MSC Said in Talks to Buy German State-Held Meyer Werft Stake

 MSC Mediterranean Shipping Co. is in talks to acquire the roughly 80% stake in German cruise-ship builder Meyer Werft GmbH held by the federal government and the state of Lower Saxony, according to people familiar with the matter.

The discussions are ongoing, and other suitors could still emerge, said the people, asking not to be identified because the deliberations are private. No final decision has been made, and the talks could still fall apart, they said. A potential sale would comprise the company’s shipyards in Papenburg near the Dutch border and the port of Rostock on the Baltic Sea, the people said.

Government officials don’t wish to sell at a loss to their combined investment of €400 million ($459 million), two of the people said. Spokespeople for Lower Saxony and the German government declined to comment. MSC didn’t respond to a request for comment while Meyer Werft declined to comment.

A sale would return control of the more than 230-year-old shipyard to private hands after the two governments stepped in to rescue it, injecting €400 million and granting credit of €2.6 billion in 2024. The shipbuilder ran into financial trouble during the Covid-19 pandemic, when banks started questioning its creditworthiness.

But the tides have turned for the volatile industry, with cruise-ship construction capacity in high demand and control lying in a handful of European yards. 

MSC Cruises is Meyer Werft’s largest customer. It signed a preliminary agreement last year for four next-generation cruise ships and options for another two, a package potentially worth as much as €10 billion. The vessels are due to be delivered annually from 2030 and are expected to keep Meyer Werft’s Papenburg yard occupied through 2035.

It also counts Carnival Corp. and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. as long-standing customers.

Meyer Werft is a major employer in Lower Saxony, making its future ownership particularly important for the regional economy. Meyer Werft employs some 5,000 people directly, while more than 20,000 additional jobs in the region are linked to the company and its supplier network, according to the shipbuilder.

Carnival Freedom Gets New Funnel in Drydock

Carnival Freedom Gets New Funnel in Drydock

The Carnival Freedom is getting a new funnel during its routine drydock in France, according to an update published by Carnival Cruise Line.

In a social media post, the company shared a behind-the-scenes look at the new structure being added to the ship at the Chantier Naval de Marseille shipyard.

The pictures show a shorter funnel replacing the ship’s original, which was damaged by a lightning strike in March 2024.

With Carnival’s traditional whale-tail top removed after the incident, the ship had been sailing with a straight funnel.

As previously reported by Cruise Industry News, the lightning strike marked the second time that the vessel’s funnel suffered significant damage.

Previously in May 2022 the structure was partially destroyed by a fire incident during a visit to Grand Turk.

The funnel had later been rebuilt to its signature form and size during a drydock at the Navantia shipyard in October 2023.

After completing a trans-Atlantic crossing from Port Canaveral, the Carnival Freedom arrived at the Chantier Naval de Marseille in early September.

The 2007-built vessel will spend over 30 days at the shipyard before resuming service on October 9, 2026 as the ship is scheduled to kick off an eight-night cruise to the Western Mediterranean that sails roundtrip from Barcelona.

Visiting destinations in Italy, Malta and France, the sailing will be followed by a repositioning voyage back to Port Canaveral.

The 13-night cruise will sail to Spain, the United Kingdom and the Bahamas before arriving in Central Florida in early November.

The Carnival Freedom is then scheduled to resume its regular schedule of four- and five-night cruises to the Bahamas.

In addition to Nassau, the itineraries sail to the company’s private island destinations in the island country, including Celebration Key and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.

In 2027, the 2,974-passenger ship will be redeployed to Virginia for year-round cruising out of the Port of Norfolk.

Daniela Gargiulo Becomes First Female Staff Captain in Carnival’s History

Daniela Gargiulo Becomes First Female Staff Captain in Carnival’s History

Carnival Cruise Line marked a milestone in Sydney on August 5 with the appointment of Daniela Gargiulo as the global fleet’s first female Staff Captain.

