Secondhand Update: Increased Sales and Charters of More Ships
As the secondhand cruise ship market picks up pace, Cruise Industry News looks at some of the key transactions and moves that have taken place in recent weeks.For a complete overview of the market, see the Secondhand Market Report.Costa FortunaCompany: Costa CruisesCapacity: 2,720 guestsTonnage: 103,000Year built: 2003Move: Sold to undisclosed buyers; leaving the fleet in late 2026Date: May 2025Costa Cruises announced plans to withdraw the Costa Fortuna from its fleet earlier this month. According to a press release, the 2003-built vessel was sold to undisclosed buyers, with delivery set for September 2026.With a design similar to Carnival Cruise[...]
Mexican Government Introduces New Tax for Cruise Passengers
The Mexican government has set a new head tax for cruise passengers visiting the country’s ports starting in July 2025.According to a report by El Financiero, guests will need to pay $5 when entering Mexico onboard a cruise ship.The local finance news website noted that the agreed value is much smaller than the initially proposed tax of $42 per person.The fee is set to be raised gradually, with an increase to $10 per person currently scheduled for August 1, 2025.According to the website, the head tax is set to increase again in 2026 and 2027 before reaching a[...]
Cruise Industry News: Major Changes for 2023
Stepping onto a cruise ship today feels like entering a whole new world. Just a few years ago, we watched the industry grapple with various challenges. But as of 2025, the major changes that have emerged in 2023 have reshaped our cruising experiences in remarkable ways, bringing fresh opportunities for exploration, indulgence, and connection. Embracing Sustainability on the High Seas Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword in 2025; it’s a commitment that the cruise industry has taken to heart, especially following major initiatives that kicked off in 2023. Many cruise lines have now adopted advanced eco-friendly technologies that dramatically[...]
Utopia of the Seas Begins Its Inaugural Voyage to Cozumel
Royal Caribbean International’s Utopia of the Seas recently embarked on its first-ever cruise to Cozumel, Mexico.Deployed on short cruises to the Bahamas on a year-round basis, the 2024-built vessel debuted in the Western Caribbean as part of a four-night itinerary.After departing from Port Canaveral on May 5, 2025, the cruise arrived in Cozumel two days later. The Utopia of the Seas also spent two days at sea before returning to its homeport on May 9, 2025.According to published deployment, the 5,714-guest ship is not set to return to the Western Caribbean.Continuing its year-round schedule of cruises to the[...]
Oceania’s Allura Sets Sail for Culinary-Themed Voyages in 2025
Oceania Cruises is set to launch its latest vessel, Allura, in July 2025, marking the 8th addition to its fleet. Designed to cater to the growing demand for immersive, culturally rich, and destination-focused travel experiences, Allura will commence her inaugural season with a series of voyages across the Mediterranean, followed by transatlantic crossings and Caribbean itineraries.Constructed at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Italy, Allura embodies a blend of elegance and intimacy. The ship boasts all-veranda accommodations, ensuring that each of the 1,200 guests enjoys expansive ocean views. The vessel's design emphasizes spaciousness and comfort, with refined interiors and state-of-the-art amenities.Allura's[...]
Crystal Unveils 2028 Global Voyage on the Symphony
Crystal has announced Treasures of the Tides, its longest World Cruise to date, set to sail aboard the Crystal Symphony in 2028.The 150-night voyage will depart roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on January 11, 2028, and conclude on June 10, 2028.Bookings will open to the public on May 29, 2025.This marks the first time since 2018 that Crystal Symphony will sails World Cruise itinerary. The sailing includes 84 destinations across 39 countries on six continents, with an option to disembark early in Barcelona on May 27, 2028.Chairman and Brand Ambassador Fernando Barroso de Oliveira will join the sailing, offering[...]
As the secondhand cruise ship market picks up pace, Cruise Industry News looks at some[...]
The Mexican government has set a new head tax for cruise passengers visiting the country’s[...]
Stepping onto a cruise ship today feels like entering a whole new world. Just a[...]
Royal Caribbean International’s Utopia of the Seas recently embarked on its first-ever cruise to Cozumel,[...]
Oceania Cruises is set to launch its latest vessel, Allura, in July 2025, marking the[...]
Crystal has announced Treasures of the Tides, its longest World Cruise to date, set to[...]