Royal Caribbean Group has announced a generous $40,000 donation to the Norwegian Seaman’s Mission, reinforcing its dedication to seafarer welfare and local communities in key port destinations.

The funding will benefit Seafarers’ Welfare Centres across four Norwegian cities includeing Ålesund, Bergen, Honningsvåg, and Stavanger, where thousands of international seafarers, including cruise ship crew stop annually during voyages. The centers offer free services, recreation, and cultural support, functioning as a “home away from home” for those working at sea.
 

The cruise ship Carnival Splendor has come to the rescue of four stranded sailors and their three dogs after their catamaran broke down in rough seas south of New Caledonia.

The incident occurred Thursday morning when the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Noumea received a distress signal from the disabled vessel. The catamaran, which had been sailing toward Fiji after circumnavigating Australia, suffered engine failure and a broken mast amid turbulent weather.

John Wilson, Chief Executive of Liverpool Seafarers Centre (LSC), has been awarded the prestigious British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition of his services to seafarers' welfare. The award highlights Mr. Wilson's commitment and contributions to improving the lives of those who arrive at the port of Liverpool.

The cruise ship Ocean Victory, operated by Spain's newly launched Alma Cruceros, was seized Monday, May 20, at the port of Malaga. The seizure was initiated at the request of the vessel's general agent, Lantimar Group.
As of now, the ship remains in port with all crew members on board, awaiting further developments.

Costa Cruises is taking emergency health precautions after multiple passengers aboard the Costa Favolosa reported symptoms of gastrointestinal illness during the current 7-day Northern Europe cruise.

The next chapter in cruise innovation has officially begun. Royal Caribbean’s newest megaship, the Star of the Seas, roared to life early Monday morning as it left the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland to begin its sea trials.

“Star of the Seas departed our shipyard early Monday morning to begin her sea trials. We wish her and her crew sunny skies and smooth sailing!” announced the shipyard, marking a major milestone in the ship’s journey to service.

A team from Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency medically evacuated two passengers who fell ill aboard a cruise ship sailing through the waters off Aceh Province.

Indonesian authorities launched an emergency medical evacuation over the weekend after two passengers aboard a cruise ship sailing off the coast of Aceh Province fell seriously ill. The passengers were traveling on the Mein Schiff 6 en route from Port Klang, Malaysia.

The cruise community is mourning the sudden loss of Captain Michele Bartolomei, Master of the Diamond Princess, who passed away unexpectedly aboard the ship early Monday morning at the age of 52.

Today MSC Cruises officially signed contracts for the construction of two new World Class cruise ships, set to be delivered in 2029 and 2030. The agreement with French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique will increase the total number of World Class vessels in the MSC Cruises fleet to six, reinforcing the cruise line’s long-term commitment to European shipbuilding and innovation.

A two-year-old boy tragically died aboard the Costa Toscana cruise ship during a Mediterranean voyage, collapsing suddenly while playing on board. The tragedy occurred during the ship’s voyage between Civitavecchia and Savona, Italy, as part of a 7-day Western Mediterranean itinerary.