A special ceremony was held onboard the Carnival Adventure as Captain Francesco Bencivenga officially welcomed Gargiulo to be his second-in-command, while the ship was returning to Sydney from the South Pacific.

Captain Bencivenga said he was delighted to work alongside Gargiulo.

“As Staff Captain, Daniela is my second in charge, overseeing marine operations, safety and crew leadership among many other roles. I am incredibly proud to witness this vital step forward for gender diversification in the maritime industry, opening doors for future generations of female leaders,” he said.

After enrolling in a nautical school in Italy when she was 14, Gargiulo started at Carnival Cruise Line as a Deck Cadet in 2013.

Having steadily progressed through the ranks, she joined the Carnival Adventure last year.

“This promotion is an incredible honor and I’m extremely proud to be the first woman in Carnival Cruise Line history to be a Staff Captain. Carnival’s career pathways allow men and women wonderful opportunities for a life at sea,” said Gargiulo.

“I love working with people from all over the world, from different cultures, and I’m especially excited to be starting this new chapter in my career onboard Carnival Adventure in Australia.”

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.

Refreshed Carnival Magic Resumes Miami Sailings

Refreshed Carnival Magic Resumes Miami Sailings

The Carnival Magic has returned from a 35-day drydock at the Grand Bahama Shipyard, Carnival Cruise Line said in a statement. 

The ship is now resuming sailing from Miami, offering cruises to destinations across the Caribbean and The Bahamas. 

As previously reported by Cruise Industry News, the ship entered drydock on April 19, 2026. 

Several spaces onboard have been updated, including the casino and arcade, paired with the addition of a new mini golf course. 

Additionally, retail areas across the gift shops and the Effy Jewelry boutique have been refreshed. 

The Cloud 9 Spa and fitness center have been renovated, as were the WaterWorks aqua park and pool decks. 

Finally, the Lido restaurant layout has been redesigned. 

This is also the second ship in Carnival’s fleet to showcase the cruise line’s new “From Sea to Shining Sea” bow crest. 

The first one to sport the new look was the Carnival Legend, which resumed service on May 20 following a 16-day drydock at the same shipyard.

Carnival Glory Offering Adults-Only Cruise in Europe

Carnival Glory Offering Adults-Only Cruise in Europe

Carnival Pride Photo credit Spacejunkie2 https://flic.kr/ps/GkiQt

The Carnival Glory is currently offering an adults-only cruise to the Canary Islands and the Western Mediterranean.

As part of Carnival Cruise Line’s SEA program, the 15-night itinerary departed from the Spanish port of Barcelona on March 25, 2026.

Before returning to the port, the European sailing is set to visit other destinations in Spain, as well as Italy and Morocco.

Highlights of the cruise include stops in Civitavecchia and Livorno, from which guests can embark on shore excursions to Rome and Tuscany, respectively.

The Carnival Glory is also scheduled to sail to Málaga and Tangier, as well as Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

According to Carnival, its adults-only SEA voyages are casino-oriented cruises that feature expanded gambling access, themed parties, bingo events and more.

To get access to the sailings, passengers 21 years old and older need to sign up at a dedicated link to receive an offer to book.

Initially set to undergo a routine drydock in Europe, the Carnival Glory crossed the Atlantic in early March 2026.

With the shipyard stay cancelled, the ship is now set to start its return to North America after the SEA voyage.

Sailing from Barcelona in early April, the 13-night cruise sails to Spain, the United Kingdom and the Bahamas before arriving in Port Canaveral.

Ports of call set to be visited include Alicante, Málaga and Gibraltar, as well as Carnival’s Celebration Key private destination in Grand Bahama.

The 110,000-ton vessel is then set to resume its regular schedule of short cruises to the Bahamas on April 24, 2026.

Sailing from Central Florida on a year-round basis, the Carnival Glory offers three- and four-night cruises to Nassau and Celebration Key.

Carnival is operating additional SEA voyages in 2026, with ships like the Carnival Paradise offering the adults-only sailings through April.

