Royal Caribbean 2026 Q2 Results Strong; Company Raises Full Year Guidance

Royal Caribbean 2026 Q2 Results Strong; Company Raises Full Year Guidance

Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) today reported second quarter Earnings per Share (“EPS”) of $4.20 and Adjusted EPS of $4.21.

These results were better than the company’s guidance, driven by strong close-in demand, lower costs, and favorable performance from joint ventures, the company said in a press release.

The company now expects full year Adjusted EPS to be in the range of $17.73 to $17.87.

The increase in earnings expectations reflects the stronger-than-expected second quarter performance and an improved outlook for the remainder of the year. This outlook incorporates a modest booking impact for select itineraries primarily due to prolonged geopolitical activity.

“The strong second quarter performance demonstrates the continued strength of our brands, the appeal of our vacation experiences, and the momentum in our business,” said Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “We expect another year of approximately double-digit growth in revenue and earnings, driven by consumers’ preference for our leading brands and supported by our strong booked position, leading margin profile, and fortified balance sheet.”

“We continue to expand, elevate and differentiate our portfolio of vacation experiences,” Liberty added. “Legend of the Seas, which launched earlier this month as the third ship in our Icon class, is part of a platform that is reshaping the cruising experience and delivering exceptional returns. Its successful debut represents another important milestone in the execution of our innovation pipeline as we continue to redefine the vacation experience. At the same time, we are deepening guest engagement through our loyalty and technology platforms – strengthening our relationships with guests, increasing repeat rates, and positioning us to capture a greater share of the growing $2 trillion global vacation market.”

Second Quarter 2026:
• Total revenue was $4.8 billion, a 6% increase year over year. Load factor in the second quarter was 110%.
• Gross Margin Yields decreased 5.6% as-reported. Net Yields increased 1.9% as-reported and 1.2% in Constant Currency.
• Gross Cruise Costs per Available Passenger Cruise Days (“APCD”) increased 4.5% as-reported. Net Cruise Costs (“NCC”), excluding Fuel, per APCD increased 4.4% as-reported and 3.9% in Constant Currency.
• Net Income was $1.1 billion or $4.20 per share, Adjusted Net Income was $1.1 billion or $4.21 per share, and Adjusted EBITDA was $1.8 billion.

Full Year 2026 Outlook:
• Revenue is expected to grow 9% year over year. Net Yields are expected to increase 2.35% to 2.85% as-reported and 1.75% to 2.25% in Constant Currency.
• NCC, excluding Fuel, per APCD are expected to increase approximately 0.4% as-reported and be approximately flat in Constant Currency.
• Adjusted EPS is expected to be in the range of $17.73 to $17.87, representing 14% year over year growth, and a 23% CAGR over the first two years of the company’s Perfecta program, which targets a 20% earnings CAGR from 2024 to 2027 and ROIC in the high teens by 2027.

Second Quarter 2026 Results

Net Income for the second quarter of 2026 was $1.1 billion or $4.20 per share compared to Net Income of $1.2 billion or $4.41 per share for the same period in the prior year. Adjusted Net Income was $1.1 billion or $4.21 per share for the second quarter of 2026 compared to Adjusted Net Income of $1.2 billion or $4.38 per share for the same period in the prior year. The company also reported total revenues of $4.8 billion and Adjusted EBITDA of $1.8 billion.

Capacity for the second quarter was up 5% year over year and the company delivered memorable vacations to 2.4 million guests, a 6% increase year over year. Total revenue increased 6% year over year. Gross Margin Yields decreased 5.6% as-reported, and Net Yields increased 1.9% as-reported (1.2% in Constant Currency), when compared to the second quarter of 2025. Load factor for the quarter was 110%. Net Yield growth exceeded the company’s guidance primarily driven by better than expected close-in demand.

Gross Cruise Costs per APCD increased 4.5% as-reported, compared to the second quarter of 2025. NCC, excluding Fuel, per APCD increased 4.4% as-reported (and 3.9% in Constant Currency), when compared to the second quarter of 2025. The better-than-expected cost performance in the second quarter was primarily driven by favorable timing of expenses.

Update on Bookings and Onboard Revenue

The overall demand environment remains strong, supported by consumers’ continued preference for the company’s differentiated experiences. Since the last earnings call, the company has experienced a modest, near-term impact on bookings for select itineraries, primarily due to prolonged geopolitical activity. The company remains booked at record prices, booking volumes are above last year’s levels, and load factors remain robust across its vacation portfolio. The company continues to benefit from strong guest engagement and demand for onboard and destination experiences, supported by ongoing enhancements to its product offerings and more targeted pre-cruise engagement.

