News in Brief:Seatrade Cruise News Latest Headlines

Assessing the Royal Caribbean-Sandals joint venture What investors, competitors, M&A and cruise industry experts and travel sellers think about the deal that's got everyone talking. Read full story

Why MSC may be looking to acquire Germany's stake in Meyer Werft Rumours have been circulating in media suggesting that MSC intends to acquire a majority stake in Meyer Werft. An assessment of the opportunities and challenges of such a potential deal. Read full story Explora Journeys plans to enter river cruising with LOI for newbuilds Explora Journeys signed with Dutch shipbuilder Den Breejen for a fleet of  luxury river ships, marking the brand’s planned entry into river cruising. Read full story Global Cruises launches Sapphire luxury experience brand Sapphire offers three tiers of curated shore excursions designed around uniqueness, authenticity and access for cruise lines. Read full story

Seatrade Cruise Talks > In Conversation with MedCruise President Theodora Riga > In Conversation with MedCruise | Laura Cimaglia, Port of Taranto > Cruise Pioneers Episode 10 | Ocean Conservation at Sea Seatrade Cruise Review > Read the September 2026 issue Inside Expedition Cruising: The Expanding Definition of Exploration > Download Your Copy Latest Orderbook > Download Orderbook – September 2026

Visit Eidfjord: Attracting the right cruise tourists at the right time Visit Eidfjord is set for a record 112 cruise ship calls in 2028 and is focussed on extending the season and spreading visitors throughout the year. Read full story Virgin Voyages promotes SJ Walker to UK market director The announcement follows a record-breaking summer performance for Virgin Voyages with a 30% revenue increase. Read full story TUI’s cruise business sees 2% growth in daily rates for Q4 & H1 FY27 Higher average daily rates are across both its German and UK businesses, which are up 2% in both Q4 and H1 FY27. Read full story Ambassador Cruise Line buys Oceania Sirena to enter the German market A new brand, Ambassador Kreuzfahrten, will be launched with Ambella, currently Oceania Sirena. In winter, the ship will host Semester at Sea programmes. Read full story Upcoming Seatrade Cruise Events Seatrade Cruise Asia 16 - 19 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 ›

Chair of Australian Cruise Association re-elected, new deputy chair Brendan Connell from Port of Brisbane was re-elected chair of the Australian Cruise Association, with Andrew McKinnon replacing Kristy Little as deputy chair. Read full story MedCruise adds 11 new members at Las Palmas General Assembly MedCruise expanded its network with 11 new members during its 69th General Assembly in Las Palmas – also the host city for Seatrade Cruise Med 2026. Read full story Swan Hellenic’s Cruising4Oceans joins UN GlobalCoast Network Swan Hellenic’s Cruising4Oceans initiative is recognised as a pilot site within the GlobalCoast Network, a UN effort supporting sustainability. 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 ›