Caribbean Cruise Capacity Up Over 10% for 2026

Caribbean Cruise Capacity Up Over 10% for 2026

The Caribbean will have over 40 percent of cruise market share worldwide in 2026, according to the upcoming 2026 Cruise Industry News Annual Report.

CIN data shows that more than 200 ships will sail in the region, with capacity up over 10 percent on a year-over-year basis.

Larger brands, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC and Norwegian, will account for 75 percent of the capacity in the Caribbean this year.

Pushing up the numbers are large new ships, which are set to enter service for some of these brands over the course of 2026.

Norwegian will add a new ship to its Caribbean lineup in the second quarter, with the debut of the new Norwegian Luna.

Currently under construction in Italy, the 3,571-passenger vessel is set to offer weeklong cruises departing from PortMiami.

In November, Royal Caribbean is also introducing the next largest ship in the world, the Legend of the Seas.

As the third vessel in the company’s Icon-class series, the 5,610-guest ship will offer a seasonal deployment out of Fort Lauderdale.

The Caribbean is also welcoming new ships from a series of upscale and niche brands, such as Explora Journeys.

After an inaugural season in Northern Europe, the 922-guest ship will spend the 2026-27 season offering a series of cruises between San Juan and Miami.

Other luxury ships arriving in the region this year include the Seven Seas Prestige, the Four Seasons I, and Orient Express’ Corinthian.

2026 will also mark the first full year of service for megaships that entered service in 2025.

The lineup includes MSC’s World America, which debuted last April, Norwegian’s Aqua, which also debuted in April, and Royal Caribbean’s Star, which entered service in August.

After kicking off its maiden season in November 2025, the Disney Destiny will also offer its first year-round schedule in Port Everglades

Carnival Extends Zero Proof Package to All 2026 Sailings

Carnival Extends Zero Proof Package to All 2026 Sailings

Carnival Cruise Line is extending its Cheers! Zero Proof package to all sailings set to depart in 2026, according to Brand Ambassador John Heald.

In a social media update, he said that the option is now available for booking online via the company’s website and app.

“We did open the Cheers! Zero Proof program for 2026,” Heald said, noting that the package is a “fabulous” option for guests.

“It is worth every penny. For a seven-day cruise, it costs, with gratuities and everything included, just over $200,” he added.

Heald explained that the package includes unlimited milkshakes, sodas and non-alcoholic beverages, such as non-alcoholic beers and spirits, frozen virgin cocktails and special coffee drinks.

“From the hundreds of comments I received overnight, I can say that a lot of guests are going to take immediate advantage of that,” he added.

“I don’t drink, so I can understand why it is so popular,” he continued, noting that Cheers! Zero Proof offers non-drinking guests an opportunity to have a package similar to Carnival’s traditional Cheers! and enjoy a wide array of non-alcoholic beverages.

Heald also noted that while the package is available for cruises sailing from Australia, it does not include special coffees for sailings in the region.

While passengers can take advantage of an unlimited number of beverages per cruise, drinks must be ordered with a ten-minute interval.

“This is one of the ways that we control the program; it’s the fair way for us to control it,” Heald explained.

Described as a bundle that offers a variety of premium, alcohol-free refreshment options, Cheers! Zero Proof was introduced by Carnival in September 2025.

The package was first available for sailings departing through last December. Heald later said that Carnival was expected to extend the offering for more cruises in 2026.

New Festivale to Feature Carnival’s Biggest Waterpark

New Festivale to Feature Carnival’s Biggest Waterpark

The Carnival Festivale will feature the biggest waterpark in Carnival Cruise Line’s history, the company announced in a press release.

Set to debut in 2027, the Excel-class ship will introduce Carnival Waterworks Ultra as part of the new Sunsation Point family adventure zone.

According to Carnival, the waterpark will feature six water slides designed for different age groups and adventure levels.