“Consumer demand for our vacation experiences is strong, and guests continue to demonstrate a desire to spend on memorable experiences with us,” said Naftali Holtz, Chief Financial Officer, Royal Caribbean Group. “As we build a broader vacation platform, we are giving guests more reasons to vacation with Royal Caribbean across more occasions, while reinforcing our ability to drive higher engagement and spend over time. While still very early, booking trends for 2027 are encouraging and pacing ahead of historical levels, including for itineraries where demand was impacted by geopolitical developments this year.”

Third Quarter 2026

Net Yields are expected to be approximately flat as-reported and in Constant Currency as compared to 2025, reflecting continued healthy demand and pricing at record levels leading to expected total revenue growth of 8%.

NCC, excluding Fuel, per APCD, is expected to decrease 1.7% to 1.2% as-reported and 1.6% to 1.1% in Constant Currency as compared to 2025.
Based on current fuel pricing, interest rates, currency exchange rates and the factors detailed above, the company expects third quarter Adjusted EPS to be in the range of $6.26 to $6.36.

Zuiderdam Sets Sail on Holland America’s Voyage of the Vikings

Zuiderdam Sets Sail on Holland America’s Voyage of the Vikings

The Zuiderdam sailed from Boston recently to kick off Holland America Line’s 35-night “Voyage of the Vikings.”

The 2002-built ship is now scheduled to visit destinations in Canada, New England, Greenland, Iceland, the United Kingdom and Scandinavia before returning to its homeport in North America.

As part of Holland America’s Legendary Voyages program, the cruise is highlighted by an overnight call to Rotterdam in the Netherlands, as well as stops in off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Among the lesser-visited ports welcoming the Zuiderdam are Red Bay in Canada, Paamiut in Greenland, Husavik in Iceland and Douglas in the Isle of Man.

After visits to a total of 20 destinations, the 82,305-ton ship is scheduled to return to Boston, ending the Legendary Voyage on August 20, 2026.

Following the cruise, the Zuiderdam is scheduled to spend the remainder of the summer season offering itineraries in Canada and New England.

With cruises sailing between Boston and Quebec City, the deployment runs through late October, when the ship is scheduled to reposition to Florida.

Before the end of the year, the vessel offers a series of seven- to 10-night cruises to the Caribbean departing from PortMiami.

In early 2027, the ship repositions to the West Coast for cruises to the Mexican Riviera and Baja Peninsula regions.

Holland America recently confirmed that the Zuiderdam will be the second ship to undergo a refurbishment as part of the company’s Evolution refit program.

Following the Oosterdam, the Vista-class ship will introduce new and updated features, including a series of solo staterooms with balconies.

The 1,900-passenger ship will also welcome a Grand Dutch Café, a coffee shop inspired by the European café culture that first debuted on Pinnacle-class ships.

Described as the largest fleet investment in the company’s 153-year history, the Evolution program will also include refits for four additional vessels: the Westerdam, the Noordam, the Eurodam and the Nieuw Amsterdam.

Carnival and Fincantieri Celebrate 30 Years of Partnership

Carnival and Fincantieri Celebrate 30 Years of Partnership

Carnival and Fincantieri recently celebrated three decades of collaboration between the two companies.

The partnership was highlighted during the steel-cutting ceremony for the new Carnival Destiny, which will be built at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone yard.

Carnival’s relationship with the shipbuilder started with the original Carnival Destiny, which was delivered in 1996.

“Carnival contacted us about a new ship design they had in mind, which they were calling ‘the ship of the future’,” said Maurizio Cergol, designer of the vessel.

“The Carnival Destiny certainly set a precedent at the time with its configuration, having its public spaces amidships, near the lifeboats.”

Cergol said that the design allowed for a larger number of balcony staterooms, creating a new standard for the industry.

“The market responded extremely positively to the possibility of taking cruises in a cabin where you could not only see the sea but also smell it, feel it and feel the breeze,” he continued.

Cergol said that the ship had an adequate, powerful name, as it tied together the fate of Fincantieri and Carnival.

For Fincantieri’s President Biaggio Mazzotta, the event marked both a beginning and an anniversary, highlighting the steel cutting of the new Carnival Destiny.

Introducing a new design to Carnival’s fleet, the new ship will be built at the Monfalcone shipyard, with delivery scheduled for mid-2029.

