Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines just shared some nice news—Miguel Cafranga has officially been promoted to Hotel Director.
He previously worked as Deputy Hotel Director, and now he’s stepping into one of the most important roles onboard. For anyone who’s worked at sea, you already know… the Hotel Director basically runs everything guests experience—from cabins and housekeeping to food, service, and overall vibe on the ship.
Several crew members working on MSC Cruises ships say their sign-off dates have been postponed and contracts extended, especially for the Asian crew, raising concerns among crew who were expecting to return home after completing their rotations.
Crew members from MSC Poesia and MSC Seaside told Crew Center that scheduled disembarkations have recently been canceled, with ship management citing flight availability issues linked to the current situation.
Cruise lovers know the feeling once the idea of sailing around the world gets into your head, it’s hard to resist. For one man in Japan, that passion for cruising went so far that he was willing to risk his job for it.
Authorities in Gunma Prefecture, Japan, recently disciplined a 63-year-old government employee after he went on a 109-day cruise around the world, even though he didn’t have enough vacation days approved.
A former long-serving employee of P&O Cruises has launched a legal case in the United Kingdom alleging disability discrimination and unfair treatment after she was reportedly sent back to the Philippines while battling advanced cancer.
The case, Mrs Catherine Holmes v Carnival PLC, is scheduled for a preliminary hearing at the Bristol Employment Tribunal on April 21–22, 2026, where the court will first determine whether it has jurisdiction to hear the claim.
TUI Cruises has begun the repatriation of crew members from Mein Schiff 4 after disembarking passengers from the cruise ship, which had been stranded in the Persian Gulf due to regional tensions and partial airspace closures. This is the next phase of operations after it took nearly a week to organize flights and safely return to guests with the help of partner airlines and coordination with local security authorities.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is celebrating a special occasion as Captain Victor Stoica marks his 15-year anniversary in command, recognizing a remarkable maritime career that has spanned nearly 40 years at sea.
Reflecting on his journey, Captain Stoica shared that his passion for the sea began in 1986 when he embarked on his first international voyage as a cadet aboard the Romanian training ship Neptune. That early experience laid the foundation for a lifelong career in maritime navigation and leadership.
Costa Cruises shared a fun and relatable photo story revealing the “8 Truths About Love Onboard,” giving a real look at what relationships are like for crew members at sea.
The cruise line reminded everyone that love onboard hits differently, where intense schedules, contracts, and distance make relationships both challenging and unforgettable.
Alexander Orendt has been promoted to captain and has taken command of the cruise ship Mein Schiff 3, TUI Cruises announced today.
Orendt previously served as Staff Captain, gaining extensive leadership experience on board before stepping into the top position. His promotion reflects years of dedication and progression within TUI Cruises, where he built a strong reputation for professionalism and seamanship.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has announced the retirement of long-serving Hotel Director Guy Sharp, marking the end of an outstanding career spanning more than two decades.
Born and raised in New Zealand, Guy built a career in the cruise and hospitality industry, working with several leading brands, including Seabourn Cruise Line and Cunard Cruise Line, before joining the Fred. Olsen family.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has welcomed back a familiar face to its team, announcing the return of Nick Cosslett as Cruise Director aboard Borealis.
Nick’s journey with the company began in 2012, when he first joined as a young crew member. His very first cruise was on Balmoral, a ship he still considers his favorite, and it was there that he discovered his passion for life at sea.
