Royal Caribbean has introduced a groundbreaking elevator system on its newest ship, Icon of the Seas, addressing a common pain point for passengers on large cruise ships. With the capacity to accommodate 5,000 to 6,000 passengers, managing crowd flow and logistics on such massive vessels has always been a challenge.
Innovative Elevator Technology
MSC Cruises has announced the cancellation of three repositioning cruises scheduled for April, in a move to avoid the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. This decision comes in response to recent attacks on shipping vessels in the Red Sea by Houthi rebels in Yemen. These attacks have led several shipping companies to reroute their vessels away from this key trade route, opting instead for the longer journey around the southern tip of Africa.
The affected voyages include:
Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic is offering two innovative Antarctica itineraries that incorporate shorter sailings and unique flights over the Drake Passage. These new options provide travelers with an alternative way to experience the wonders of Antarctica.
Eight-Day Itinerary with Roundtrip Flight Over Drake Passage
China has marked a significant milestone in the cruise industry with the inaugural voyage of its first domestically built large cruise ship, the Adora Magic City. Operated by Adora Cruises, the 135,000-gross-ton vessel embarked on its maiden journey on January 1 from Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Port. The six-day voyage includes stops in Jeju, South Korea, and Fukuoka and Nagasaki in Japan.
Windstar Cruises has initiated a comprehensive, multimillion-dollar redesign and update of its three iconic sailing ships, with the project slated for completion in 2026. The ambitious renovation began with the 148-guest Wind Star and will continue with the Wind Spirit and the larger Wind Surf.