“With the cutting of the first metal sheet for this new vessel, this next-generation ship starts to take shape,” he said.

Mazzotta noted that the ship will be the largest in Carnival’s fleet, adding that the ceremony marked the “first spark” of a project that will accompany the shipyard for years to come.

“This is not a point of arrival but a point of departure,” he continued, noting that the project has a special meaning, taking place exactly 30 years after the delivery of the original Carnival Destiny.

“Thirty years is not just a milestone but a measure of trust that has been renewed order after order, ship after ship, in a business where decisions are made by looking at decades in the future,” Mazzotta added.

He also highlighted the human element of the collaboration between the companies, noting that “behind every hull and technological breakthrough there is the work of men and women, including designers, engineers, technicians and workers.”

“All the companies in our supply chain have made this partnership a shared heritage,” Mazzotta said, thanking all the involved parties.

“This collaboration tells the story of what Italy does best: combine tradition, innovation, craftsmanship and technology.”

Giorgio Gomiero, senior vice president of operations for Fincantieri, noted that shipbuilding is a complex business and that the partnership with Carnival allowed the yard to grow.

“Carnival was a challenge that allowed Fincantieri to reach where it is today. There were certainly a number of difficult moments,” he explained.

“Critical moments arise during the construction period,” Gomiero added, noting that the original Carnival Destiny was the largest cruise ship in the world when it debuted in 1996.

“It was the first passenger ship in the world to exceed 100,000 tons of gross tonnage. Now, in 2026, we are starting the construction of a vessel with a gross tonnage of 230,000 tons,” he continued.

“Each time there’s an evolution, not only for the shipowner, Carnival, but these projects also create the conditions to do better and raise the bar, allowing us to set new goals together.”

Having started his relationship with Carnival as Project Manager for the Carnival Breeze construction, SVP Shipyard Director Marco Lunardi said that collaboration between the cruise line and Fincantieri has allowed the yard to push boundaries.

“Carnival has been a driving force. I still remember the phrase ‘make it happen,’ which we were told time and time again when we faced challenges from the client,” he said.

“Yet this served as the incentive to push beyond those limits, and through ingenuity, flexibility and even imagination, we found solutions that allowed us to make the product we created a model of excellence,” Lunardi added.

Luigi Matarazzo, general manager of the shipyard’s merchant ships division, said that the relationship between the two companies is based on mutual trust.

He highlighted that Fincantieri built 65 ships for Carnival in the past 30 years, with a further eight currently in the pipeline.

“We’ll reach 73 but my hope is to reach 100 ships, which will further strengthen the strong bond we have,” Matarazzo added.

TUI Cruises Starts Homeporting Season in Portugal

TUI Cruises Starts Homeporting Season in Portugal

The Mein Schiff 6 recently kicked off a series of cruises to Western Europe and Morocco departing from Leixões in Portugal.

Located near Porto, the homeport serves as the starting point for two seven-night itineraries that sail to other destinations in Portugal, in addition to ports in Spain, Morocco, the United Kingdom and France.

Heading north, one of the itineraries features visits to Vigo, La Coruña, Bilbao and Le Verdon before returning to Leixões.

The second weeklong cruise heads south and includes stops in Lisbon and Cádiz, as well as Tangier and Gibraltar.

Guests are also able to book a 14-night voyage that combines both itineraries into a single cruise that does not repeat ports of call.

The Mein Schiff 6 will continue to offer similar cruises departing from Portugal through early September, when it is scheduled to embark on a repositioning voyage to the Western Mediterranean.

Sailing from Leixões to Palma de Mallorca, the eight-night cruise sails to a mix of destinations in Spain, Portugal and Morocco.

Highlights of the open-jaw itinerary include visits to Lisbon, Cádiz and Tangier, in addition to Málaga and Barcelona.

After a short fall season in the Mediterranean, the 97,000-ton ship embarks on a 53-night repositioning voyage to Southeast Asia.

The three-part cruise starts with a seven-night cruise to the Canary Islands that sails from Palma de Mallorca.

The 2,500-passenger ship will then operate a 20-night voyage to Cape Town, visiting Morocco, Cape Verde, Namibia and South Africa.

Before arriving in Singapore in early December, the Mein Schiff 6 also offers a 25-night voyage to the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia.

Departing from Cape Town, the cruise will sail to South Africa, Mauritius, Réunion, the Maldives, Sri Lanka and Malaysia.

