American Cruise Lines’ first new ship of 2018, American Constitution, has passed its Sea Trials. The procedure took place last week in the Chesapeake Bay, with the U.S. Coast Guard aboard. The ship took part in speed trials, an endurance run, and other safety and maneuverability tests. Paul Taiclet, vice president of hotel operations was…

Queen Sonja of Norway has made her way to the Big Apple. The Queen personally visited the Hurtigruten MS Fram expedition ship docked in New York City on a repositioning cruise to announce a partnership between the Norwegian expedition cruise line and the Queen Sonja Print Award, which awards prizes to Norwegian graphic artists. The…

A new survey from Traveltek Group Ltd. provided insights into first-time cruisers and their perceptions of the industry. The analysis looked at 8,878 new-to-cruise inquiries made through leading travel agents worldwide. Results revealed how Traveltek’s cruise packaging, CRM and API tools, and more, can help agencies and cruise lines leverage growth opportunities in their first-time…

Windstar Cruises is serious when it comes to wine. In fact, the line recently hired its first official sommelier—Justin D. McAuliffe—for the Star Legend and more will soon be joining Star Breeze, Star Pride and Wind Surf later this year. McAuliffe’s duties encompass managing the wine program including giving educational seminars, as well as selling…

The official handover ceremony for Crystal Ravel took place today at MV WERFTEN shipyard in Wismar, Germany. Crystal president and CEO, Tom Wolber, took the “keys” to the ship, welcoming it as the fifth vessel and fourth newbuild for the line. In addition to Wolber, dignitaries on hand included Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, chairman…

Paul Gauguin Cruises has debuted its new 2019 Voyages brochure featuring Tahiti, French Polynesia, Fiji and South Pacific itineraries. The line operates the longest operating luxury vessel in the South Pacific, the 332-guest m/s Paul Gauguin. Highlights for 2019 include the line’s popular trademark itineraries, such as seven-night Tahiti and the Society Islands and Society…

The return to service of the ms Treasures and ms Esprit last week out of Amsterdam marked the completion of the reconfiguration project of four smaller, 110-meter Tauck vessels. The first two riverboats to undergo renovation were the ms Sapphire and ms Emerald, which re-entered service last year. The new deck plan decreases each vessel’s…

This June, Silversea will celebrate ten years in luxury expedition cruising. It’s a milestone marked by a number of industry firsts. “A decade ago, we set out to unlock the world’s most authentic travelling experiences for those with a sense of curiosity,’ said Silversea Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio. “In superlative comfort, we have enabled our…

When will high-speed wireless internet access be available complimentarily on cruise ships across the board? It’s a question everyone in the industry is asking as such free service is becoming increasingly widespread elsewhere. At sea, the answer is a bit more technologically complicated, but more and more lines are heeding the call. Likely prompting many…

Carnival Cruise Line is adding 20 cruises to Cuba from Tampa aboard Carnival Paradise in 2019. That number is in addition to the already-announced 11 cruises on the ship. Carnival Sensation will also sail 17 Cuba itineraries from Miami in 2019. It’s a sign of increasing public interest in experiencing the island nation by cruise.…