On Monday, September 8, 2025, a major milestone took place at Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland as the keel was laid for Royal Caribbean International’s fourth Icon Class cruise ship. The vessel, scheduled for delivery in 2027, will become one of the largest cruise ships in the world once completed.
On the morning of September 5, while docking at the port of Piraeus, Greece, the cruise ship MV Gemini, operated by Miray Cruises, struck the pier. Initial assessments indicate damage to the ship’s hull above the waterline. According to a crew member who wished to remain anonymous, the vessel made contact with the pier during its maneuver, leaving a large hole in the hull.
Princess Cruises has reportedly halted the hiring of Brazilian crew members, becoming the latest cruise line to do so after mounting legal concerns. The decision, which has not yet been officially confirmed by the company, comes in the wake of a broader industry shift away from recruiting Brazilian nationals. The popular channel ShipLife broke the story, reporting that thousands of potential job opportunities for Brazilians have now been lost.
AIDA Cruises announced the opening of a new school building in Cambodia through its AIDA Cruise & Help initiative, funded by donations from guests and crew aboard AIDAstella. The new facility provides 860 children in Sre Noy with improved learning conditions, featuring four furnished classrooms and modern sanitary facilities.
An injured individual was medically evacuated from the cruise ship AIDAdiva in the Baltic Sea on September 2, following an onboard accident. The Latvian Navy Coast Guard carried out the operation, though it has not been confirmed whether the injured person was a passenger or a crew member.
The cruise ship Genting Dream rescued a lone boater in the Strait of Malacca on Sunday, September 3rd.
The rescue occurred during the ship's voyage from Singapore to Phuket. Crew members spotted a small boat in distress and saw its occupant signaling for help. They immediately launched a successful rescue operation.
The individual was brought onboard, given food and water, and assessed by the medical team. They are reported to be in stable condition. The cruise line is now coordinating with authorities to transfer the person to shore.
A medical emergency aboard the Carnival Sunshine prompted medical evacuation by the U.S. Coast Guard, as a female passenger required urgent treatment after the ship departed Norfolk, Virginia.
According to multiple passengers posting on social media, the high-risk operation lasted approximately 50 minutes, and took place in challenging conditions with winds exceeding 30 mph and seas reaching 8 to 10 feet, showcasing what one passenger described as an impressive display of skill and discipline by the Coast Guard team.
A 62-year-old dockworker died on Monday morning during luggage loading operations for a cruise ship at the Piraeus Port Cruise Terminal. The man, employed by a private company, collapsed on duty and was given CPR by before being transported to Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
In a statement, the PPA Union expressed deep sorrow for the loss and called on authorities to investigate the exact cause of death and assign any responsibilities.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has spotlighted the exceptional dedication of its team, announcing the Employees of the Month for August aboard the Borealis. The awards recognize crew members whose hard work and exemplary service continue to elevate the guest experience on board.
Royal Caribbean International marked a major milestone on Friday, August 29, as its latest cruise ship, Legend of the Seas, touched water for the first time at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. The float-out ceremony heralds a new chapter in maritime innovation for the cruise line, known for its ambitious engineering and environmentally-conscious designs.