As part of its 2026-27 winter season in Southeast Asia, the 2,534-passenger ship is set to offer a series of 13- to 15-night cruises to Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and more.

Built at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, the Mein Schiff 6 was delivered to TUI Cruises in May 2017.

AIDAprima Guests Test Self Check-In Terminals in Hamburg

AIDAprima Guests Test Self Check-In Terminals in Hamburg

AIDA Cruises tested digital guest check-in with all guests for the first time in a pilot project at the Steinwerder Cruise Center in Hamburg.

According to a company statement, guests were able to embark independently for a cruise aboard the AIDAprima at one of the 20 digital check-in terminals on July 23, 2026.

During check-in, a photo was taken of each guest, which is stored in the ship system for the duration of the trip. The image was then compared with the photo on guests’ ID documents based on biometric data.

Digital check-in was found to speed up the embarkation process at the terminal, offering more flexibility in combination with the personal service available at a classic counter.

The new service was developed in collaboration with Lufthansa Industry Solutions over a period of two years, adapting self-service check-in terminals from aviation for use in cruises.

This included, among other things, the integration of printers for boarding passes and the connection to the ship’s systems.

The boarding pass is RFID-encoded, serving as a means of payment onboard and as a key to the cabin, among other things.

AIDA noted that it intends to use the findings from the pilot project to explore further use of this technology.

Explora and Fincantieri Celebrate Explora III’s Delivery

Explora and Fincantieri Celebrate Explora III’s Delivery

The delivery ceremony of the Explora III, the third vessel built by Fincantieri for Explora Journeys, took place today in Genoa at the Fincantieri shipyard in Sestri Ponente.

Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division, said: “The delivery of the Explora III marks another important milestone in realizing our vision for Explora Journeys.”

“In just three years, we have defined a new and distinctive perspective in ocean travel. With each new ship, we expand our ability to offer guests new perspectives on the world through increasingly immersive experiences in the destinations we visit,” added Vago.

“The Explora III reflects our commitment to innovation, craftsmanship excellence and responsible growth, while contributing to the broader economic benefits that cruise tourism brings to coastal destinations and communities.”

Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and general manager of Fincantieri, said: “The Explora III testifies to Fincantieri’s ability to lead the transformation of the shipbuilding industry through innovation, sustainability and the evolution towards new technologies and alternative fuels.”

“The entry into the fleet of the first ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) marks a significant milestone in this journey, an expression of the development of increasingly sustainable and technologically advanced solutions,” added Folgiero.

Fincantieri said in a press release that the newbuild was celebrated with numerous authorities and institutions in attendance, including:

• President of the Liguria Region, Marco Bucci
• Mayor of Genoa, Silvia Salis
• Admiral Inspector Antonio Ranieri, and
• President of the Port System Authority of the Western Ligurian Sea, Matteo Paroli.

 

The Explora III is the third out of six ships; the remaining three are all under construction and will take to the sea within two years: the Explora IV and Explora V in 2027, and Explora VI in 2028.

Guests were welcomed by:

• Biagio Mazzotta, president of Fincantieri
• Pierroberto Folgiero, chief executive officer and general manager of Fincantieri;
• Luigi Matarazzo, general manager of Fincantieri’s Merchant Ships Division
• Massimo Canesin, director of the Fincantieri Shipyard in Sestri
• Diego Aponte, chairman of the MSC Group
• Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of the Cruise Division of the MSC Group
• Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys
• Maya Aponte, godmother of the ship, and
• other managers of Fincantieri and MSC.

 

The Explora III will use liquefied natural gas (LNG), reducing emissions of sulfur oxides by 99 percent, nitrogen oxides by 85 percent, particulate matter by 98 percent and greenhouse gases by up to 20 percent.

It is designed to run on renewable and latest-generation fuels such as bio-LNG, synthetic LNG and biofuels. The Explora V and Explora VI will also adopt fuel cells.

Designed and built under RINA class surveillance, the Explora III has been acknowledged for its environmentally sustainable and passenger-comfort design, and was certified to sail in the polar regions.

Disney Signs 15-Year Agreement for Preferred Access at Icy Strait Point

Disney Signs 15-Year Agreement for Preferred Access at Icy Strait Point

Disney Cruise Line and Huna Totem Corporation have signed a 15-year agreement securing preferred weekly access at Icy Strait Point, ensuring Disney Cruise Line guests will continue visiting the Indigenous-owned Alaska destination through at least 2041, the company said in a press release.

