Cruise & Ferry Review

15/08/2025

CFI takes a look at the world’s largest battery-powered ship, China Zorrilla, which is currently being constructed by Australian shipbuilder Incat Tasmania. The ship will break further records with its interior design when it makes its debut for Buquebus later this year 👇

Buquebus’s China Zorrilla is set to break new ground for the maritime industry when it begins sailing in late 2025, becoming the largest battery-electric vessel ever built. The ferry’s first journey between Argentina and Uruguay across the River Plate will mark a significant moment on the journe...

15/08/2025

Princess Cruises’ second Sphere-class ship Star Princess will debut in October with a reimagined Spellbound by Magic Castle.

Building on its debut onboard Sun Princess, Spellbound by Magic Castle will pay homage to the golden age of magic, with a nod to one of its most iconic figures: Richard Valentine Pitchford – better known as master of sleight-of-hand and theatrical illusion Cardini.

Spellbound by Magic Castle will feature a series of newly themed spaces, including a ticketing booth, the Inner Circle, the Cardini Bar, a Backstage area, and the Peacock Theater, all with eclectic decor, mood lighting and theatrical flourishes.

14/08/2025

Star Princess has completed sea trials and is undergoing final construction at Fincantieri ahead of its debut in October for Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises’ second Sphere-class ship, Star Princess, has successfully completed its sea trials, marking a significant milestone in the vessel's construction. The trials took place from 9–12 August 2025, as the ship departed Fincantieri's Monfalcone shipyard in Italy for the Adriatic Sea. S...

14/08/2025

After a $10 million upgrade to accommodate the world’s largest cruise ships, San Juan Cruise Port has welcomed Royal Caribbean International’s Wonder of the Seas

San Juan Cruise Port (SJCP) has welcomed Royal Caribbean International’s Wonder of the Seas, marking the first visit by an Oasis-class ship since the completion of a $10 million upgrade to Pier 3. The investment, funded and led by SJCP, has restored the port’s capacity to host the world’s larg...

13/08/2025

Mark Bloomfield and Carine Equeter of Morbern Europe talk with Alex Smith about how the company is pioneering a new generation of sustainable fabrics

Fabric manufacturer Morbern Europe has long prioritised sustainability. The company was one of the first manufacturers to eliminate heavy metals from its production, and it has continuously developed new sustainability initiatives to continue driving innovation. “At Morbern Europe, we are committe...

13/08/2025

The International Maritime Organization - IMO’s secretary-general urged global cooperation on maritime security as he spoke to the Security Council, after 150 piracy and armed robbery incidents were reported to the IMO in 2024

The International Maritime Organization’s secretary-general Arsenio Dominguez has addressed the United Nations Security Council, calling for increased vigilance and deeper cooperation among member states and international partners to address growing threats to global maritime security. Dominguez o...

12/08/2025

Princess Cruises is expanding its 2027 Alaska season by deploying eight ships to the region to sail 17 itineraries from five homeports

Princess Cruises is expanding its 2027 Alaska season by deploying eight ships, including Sphere-class vessel Star Princess, in the region. The cruise line will sail 17 itineraries departing from five homeports, including Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Whittier in USA, and Vancouver in Canad...

12/08/2025

A&K Sanctuary will welcome a fifth riverboat to its Egyptian fleet in 2026 when Nile Seray begins sailing on four-night itineraries between Aswan and Luxor on the River Nile

A&K Sanctuary will welcome a fifth riverboat to its Egyptian fleet when Nile Seray sets sail on four-night itineraries in 2026. The ship – which is named after the Persian word for palace – will accommodate 64 guests in 32 suites, each with a seating area beside floor-to-ceiling windows, a water...

12/08/2025

Wasaline has become the first carbon-neutral shipping company operating in the Baltic Sea, after signing a biogas contract with Gasum and a Fuel European Union Maritime pooling agreement with Stena Line Sverige, enabling it to use only biofuels in the future

Wasaline has become the first carbon neutral shipping company operating in the Baltic Sea. It has signed a biogas contract with Gasum and a Fuel European Union Maritime pooling agreement with Stena Line, enabling it to use only biofuels in the future. “Renewable biogas is one of the already availa...

11/08/2025

Cruise lines should focus on using high-quality, long-lasting materials during interior refurbishments, says Luis Rincón of Miami-based marine outfitter Xaler Systems 👇

Making interior upgrades to enhance both style and functionality is a key priority for many cruise lines as they focus on revitalising the older ships in their fleet. Refreshed furnishings, updated flooring and comfortable spaces all play a vital role in elevating the guest experience. Marine outfit...

11/08/2025

Aqua Expeditions will welcome a sixth yacht to its fleet in February 2026. The 15-suite Aqua Lares will be the cruise line’s first ultra-luxury expedition yacht and will sail five, nine, 10 and 11-night itineraries in East Africa

Expedition cruise line Aqua Expeditions will welcome a sixth yacht to its fleet in February 2026. The six-deck, 77.4-metre Aqua Lares will be the cruise line’s first ultra-luxury expedition yacht and will host 30 guests in 12 suites and three twin cabins. Social spaces onboard will include the sun...

11/08/2025

Royal Caribbean International’s second Icon-class ship Star of the Seas has arrived at its US homeport, Port Canaveral, for first time on 9 August. The ship will be christened by singer Diana Ross on 20 August before sailing seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries

Royal Caribbean International’s newest Icon-class ship Star of the Seas has sailed into Port Canaveral in Florida for the first time. Over 2,000 Royal Caribbean team members welcomed the second Icon-class vessel, which was delivered by Finnish shipbuilder Meyer Turku in July, to its new homeport o...