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The Carnival Sunshine is launching a year-round deployment out of Norfolk in February, following a drydock in Europe.Cruise Industry News takes a closer look at the new cruise schedule, which includes itineraries to the Caribbean, the Bahamas and Bermuda.Debut VoyageShip: Carnival SunshineDate: Feb. 11, 2025Length: 5 nightsHomeport: Norfolk (United States)Itinerary: Freeport and Bimini (Bahamas)The Carnival Sunshine is set to debut the new deployment in Norfolk on Feb. 11, 2025, after completing a drydock in France.For its first sailing from the port, the ship offers a five-night cruise to the Bahamas. In addition to two days at sea, the[...]

Azamara has unveiled its biggest World Cruise yet, sailing for 188 nights in 2027.The world voyage will visit 103 destinations across 37 countries and five continents on the Quest. Key ports of call include the cities of San Francisco, Miami and San Diego, as well as Tokyo, Singapore, Auckland, Sydney and Hong Kong. “For our 2027 World Cruise, we’ve created an incredible route that will bring our guests to the doorsteps of sought-after destinations around the world,” said Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara Cruises.“Imagine sailing as far south as Stewart Island, New Zealand, and as far north as Helsinki,[...]

The Zuiderdam is sailing from Port Everglades on Saturday for Holland America Line’s 2025 Grand World Voyage.According to Holland America Line, the 124-night itinerary is highlighted by bucket-list destinations, including Machu Picchu, Easter Island and the Great Barrier Reef. The full itinerary includes ports in 34 different countries.The cruise also features six overnight stays across the globe, including extended visits to Tahiti, Sydney, Cape Town and Barcelona.After departing from Port Everglades, the Zuiderdam heads south for visits to destinations in the Caribbean before crossing the Panama Canal.The 2,000-guest ship then heads to South America and the South Pacific,[...]

A range of new cruise ships will enter service in 2025:Mein Schiff RelaxCruise Line: TUI CruisesCapacity: 4,000Tonnage: 161,000Shipyard: FincantieriInaugural Cruise: March 16, 2025Built by the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, the LNG-powered vessel is the first in a new series of vessels by TUI. Following the Mein Schiff 7, which entered service for TUI Cruises earlier in 2024, the Mein Schiff Relax is scheduled to debut in Spring 2025.World AmericaCruise Line: MSC CruisesCapacity: 5,400Tonnage: 205,700Shipyard: ChantiersInaugural Cruise: April 12, 2025The liquefied natural gas-powered ship will be officially named in Miami on April 9, 2025, representing a significant evolution[...]

As the new year begins, Cruise Industry News looks at the trends for the global industry in 2025 and beyond.Focus on Bottom LineCarnival Corporation is coming off a record financial performance in 2024 and has big expectations for 2025.The same can be said for the other two major cruise companies that are public, Royal Caribbean Group and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.Full ships, a strong value proposition and focusing on the North American consumer is said to be driving the financial performance.New Brands Joining the Industry New brands continue to join the growing industry. Aroya Cruises started up for[...]

Royal Caribbean International is set to take delivery of four newbuilds through 2028.Here are the details of the company’s newbuild schedule, according to the latest Cruise Industry News Global Cruise Ship Index.Star of the SeasDebut Date: August 2025Capacity: 5,610 guestsTonnage: 250,800Shipyard: Meyer Turku (Finland)Status: Under constructionFollowing the Icon of the Seas, the Star of the Seas will become the second ship in Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class when it debuts in August 2025.Set to offer cruises departing from Port Canaveral during its maiden season, the LNG-powered ship is currently under construction at the Meyer Turku Shipyard in Finland.Icon IIIDebut Date: 2026Capacity: 5,610[...]