“Icy Strait Point has been a valued part of our Alaska itineraries for nearly a decade, offering Disney Cruise Line guests an opportunity to experience the natural beauty, wildlife and rich cultural heritage of Hoonah and the broader Southeast Alaska region,” said Jose Fernandez, vice president of port strategy, development and operations at Disney Cruise Line.

The agreement provides Disney Cruise Line preferential docking at Icy Strait Point for one vessel each week and includes a minimum annual passenger guarantee.

Disney Cruise Line expanded its Alaska presence in 2026 to two ships, with select seven-night itineraries aboard the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder featuring calls at the destination.

Situated on the shores of Hoonah, Icy Strait Point is owned and operated by Huna Totem Corporation, an Alaska Native corporation representing more than 1,850 shareholders with Indigenous ties to Glacier Bay.

The destination is the largest employer in Hoonah and has welcomed over four million cruise travelers since opening in 2004.

“Disney Cruise Line has been an important part of the Icy Strait Point story for nearly a decade, and we’re grateful to build on that relationship through this agreement,” said Howard Sherman, Huna Totem Tourism Group president.

“Each Disney Cruise Line visit helps support local jobs, businesses and economic opportunity in Hoonah.”

 

TUI Welcomes Mein Schiff 4’s New Captain Adam Swietlik

TUI Welcomes Mein Schiff 4’s New Captain Adam Swietlik

TUI Cruises promoted Captain Adam Swietlik as the Captain of the Mein Schiff 4.

In a LinkedIn post, the company said: “Swietlik has been part of the TUI Cruises family since 2014 and has taken on various responsible positions within our fleet during this time,  most recently as Staff Captain for several years.”

The company said that Swietlik succeeds Captain Panos Varotsos, and that with more than 20 years of experience at sea and his team-oriented leadership style, he brings the best prerequisites for his new role.

“We wish Swietlik and his crew onboard Mein Schiff 4 all the best, much success and always a hand’s breadth of water under the keel,” TUI Cruises stated.

According to Schiffe Und Kreuzfahrten, Swietlik joined Celebrity Cruises in spring 2010 and, in 2014, moved to TUI Cruises. He worked at the company for five years and was then promoted to Staff Captain in 2019. Świetlik officially assumed command of the vessel on July 19, 2026.

According to the article, Swietlik will first sail the Mein Schiff 4 in the Adriatic Sea.

The ship is currently operating seven-night roundtrip cruises from Trieste, Italy, with visits to ports across Italy, Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, and Slovenia. The seasonal program will continue until October.

Swietlik will be the third new TUI Cruises captain brought on in 2026. At the beginning of the year, Kira Schikorr steered the Mein Schiff 6 in Asia for the first time, and Alexander Orendt first captained the Mein Schiff 3 from Bremerhaven.

The company said that the promotions are due, among other things, to the growth of the Mein Schiff fleet.

Viking Reveals Names of Its Next Two Ocean Ships

Viking Reveals Names of Its Next Two Ocean Ships

Viking recently revealed that its next two ocean newbuilds will be called the Viking Leda and the Viking Vega.

Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard, the 998-passenger ships will join the company’s fleet, respectively, in late 2028 and mid-2029.

As previously announced, Viking is also set to take delivery of three ships between 2026 and 2028, including the Viking Libra, the Viking Astrea and the Viking Lyra.

The Viking Leda is scheduled to enter service in December 2028, kicking off a winter schedule in the Mediterranean.

According to published deployment, the vessel will offer a series of eight- to 16-day itineraries departing from Greece, Italy and Spain.

The cruises sail to destinations in the Aegean, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, including the Greek Islands, the French Riviera and Morocco.

The Viking Vega is set to debut in June 2029, welcoming its first guests in the Mediterranean.

After offering itineraries in Southern Europe, the vessel is scheduled to reposition to the British Isles in mid-July 2029.

Highlights of the ship’s inaugural season include cruises departing from ports in Italy, Spain, Norway and the United Kingdom, such as Civitavecchia, Barcelona and Bergen.

The Leda and the Vega will be the 17th and 18th ocean ships built for Viking at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy.

The 47,000-ton vessels will feature a design similar to the Viking Star, which was the first newbuild introduced by the company in 2015.

In addition to the two ships, Viking’s current orderbook includes nine other vessels, with deliveries scheduled between 2026 and 2031.

Before welcoming the Leda and the Vega, the company is taking delivery of the industry’s first hydrogen-powered ships.

Set to be delivered in 2027 and 2028, respectively, the Viking Astrea and the Viking Lyra will be able to operate with zero emissions using a new technology that relies on containerized fuel.