The lineup includes two family raft rides, SunSoaker and Turning Tides and duelling Racing Currents slides, as well as the Mini Racers double-slide and Mini Twister.

Other features of Waterworks Ultra include splash pads and shaded play areas for all ages, the company said.

Carnival also stated that the new venue will introduce the first nighttime Waterworks operation of its fleet, which will include a live DJ and other special features.

Taking over the area occupied by BOLT! on previous Excel-class ships, the waterpark will be located at Carnival Festivale’s Deck 18.

In addition to Carnival Waterworks Ultra, Sunsation Point will also offer a hub of family-friendly activities and dining options on Deck 16, as well as a pool, a splash pad and a bar.

Deck 17 is a place to rewind with nostalgic elements, Carnival said, including the Vault Retrocade, which combines a retro theme with modern arcade games.

The deck also features the Scenic Overlook, a sports bar that offers outdoor games like pool and giant Jenga, as well as a new mini-golf course and Treehouse, which is described by Carnival as an all-new concept with netted bridges high above the deck.

As the fourth ship in Carnival’s Excel class, the Carnival Festivale is currently being built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany.

Sailing from Port Canaveral, the ship is scheduled to offer seven-night cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas starting in May 2027.

Carnival Mirical in Liverpool

Carnival Miracle Arriving in the Historic port of  Liverpool on the 25th June 2025 at around 7:50am.

Click on the Above Image to Watch YouTube

Name	Carnival Miracle
Owner	Carnival Corporation & plc
Operator	Carnival Cruise Line
Port of registry	Panama City,  Panama
Builder	Kvaerner Masa-Yards Helsinki New Shipyard Helsinki, Finland
Cost	US $375 million
Yard number	503
Launched	June 5, 2003
Sponsored by	Jessica Lynch
Christened	February 27, 2004
Completed	2004
Maiden voyage	February 27, 2004 (Bahamas)
In service	2004–present
Homeport	Long Beach, CA
Identification	Call sign: H3VS IMO number: 9237357 MMSI number: 354277000
Status	In active service
Notes	[1]
General characteristics
Class & type	Spirit-class cruise ship
Tonnage	88,500 GT
Length	963 ft (294 m)
Beam	105.7 ft (32.2 m)
Draft	25.5 ft (7.8 m)
Decks	12 decks
Installed power	Six diesel engines 62,370 kW (combined)
Propulsion	Two ABB Azipods (17.6 MW each)
Speed	22 knots (41 km/h; 25 mph)
Capacity	2,124 passengers
Crew	930

Carnival Partners With DXC Technology

Carnival Partners With DXC Technology

DXC Technology and Carnival Cruise Line today announced a multi-year agreement to power the cruise line’s technology infrastructure.

This partnership will support Carnival’s guest experience across its global fleet, as well as its portside and shoreside operations.

DXC will deliver IT services designed to enhance operational efficiency, improve employee productivity and help ensure a seamless and connected experience for guests.

“At Carnival, we’re committed to delivering memorable vacations for our guests, and technology plays a vital role in ensuring they have the best onboard experience,” said Sean Kenny, senior vice president and chief information officer at Carnival.

“The DXC team demonstrates exceptional technical expertise, responsiveness and a clear commitment to delivering on our long-term vision.”

“With them as our trusted partner, we’re investing in technology that strengthens the foundation of our operations to provide a great experience for our guests across our 29 ships globally and supporting our dedicated team members both shipboard and shoreside,” added Kenny.

“This collaboration with Carnival Cruise Line represents a significant milestone for DXC as we continue to expand our footprint in the hospitality and travel sectors,” said Chris Drumgoole, president of global infrastructure services at DXC Technology.

“Our goal is clear: deliver complete customer operational confidence by minimising technology disruptions. By managing their complex IT operations and providing modern solutions, we’re proud to help Carnival do what they do best, ensuring every guest enjoys their cruise vacation,” added Drumgoole.

Through the partnership, DXC will manage Carnival’s core IT infrastructure across all operational environments, including shipboard systems, shoreside offices and port facilities.

