To introduce new technologies to ships, the cruise industry needs to simplify access for guests as much as possible, said Francesco Pugliese, vice president mobile and onboard digital technology at MSC Cruises.

“We call it ‘keep it simple,’ which means simplifying access as much as possible for our guests. You need to consider all the scenarios and make sure they have a smooth experience,” Pugliese said, mentioning MSC Cruises’ MSC for Me mobile app. Read more...

The only cruise line offering luxury overnight Hudson River cruises, American Cruise Lines is expanding its 8-Day Hudson River Summer Classic cruise for 2025.

For years, American Cruise Lines’ popular Hudson River Fall Foliage cruises have operated only in September and October, often selling out over a year in advance. This year, American Cruise Lines tested several early summer sailings in May and June, along a new 8-Day Hudson River Summer Classic itinerary, which sails roundtrip from New York City and explores throughout the Hudson River Valley. Read more...

The oldest continuously operating distillery in the United States will now have its famed bourbon on Holland America Line’s cruise ships. Award-winning distillery Buffalo Trace bourbon was made available fleet wide in March while supplies last.

“We strive to share experiences with our guests that they won’t find anywhere else,” Michael Stendebach, Holland American Line’s vice president of food, beverage and rooms divisions, said in a news release. Read more...

Costa Cruises and Acamar Films, the production company of the famous animated series Bing Bunny, have partnered to bring the beloved character of children all over the world on board the Italian company’s ships, starting this summer.

“The arrival of Bing on board our ships will allow us to enrich the holiday experience we offer families with something unique and special,” Paolo Reggiani, entertainment director for Costa Cruises, said in a news release. Read more...

Ever thought you’d like to name one of North America’s largest land animals? This one, of course, is just a baby but fans are being invited to give a moniker to the cutie.

Holland America Line is inviting folks to name a rescued orphan moose calf in partnership with Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. (AWCC). From now through June 23, name suggestions can be submitted on a designated post on Holland America Line’s official Facebook and Instagram pages. Read more...

MSC Cruises is expanding its award-winning children and family program this summer with new entertainment and services, promising guests of all ages unforgettable experiences.

“At the heart of our business is family,” Steve Leatham, global head of entertainment at MSC Cruises, said in a news release. “We love creating unforgettable memories and holidays for everyone, especially for families.” Read more...

Holland America Line’s elegant afternoon tea is now even more special. The cruise line has introduced a new Royal Dutch Tea experience in the dining room on all sea days. The popular tea will continue to be free of charge.

“Whether a tea connoisseur or a novice, guests will enjoy the upgraded offering, which gives a nod to our Dutch legacy of more than 150 years of sailing,” Michael Stendebach, vice president of food, beverage and rooms division for Holland America Line, said in a news release. Read more...

In a nod to family history, Paps Explorers’ Lounge bar on the Viking Polaris is named for Torstein Hagen’s father.  Torstein is the chairman of Viking.

From his family’s little red house in Nittedal, Norway, Paps became a CPA by correspondence course. Every day, he bicycled from his home to the historic Rotnes Bruk estate where he applied his accounting skills. Read more...

Viking is celebrating the start of its third season in the Great Lakes with both of its identical expedition ships, the Viking Octantis and the Viking Polaris, now deployed in the region.

“The Great Lakes region is a phenomenal place that is close to home for many of our guests, but one that few have yet to fully discover,” Torstein Hagen, chairman and CEO of Viking, said in a news release. Read more...