Viking’s lineup also includes two additional expedition ships, which will join the Viking Octantis and the Viking Polaris in 2030 and 2031.

Duffy: 65 Original Destiny Crew Members Still with Carnival

Duffy: 65 Original Destiny Crew Members Still with Carnival

Thirty years after the ship’s debut, 65 crew members from the delivery team of the original Carnival Destiny, which entered service in 1996, are still working with Carnival Cruise Line.

“I think that says a lot about the Carnival family, the culture and our leaders,” the company’s President Christine Duffy said.

Speaking at the steel-cutting ceremony of the new Carnival Destiny, Duffy said that many crew members who started their careers on the 101,000-ton ship now hold leadership positions.

“Many started in entry-level positions and have grown their careers across the fleet and in our headquarters offices,” she continued.

Three Deck Officers who were part of the Destiny’s first bridge team are now Captains in Carnival’s fleet, while two Technical Officers are now Chief Engineers.

Duffy noted that John Heald, who currently serves as Carnival’s Brand Ambassador, was also onboard as the ship’s Cruise Director.

Introducing a new design to the company’s fleet, the new Carnival Destiny is scheduled to enter service in 2029.

As the first vessel in the new Ace-class series, the 230,000-ton ship will be built at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone shipyard in Northern Italy.

With capacity for over 8,000 passengers at maximum occupancy, the new Destiny will become the largest ship in Carnival’s fleet.

While additional details of the vessel will be revealed at a later date, the company said that the ship will feature the most outward-facing areas in the company’s fleet.

The new Destiny will also feature a dining, beverage and entertainment lineup that is more than 70 percent new.

Two additional Ace-class ships are set to be built by Fincantieri, with deliveries scheduled for 2030 and 2031.

Carnival is also building two additional Excel-class ships, the Carnival Festivale and the Carnival Tropicale, at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany. The 183,900-ton sister ships are scheduled to enter service in 2027 and 2028, respectively.

Wartsila and Carnival Extend Collaboration with Lifecycle Agreement

Wartsila and Carnival Extend Collaboration with Lifecycle Agreement

Wartsila and Carnival Corporation have entered into an eight-year Lifecycle Agreement covering four cruise ships in the Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line fleets, including two newbuild vessels currently under construction.

The agreement marks the first service contract between the companies covering Carnival LNG-fueled cruise ships.

“The agreement reinforces Carnival Corporation’s ongoing commitment to operational excellence, sustainability and delivering a world-class guest experience,” said Vera Lannek, VP of strategic sourcing and asset management at Carnival.

“By working with Wartsila through a long-term lifecycle agreement, we can further strengthen the performance of the covered vessels while supporting the high standards our guests and operations depend on,” added Lannek.

“This agreement is the latest milestone in the long-standing relationship between Carnival Corporation and Wartsila,” said Andrea Morgante, VP of performance services at Wartsila Marine.

“It reflects our shared focus on ensuring high-performing cruise operations through proactive lifecycle support, data-driven insight and close technical collaboration throughout the vessel lifecycle.”

Wartsila said in a press release that under the agreement, it will provide a lifecycle maintenance solution for the vessels’ Wartsila dual-fuel engines and related equipment.

Wartsila booked the order in Q2 2026, and the Lifecycle Agreement provides long-term lifecycle support focused on optimizing asset performance throughout the vessel lifecycle.

The scope of the agreement includes:

• Planned and unplanned maintenance support
• Spare parts supply and logistics
• Major engine overhauls
• Remote monitoring and condition-based maintenance
• Technical audits and performance reviews
• Advisory services
• Crew training, and
• Performance management through agreed KPIs and a performance-based framework.

 

According to the press release, the agreement also provides Carnival with a lifecycle partnership focused on maintaining fleet reliability, increasing asset availability and optimizing total cost of ownership across the covered vessels.

Its performance-based structure also aligns the companies around measurable operational outcomes, including lower unscheduled maintenance costs and fewer unplanned stops.

Barcelona Approves 24 Euro Tax for Cruise Passengers

Barcelona Approves 24 Euro Tax for Cruise Passengers

The City of Barcelona will raise its fees for cruise passengers to 24 euros per person in municipal taxes, according to a report by Metropoli Aberta.

The local news source said that the decision was approved by Barcelona’s City Council following a meeting of the Committee on Economy and Finance.

Guests staying in the city for less than 12 hours will be required to pay the increased fee, which was proposed by Mayor Jaume Collboni earlier this year.