Using an employee-centric delivery model, DXC will ensure that the tools and services provided are tailored to support Carnival’s workforce needs and provide a consistent guest experience.

Services will include workplace support, IT service management, infrastructure operations and security risk management.

Carnival Cruise Line to Launch New Loyalty Program in 2026

Carnival Cruise Line to Launch New Loyalty Program in 2026

Carnival Legend arriving in Liverpool, photo credit Spacejunkie2 Flickr account.

Carnival Cruise Line announced today it will launch its new loyalty program, adding new features, new ways to earn status, new reward categories and a new name: Carnival Rewards.

The new program will take effect in June 2026, providing guests plenty of time to learn about the changes while they continue to earn status in the current Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) program that will be their entry point into the new program, the company said in a press release.

Carnival Rewards is introducing a dual-earning structure where guests accumulate both Carnival Rewards points that can be redeemed on Carnival purchases and status-qualifying stars that will determine a guest’s tier status.

Instead of focusing solely on the number of nights guests sail, which is the model Carnival currently follows under its VIFP program, Carnival Rewards will offer more opportunities to earn rewards and achieve higher status levels based on spend, including cruise fare and onboard activities, the company said.

The new program will be closely tied to everyday spending on the co-branded credit card with Barclays – the Carnival Rewards Mastercard – allowing cardmembers to earn points and status even faster.

“The evolution of our loyalty program to Carnival Rewards represents our commitment to creating more meaningful recognition for our valued guests. Our current VIFP program has served us well for many years, and while we’ve enjoyed truly extraordinary growth in our loyal customer base, it has become challenging to deliver the exceptional experience our Diamond and Platinum members deserve,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “

By introducing a points-based system, we’re enabling greater flexibility so guests can personalise their rewards in ways that matter most to them. This transition honours our past while building a future where loyalty is recognised through both cruising frequency and overall engagement with the Carnival experience, bringing Carnival Rewards into the top tier of travel loyalty programs that provide our guests with ways to earn status and points through their everyday spending on the Carnival Rewards Mastercard.

Guests will earn Carnival Reward points as well as status-qualifying stars on every eligible Carnival purchase, including cruise fares and onboard purchases. The dual structure gives guests more control over their rewards and status.

• Points can be redeemed for almost anything Carnival offers, including onboard activities, spa treatments, speciality dining and even toward a future cruise.
• Stars introduce a new way to unlock higher status among the four tiers: Red, Gold, Platinum and Diamond. Status is earned over two years and retained for the following two years.

 

As part of the transition to Carnival Rewards’ launch on June 1, 2026, members’ existing status will carry over and serve as a new entry point into the program for two years through May 31, 2028.

Diamond members will retain their status for six years through May 31, 2032. This ensures that all current loyalty statuses are honoured while giving members time to familiarise themselves with the enhanced rewards. Guests will continue earning VIFP status as usual until the new program launches. In addition, upon launch of the Carnival Rewards program, current cardmembers, as well as any new cardmembers between now and the launch of the updates, will have the balance of their Fun Points converted to Carnival Rewards points in their Carnival Rewards account.

Carnival Cruise Line Celebrates 35 Years at Port Canaveral

Carnival Cruise Line Celebrates 35 Years at Port Canaveral

Carnival Cruise Line marked 35 years of cruises from Central Florida with a special celebration aboard its Mardi Gras on Saturday.

Carnival began sailing from Port Canaveral in 1990, and has grown its operations over the years to homeport more ships than any other cruise line and embark more than 1.2 million guests from the port annually, the company said in a press release.

To commemorate the anniversary and longstanding partnership, Carnival hosted an onboard celebration. The event included several members of the community, such as leaders from the Canaveral Port Authority, the United States Coast Guard, and Brevard County.

David German, Port Canaveral’s vice president of cruise business development, presented Carnival with a framed Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners proclamation, documenting the special resolution the board passed this week to recognize the economic growth created by the 35-year relationship.

