Crystal Cruises is returning to the world of cruising this summer under a slightly different name. The two ocean liners Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony will operate under the brand Crystal - Exceptional at Sea. Previously the luxury ships will receive major refurbishments and enhancements in a Fincantieri shipyard in Trieste.
Costa Cruises announced its comeback in Asia with the cruise ship Costa Serena. From June to September 2023, Costa Serena will offer thirty “charter” voyages, in collaboration with local Asian partners. The signing of the agreements took place in Dubai, aboard Costa Toscana, the flagship of the fleet deployed in the Arabian Gulf for the entire winter season 2022/23.
An interesting story comes from New Zealand, as the country is facing nationwide fresh egg shortages leading suppliers and supermarkets to introduce a temporary limit on the purchase of eggs. Yes, you heard it right. New Zealand is facing egg shortages in the past month as a result of the ban on battery-caged hens which started a week ago.
With the strength of its business and the generosity of its guests, Carnival Cruise Line broke the annual fundraising record for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Carnival raised more than $3.5 million for the organization last year, surpassing the annual high of $2.8 million in 2018 and bringing the total since the partnership began in 2010 to $26.2 million.
Holland America Line passengers participated in a fundraising campaign around six different continents today, culminating in a generous donation to Ukrainian relief. A check for $450,000 raised by Holland America Line's on Deck for a Cause campaign was presented to the global humanitarian aid organization Direct Relief at the Port of San Diego.
Starboard Cruise Services will replace Harding+ as the cruise retailer for Virgin Voyages. Starting April 1st Harding+ will be withdrawing from two operations and one yet-to-launch ship in Virgin's fleet.
Between March 13 and November 9, Princess Cruises will launch 32 sailing aboard the Diamond Princess from Japan. After three years of international cruise ships ban, the Japanese government announced in mid-November that foreign-registered cruise ships will be allowed to use Japanese ports starting in spring 2023.
Holland America Line's bookings during the third week of January are the highest ever for the month of January week for a premium cruise. The week ending January 20, also exceeded bookings during the same week in 2019 by more than 20%.
Due to vessel permits, Swan Hellenic has canceled its 31-night Antarctic cruise aboard the SH Minerva.
Pullmantur Cruise’s bankruptcy administrator Data Bankruptcy, plans to sell the last asset of the former cruise operator. The administrator will put the Pullmantur brand up for sale on February 1, and interested companies may submit non-binding offers until February 27.