The initiative will triple the current tax, an increase that was originally set to be applied gradually through 2029.

While the immediate increase was green lit by local authorities, it is expected to be enacted into law following the upcoming fiscal ordinances meeting, scheduled for the end of the year.

A supporter of the measure was quoted as saying that cruise tourism is currently unsustainable for Barcelona, impacting the day-to-day life of the city’s neighborhoods.

Representing the BComú political party, Marc Serra said that the change serves as a tool to send a message to cruise lines, pushing them to “seek other destinations.”

The increase is also expected to incentivize homeporting operations, reducing the number of port of call guests arriving in the city onboard cruise ships.

In addition to paying the 24- Euro municipal fee, passengers will also pay an additional 6 euros in regional taxes.

Barcelona has also been reportedly discussing limiting the number of cruise guests arriving in the city, considering an annual cap of 3.5 million passengers.

As previously reported by Cruise Industry News, the city approved a plan to reduce the number of cruise terminals in its port.

In an effort that also aims to modernize the city’s infrastructure, three cruise terminals are expected to be demolished to make room for a newer and larger facility.

Cunard Reveals Plans for Queen Victoria Transformation

Cunard Reveals Plans for Queen Victoria Transformation

Cunard has unveiled its plans for an extensive transformation of the Queen Victoria, with the ship set to emerge from drydock this autumn with refreshed signature spaces.

Other modifications include Cunard Grills suites and the introduction of The Pavilion Wellness Café.

Katie McAlister, president of Cunard, said: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to refine the experiences and spaces the Queen Victoria offers, with every decision approached with deep respect for the heritage and charm that make her who she is.”

“From the Grand Lobby to the Queen’s Room, every detail has been thoughtfully considered to ensure the Queen Victoria continues to deliver the timeless luxury she is known and loved for. We can’t wait to welcome guests back onboard to experience these beautiful enhancements for themselves,” added McAlister.

Cunard stated in a press release that the ship will enter drydock at Damen Shiprepair in Rotterdam from October 17 to November 5, 2026.

The ship’s signature spaces will each be revitalized, with a refreshed Grand Lobby to enhance the sense of arrival.

The iconic Queens Room will also be reimagined, ensuring it sets the scene for Cunard’s signature Afternoon Tea, live music and Gala Evenings.

Queens Grill and Princess Grill Suites will be enhanced with sumptuous furnishings, sophisticated detailing and design.

Eight additional Britannia staterooms will also be introduced, including three from a new premium category, Britannia Deluxe Oceanview, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic ocean views.

The new staterooms will go on sale from July 20 for voyages sailing from November 11, 2026.

In addition, the Queen Victoria will become the third Queen in the Cunard fleet to introduce The Pavilion Wellness Café, following its launch on the Queen Anne in 2024 and introduction on Queen Elizabeth in 2025.

The wellness-focused venue will serve breakfast, lunch and daytime dining with a menu offering plant-based cuisine alongside sustainably sourced meat, fish and dairy.

Carnival to Reveal More Details on Destiny in November

Carnival to Reveal More Details on Destiny in November

After revealing the name and initial details of the new Carnival Destiny, Carnival Cruise Line will announce more about the new ship later this year.

According to the company’s President Christine Duffy, a further announcement is scheduled for this November.

As previously reported by Cruise Industry News, the first Ace-class vessel will carry the name previously used by the 1996-built Destiny.

“It’s back (to the future) but it’s looking forward because we are very excited to cut the steel on our beautiful Carnival Destiny,” Duffy said in an interview with Carnival’s Brand Ambassador John Heald.

“The next big update will probably come in November and then we’ll be talking more about it and putting out a link for people to learn more as we go forward,” she continued.

Carnival announced the name and first details of the new ship during an event at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, on July 10, 2026.

In addition to introducing the first details of the first Ace-class ship, the gathering celebrated the partnership between the company and the shipbuilder.

According to John Heald, the event also marked the 30th anniversary of the delivery of the original Carnival Destiny.

Captain Giovanni Gallo, who brought the ship out of the shipyard for its inaugural season, was also present in Monfalcone.

“Thirty years ago, I was a young cruise director onboard… and a lot of the crew members and I will have memories of a pretty rough crossing across the Atlantic but mostly of the pride and the extraordinary pomp and circumstance that came with delivering the ship,” Heald said.

Then the world’s largest cruise ship, the 101,000-ton vessel, was the first built for Carnival by the Italian shipyard.