The cruise line also announced the charitable donation of a hybrid pickup truck that will support the work of Keep Brevard Beautiful, a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental conservation in the area.

The donation coincides with the weekend of World Ocean Day, emphasizing Carnival’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Carnival, which homeports four ships year-round and another ship seasonally at Port Canaveral, recently announced it will enhance offerings further by deploying its next new ship to the port. Sister ship to the Mardi Gras, the Carnival Festival is now under construction and will bring all new features into the Carnival fleet, including music-themed zones and the cruise line’s largest-ever water park, when it debuts in 2027.

“Port Canaveral has been a cornerstone of Carnival’s success for 35 years,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “We’re proud to celebrate this incredible milestone alongside the community that has been such an essential part of our growth. Our exciting growth continues with the opening of Celebration Key next month, our exclusive destination that will really be a game-changer for us and for our guests.”

The Carnival Vista, which is homeported in Port Canaveral, will make the first official visit to Celebration Key for the destination’s grand opening. All Carnival ships sailing from Port Canaveral offer sailings that visit Celebration Key on Grand Bahama, which will offer guests the ultimate day in paradise.

With over 300 annual departures from Port Canaveral, Carnival guests contribute an estimated $450 million in economic impact to the region before and after cruises.

“We are proud to celebrate Carnival Cruise Line’s 35th anniversary of sailing from Port Canaveral and humbled by what this milestone represents,” said Capt. John Murray, Port Canaveral CEO. “From the inaugural sailing of the TSS Carnivale in 1990 to having five year-round and seasonal vessels in their homeported fleet today, Carnival Cruise Line is our longest continuous cruise business relationship, contributing economic value over the decades for our Port community, the Central Florida region and our state.”

 

NCLH and Royal Caribbean on Steepest Growth Curve to 2033

NCLH and Royal Caribbean on Steepest Growth Curve to 2033

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has set an aggressive growth course to 2033, increasing its estimated annual passenger capacity from about 2.8 million at the start of 2025 to more than 4.2 million by 2033, a 50 percent increase or approximately 5.5 percent each year, according to the 2025 Cruise Industry News Annual Report.

Royal Caribbean Group will grow its capacity from an estimated 8.5 million to 10.8 million guests, for a 27 percent increase over the 2025-2033 time period, or 3 percent per year.

MSC Cruises, including Explora Journeys, is closely behind Royal Caribbean’s growth curve, going from a 4.2 million passenger capacity at the start of the year to 5.2 million in 2033, and a 25 percent increase, or less than 3 percent per year.

Carnival Corporation will have the most modest growth over the period, based on its current orderbook, going from an annual passenger capacity of 12.6 million at the start of 2025 to 13.9 million in 2033, for a 10 percent increase, or about 1.1 percent per year.

And while Carnival Corporation remains the largest company with a market share of 31.8 percent, based on its existing brands and fleets, the single largest brand by 2033 will be Royal Caribbean International with a market share of 18 percent and 24.6 per cent for the group as a whole.

MSC will have a market share of 11.8 percent and NCLH 9.7 percent.

The 2025 Cruise Industry News Annual Report is available in digital and printed formats. Order today by clicking here.

 

Galveston to Support Cruise Growth with Updated Master Plan

Galveston to Support Cruise Growth with Updated Master Plan

The Galveston Wharves Board of Trustees announced plans to fund an updated 20-year Strategic Master Plan and to continue to support the development of additional cruise infrastructure.

According to a press release, the plans were voted on Feb. 6, 2025, and come after a record year for cruise operations in 2024.

As the nation’s 4th-ranked cruise port, Galveston saw 3.4 million passenger movements through its three terminals last year.

The port is set to open a fourth cruise terminal in November, which will serve as a homeport for MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line.

Galveston forecasts more than 400 sailings and almost 3.6 million passenger embarkations and debarkations will take place at the port this year.

