Martel Fursdon, Staff Captain with Carnival UK, has been awarded the Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service, one of the UK maritime sector’s most prestigious honors.
Fursdon, who has served aboard both P&O Cruises and Cunard ships during more than four years with Carnival UK, was recognized for her contribution to maritime safety, mentorship, inclusion and the development of future seafarers.
Royal Caribbean’s Hero of the Seas reached another major construction milestone on Friday, September 4, 2026, when the ship floated out at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland.
The day began with a traditional launching ceremony. Later that evening, after the building dock was flooded, the fourth Icon Class ship was moved out of the dry dock and taken to an adjacent outfitting pier, putting water beneath its keel for the first time.
A small fire broke out at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, where Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Aura is currently under construction.
A thick cloud of black smoke rising from the shipyard attracted attention in the surrounding area. Video of the incident was shared by Italian newspaper Il Piccolo.
Dominique Gamba, one of Royal Caribbean Group’s most experienced food and beverage leaders, has announced his departure after a career spanning more than three decades.
Known among crew members and guests simply as “Dom,” Gamba most recently served as Senior Director of Food and Beverage Operations at Royal Caribbean International. His responsibilities included overseeing operations across 29 ships and more than 450 dining venues.
Italian media report that prosecutors have opened an investigation following an alleged attempted sexual assault aboard one of the ships being used to accommodate athletes participating in the 2026 Mediterranean Games.
A passenger died aboard the Seven Seas Voyager operated by Regent Seven Seas Cruises while the cruise ship was visiting Greencastle in County Donegal on Friday, August 28.
Norwegian Cruise Line is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention after three passengers who sailed aboard Norwegian Prima in May and July 2026 were diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease.
In a notice issued to guests and travel partners on September 1, NCL said it is not yet known whether the passengers were exposed through the ship’s water system or another source. The investigation remains ongoing.
Carnival Cruise Line has adjusted the itinerary for Carnival Splendor’s September 9, 2026 sailing after reduced channel depths made it unsafe for the ship to reach the Cairns Cruise Terminal.
Instead of docking in Cairns, Carnival Splendor will anchor at Yorkeys Knob on September 13. Guests will be transported ashore by water shuttles and will still be able to visit Cairns.
SeaDream Yacht Club has announced SeaDream III, the first newly built yacht to join its fleet in the company’s 25-year history.
Vincent Gomes, a beloved son, brother and Seabourn Head Sommelier, died after suffering a devastating head injury during attack while returning to his cruise ship from shore leave in Nice, France. His sudden death has left his family heartbroken and searching for justice, answers and the strength to cope with a loss they never imagined.