Fincantieri later built over 15 vessels for the U.S.-based brand, including the Carnival Panorama, which was the latest Carnival newbuild delivered by Fincantieri in 2019.

Carnival and the shipyard are now working together again for the three Ace-class vessels that are set to be delivered between 2029 and 2031.

Glass Dome Installed on Royal Caribbean’s Hero of the Seas

Glass Dome Installed on Royal Caribbean’s Hero of the Seas

Meyer Turku recently installed the signature Aquahome on Royal Caribbean’s next Icon-class ship, the Hero of the Seas.

Scheduled for delivery in mid-2027, the 250,800-ton vessel is currently being built at one of the shipyards' drydocks in Turku, Finland.

According to an update shared by Meyer Turku, the 25-meter-high piece was lifted into place on June 28, 2026.

The shipyard added that the 50-meter-wide dome is the largest single-piece glass and steel structure ever lifted onto a ship.

Part of Hero’s Aquadome complex, the space will house an aquatic theater, as well as a series of restaurants, bars and lounges.

“This was already the fourth Aquadome lift. The entire operation went exceptionally well in terms of both timing and schedule,” said Elvis Kulovac, foreman of Meyer Turku’s factory logistics division.

“The prep work had been carried out carefully, and the conditions were perfect. There was virtually no wind, which is crucial for a lift of this scale. The entire process took about 24 hours, while the actual lift was completed in just a few hours,” he added.

Following the Icon of the Seas, the Star of the Seas and the Legend of the Seas, the Hero of the Seas will debut as the fourth ship in Royal Caribbean’s Icon class.

With its maiden voyage scheduled for August 2027, the 5,610-passenger ship will offer cruises departing from PortMiami.

As part of its maiden season, the vessel will operate a series of seven-night voyages to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

The itineraries include visits to a range of destinations, such as Cozumel in Mexico, Philipsburg in St. Maarten and Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.

As part of recently announced deals, Meyer Turku will build three additional Icon-class ships for Royal Caribbean through 2030.

The company is also taking delivery of three vessels from Chantiers de l’Atlantique during that timeframe, including an additional Oasis-class ship and two new Discovery-class vessels.

Turkey, Egypt Block LGBTQ Cruise Entry Over ‘Moral Values’

Jul 12, 2026 (Bloomberg) –Turkey and Egypt have blocked a cruise ship carrying more than 1,900 LGBTQ tourists from entering their ports, with the former citing a supposed threat to Turkish society.

Egyptian port authorities ordered the Scarlet Lady to turn back as it was approaching the Mediterranean city of Alexandria on Thursday, tour organizer Atlantis Events Inc’s Chief Executive Officer Rich Campbell told Bloomberg by phone.

Atlantis had added Alexandria to its itinerary after Turkey canceled scheduled stops in Istanbul and the Aegean beach town of Kusadasi.

“From a general travel perspective, I find this to be highly disturbing,” said Campbell. “The idea that a country can pick and choose who their travelers are based on any criteria – based on sexual orientation, religious beliefs or color of their skin or anything else.”

Campbell said Atlantis has organized multiple past tours to Turkey and Egypt without issue and had been given clearance to dock in Turkey in advance. Both countries are heavily dependent on tourism revenue.

The provincial government encompassing Kusadasi said in a statement that the visitors would be “at odds with the fabric of our society and moral values” and that the ship’s planned arrival “had caused significant distress.”

Campbell said Egyptian authorities did not offer the ship any reasoning. The Turkish and Egyptian tourism ministries didn’t respond to requests for comment.

Atlantis’s 11-day tour, organized with Virgin Voyages, is marketed to gay men. It touts onboard drag shows and opportunities to visit gay clubs in cities like Istanbul and Athens.

The ship set off from the Greek capital on July 5, and after turning back from Egypt moored on the island of Crete, according to tracking data compiled by Bloomberg. It will add an unplanned stop in Montenegro before returning to the original itinerary in Croatia and Venice, Campbell said.

Turkish officials have put increasing pressure on LGBTQ communities in recent years, banning pride events and shutting down advocacy groups.

In Egypt, authorities “use vague, abusive penal code provisions” to imprison LGBTQ people, Human Rights Watch said in its latest annual report.

Campbell warned that the incident could have repercussions for Turkey’s tourism industry. “Large groups will avoid it — we will avoid it,” he said. “It’s a fantastic destination and it should be friendly to all.”

© 2026 Bloomberg L.P.