The current master plan, adopted by the Wharves Board in 2019, includes plans to double the number of cruise terminals from two to four, to build an internal roadway to accommodate more port traffic and expand its cargo complex.

These major projects are either completed or in various stages of construction, the Galveston Wharves Board said.

“Our updated master plan will look at growth opportunities in all of our business lines – cruise, cargo and commercial,” said Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO.

“The board’s unanimous vote to support cruise infrastructure growth reflects the economic benefits that our cruise business provides and allows us to continue to invest in our cargo business,” he added.

The port’s cruise industry is a major economic engine for local and regional businesses, the Galveston Wharves Board said.

In 2023, cruise operations generated 4,547 jobs for Galveston area residents, $733 million in business revenues, $291 million in personal income and $25 million in state and local taxes.

“The updated master plan will evaluate all that we’ve accomplished to date and lay a foundation for continued growth based on new cruise and cargo forecasts and port and community goals,” Rees said.

“The master plan has served us well. It’s been our roadmap for major capital projects to grow our business and maximize port assets while managing potential community impacts.”

According to the Galveston Wharves Board, much has changed in the last five years, with the cruise business growing faster than forecast and construction costs continuing to rise.

“A big focus in the master plan update will be how we can continue to efficiently manage traffic on and around Harborside Drive as our cruise, cargo and commercial businesses grow. Our current master plan includes a 2.25-mile-long internal roadway, cueing lanes at cruise terminals and on-site parking garages,” Rees added.

The port also wants the updated plan to consider locations for the USS Texas, public areas on the waterfront and safely connecting the port’s waterfront commercial areas to downtown.

Several items in the current plan will be addressed, including dock and wharf improvements, development potential for port acreage on Pelican Island, drainage improvements and a public boardwalk, to name a few.

Master plan consultants from Bermello Ajamil and Partners Inc. will evaluate these projects, update cost estimates and identify new opportunities.

Consultants will hold workshops and public meetings to gather input from Wharves Board members, port partners and the community.

“Armed with this information, we’ll be prepared to continue to maximize our port assets and remain a strong community asset,” Rees said.

 

Carnival Splendor Returns to Sydney with Upgrades After Drydock

Carnival Splendor Returns to Sydney with Upgrades After Drydock

The Carnival Splendor is set to return to Sydney on September 9, showcasing a range of new upgrades after undergoing a drydock in Singapore, according to a press release.

The ship now features enhanced dining venues, refurbished staterooms and a new red, white, and blue hull design that includes a Southern Cross motif—an element familiar to P&O Cruises Australia ships that will soon join the Carnival fleet.

Kara Glamore, Carnival Cruise Line Australia vice president, said: “From her beautiful new look outside to the upgraded amenities and new entertainment onboard, Carnival Splendor has more fun to offer our guests sailing from Sydney than ever before.”

Among the ship’s new offerings are the new and updated menus from grill restaurant Mad Sizzle, the Indian restaurant Masala Tiger and other dining venues, such as Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse.

Refurbishment extends to the staterooms, where balconies have been fully upgraded and suites now feature new whirlpool tubs.

Wellness amenities have also seen improvements, with updates to the basketball court, jogging track and gym equipment, as well as a refreshed Thalasso therapy pool at Cloud 9 Spa.

Families will find new excitement in the revamped Carnival waterpark, featuring waterslides and the Splashy Cove children’s play area. The mini-golf course has also been fully refreshed, and Camp Ocean and Club 02 now offer new video gaming areas.

The casino and retail shops have been refreshed for more entertainment. Carnival Splendor has also introduced the new Playlist Productions show, “Dear Future Husband,” which premiered in Australia earlier this year. The interactive pop musical follows a wedding adventure onboard a Carnival cruise. After the show, guests are invited to join the cast for a wedding reception-themed party.

By March 2025, the ship will be joined by Carnival Luminosa and two additional sister ships, the Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter, which will be renamed the Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter following their transition from P&O Cruises Australia.