News in Brief:GBTA Convention 20

 

Cruise industry mourns Bermello Ajamil ports planner Mark Ittel He was known for spotting destinations' potential and an authoritative voice, gifted communicator and a friend to many. Read full story

Alfredo Suarez appointed SVP Celebrity River Cruises He's spent a decade leading strategy at Royal Caribbean Group. Read full story Former Airbnb executive Tara Bunch joins Royal Caribbean board She becomes the company's 13th director. Read full story Victory Cruise Lines bags James Beard Chef Michelle Bernstein Beyond developing recipes, she becomes a culinary curator and chef partner in a long-term relationship. Read full story

Seatrade Cruise Talks > In Conversation with MedCruise President Theodora Riga > Cruise Pioneers Episode 11 | Ocean Conservation at Sea > Cruise Pioneers Episode 10 | Cutting Food Waste with Smart Tech Seatrade Cruise Review > Read the June 2026 issue Inside Expedition Cruising: The Expanding Definition of Exploration > Download Your Copy Latest Orderbook > Download Orderbook – July 2026

Trevor Young is Seatrade Cruise's ship design and build ambassador He brings nearly three decades of international experience in newbuilding and refurbishment projects across the global cruise industry to the role. Read full story Celebration Key welcomes 2.4m cruisers in first year July 19 was marked by a birthday-inspired Junkanoo performance, scavenger hunts and a giant birthday cake. Read full story Cunard announces Queen Victoria refurbishment for autumn Cunard has announced plans for an extensive transformation of Queen Victoria, with the ship scheduled to undergo refurbishment in Rotterdam this autumn. Read full story APT Luxury Travel’s Ostara christened in Vienna Like sister vessel Solara, this next-generation river vessel is designed for the next generation of APT travellers. Read full story Upcoming Seatrade Cruise Events Seatrade Cruise Med 16 - 17 September 2026. Las Palmas Cruise Port. Las Palmas. Spain. Seatrade Cruise Med is set to take place at the stunning new location of Las Palmas Cruise Port in Las Palmas, Spain. Join cruise professionals from the Mediterranean and adjoining seas as they come together to share ideas, forge new partnerships, and plan for the future of the cruise industry. Find out more › Seatrade Cruise Asia 16 - 20 November 2026. Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia. Seatrade Cruise Asia brings local and international executives and businesses together for networking, learning and discussion on opportunities for future growth potential. Find out more › Seatrade Cruise Global 5 – 8 April 2027. Miami Beach Convention Center. Miami Beach. FL. USA The international cruise industry event of the year is back! Hear the latest updates from across the industry and take part in discussions that will shape the future of cruising. Find out more › F&B@Sea 7 – 8 April 2027. Mana Wynwood Convention Center. Miami. FL. USA. The one-of-a-kind immersive F&B experience for the cruise industry. Meet visionary leaders, renowned chefs, and top mixologists who will unveil the latest trends and sustainable innovations transforming the industry. Find out more ›

Wärtsilä signs eight-year service deal with Carnival Corp. Wärtsilä and Carnival Corp. entered into a lifecycle agreement covering four cruise vessels within the Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line fleets. Read full story Norwegian Gem and Jade enhanced with new areas Mandara Spa upgrades included a redesigned thermal suite, both ships now offer Vibe Beach Club and Jade gained a new Starbucks. Read full story Antara resumes India-Bangladesh cruises with pool upgrade Antara Cruises has relaunched Ganga Vilas with a swimming pool installed and resumed India-Bangladesh cross-border river cruises after completing vessel enhancements. Read full story Maria Gotor becomes Disney Cruise Line's newest captain Now the master of Disney Wish, she joined the cruise industry in 2009 after working on a Gibraltar ferry. Read full story

Lindblad to report Q2 financial results Aug. 3 A call with analysts will be webcast. Read full story NASA astronauts to enliven Virgin's solar eclipse voyages Astrophysicists, commercial spaceflight founders and science communicators will also be aboard two cruises, and special 'eclipse countdown' and 'afterglow' experiences are planned ashore. Read full story

Babs Baron new Globus BDM for NSW and Australian Capital Territory She joins from APT Travel Group. Read full story My First Cruise Connections: Costa Cruises’ Davide Truscello Davide Truscello, pricing, itinerary & revenue planning director, Costa Cruises, shares his cruise industry firsts. Read full story

More Topics Covered by Seatrade Cruise News Food and Beverage Covering trends, menu designs, suppliers, produce, and experiential dining and drinking. Find out more › Hotel Operations, Entertainment and Retail The latest news from across hotel operations, concessions, onboard retail and entertainment. Find out more › People and Opinions The latest news on the people making the headlines and expert opinion on market trends and developments. Find out more ›