve private cabanas located near the park’s main attractions. The cabanas accommodate up to six guests and include waterpark admission.
Carnival marked a major milestone on June 1, 2026, with the official opening of a series of enhancements on RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay, one of the cruise line's most popular private destinations in The Bahamas.
The celebration included a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy, highlighting the completion of a project that brings new amenities, expanded beachfront facilities, and a long-awaited pier that will transform how guests arrive on the island.
Royal Caribbean Group has strengthened its shipboard workforce by recruiting more than 400 new hires in Indonesia, highlighting the company's continued interest in attracting talent from one of the world's leading seafaring nations.
Working in partnership with recruitment agency PT Equinox, Royal Caribbean Group's Global Talent Attraction team conducted hiring activities in Jakarta and Bali, focusing on filling a variety of key shipboard positions across its fleet.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has announced its Employees of the Month for April aboard the cruise ship Bolette, recognizing three crew members whose dedication and professionalism have made a positive impact on both guests and fellow colleagues.
This week, the newest TUI Cruises ship Mein Schiff Flow finally started breathing.
