Latest news with #cruiselines
Forbes
6 days ago
- Forbes
Why Cruise Ships Go Into Dry Dock And Why It Matters To You
Ships in dry dock undergo essential maintenance. getty Cruise lines often talk about dry docks as if they're nothing more than routine maintenance. A ship heads off for a few weeks, then returns refreshed and ready to sail. But for passengers, a dry dock can mean far more than a fresh coat of paint. It can dramatically change the onboard experience, from new restaurants and entertainment to redesigned cabins and entire decks. Understanding what dry dock actually involves and checking when a ship was last refurbished can make a big difference when choosing your next cruise. Put simply, a dry dock is when a cruise ship is taken out of the water for maintenance, upgrades, and regulatory inspections. This typically happens every five years, but ships may also go into dry dock more frequently for commercial reasons, such as rebranding or modernization. During this time, the ship is positioned in a special dock that drains out water, exposing the hull. This allows for work that can't be done while the ship is afloat. But in recent years, dry dock has increasingly become an opportunity for cruise lines to enhance the passenger experience and keep older ships competitive in a rapidly evolving market. Typical Dry Dock Works At the most basic level, dry dock allows for essential safety and compliance tasks. This includes inspecting lifeboats, overhauling fire systems, servicing engines, and checking the hull for wear and tear. These routine but vital checks help ensure the ship remains seaworthy and certified under maritime regulations. Dry dock provides a chance to work on the parts of the ship that are normally underwater. getty In recent years, many dry docks have also been used to improve a ship's environmental performance. Cruise lines are increasingly retrofitting older vessels with emissions scrubbers, shore power capability, and even LNG conversion systems, helping them meet stricter environmental standards in some ports. Interior Updates During Dry Dock Then there are the interior updates. Depending on the ship, this might involve replacing worn carpets and soft furnishings, updating color schemes, or modernizing staterooms and suites. In some cases, public spaces are entirely reconfigured. A dated lounge might become a trendy bar or specialty restaurant, or a buffet might be expanded and redesigned due to changing demand or the desire to align an older ship with newer vessels in the fleet. A good example is P&O Cruises' Aurora , the smallest and oldest ship in the fleet, which entered dry dock in April 2025. Launched in 2000, Aurora still wins fans with her wraparound promenade, tiered aft decks, and adults-only ambiance. It's a classic ship in a world of floating resorts. While its 2025 dry dock didn't change that core identity, it did give the ship a significant refresh: updated décor in restaurants and bars, new furniture on deck and spruced-up staterooms with new soft furnishings and mattresses. When Dry Dock Doesn't Go As Planned Although dry dock usually improves a ship, there can be teething issues. Occasionally, return-to-service voyages experience delays, incomplete installations, or crews adjusting to new routines. Because of the risk of cancellation, cruise lines often schedule a short sailing immediately following dry dock, to lessen the financial impact of a delay. It's worth keeping this in mind if you're booking the very first sailing after a maintenance period. That said, the benefits often outweigh the risks. A post-dry-dock sailing might include upgraded technology, better bedding, new menus, and a noticeably fresher atmosphere. What Travelers Should Look For When booking a cruise, especially on a ship over ten years old, take a moment to check its dry dock history using websites such as Cruise Critic. It can reveal a lot about what to expect on board. You may also want to compare sister ships in the same class. Some may have been modernized more recently than others. If you're torn between two itineraries, a ship that's just come out of dry dock might offer the better overall experience. A cruise ship's age doesn't tell the full story, but its dry dock history helps to provide some insight. In an industry where the onboard experience is everything, knowing which ships have been updated and when could help you choose the cruise that's right for you. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes How To Plan A Memorable Transatlantic Cruise By David Nikel Forbes Avoid These 10 Rookie Mistakes On Your First Cruise By David Nikel Forbes How To Plan A Norwegian Fjords Cruise In 2025 By David Nikel
Forbes
04-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Could Cruise Lines Be Forced To Rethink Size As Europe Pushes Back?
Could smaller cruise ships be the future for busy European cruise ports such as Barcelona? getty For years now, it seems that cruise lines have been obsessed with going bigger. Each new launch seemed to outdo the last, boasting more decks, more passengers, and more headline-grabbing onboard attractions. But as some of Europe's most iconic destinations move to restrict or even ban large cruise ships, a question looms: Could this be the beginning of the end for the megaship era? Cannes is the latest city to impose tough new rules. From 2026, ships carrying more than 1,000 passengers will no longer be allowed to dock in the glamorous French Riviera hotspot. It's just one example of a growing movement across Europe where authorities are drawing a line between the economic benefits of cruise tourism and its social and environmental costs. As pressure mounts and ports tighten their rules, cruise lines may be forced to reconsider not just where they sail, but how. The future of cruising might not be bigger after all. Cannes Says No To Cruise Lines' Megaships From January 1, 2026, vessels carrying more than 1,000 passengers will no longer be allowed to dock at the harbor in Cannes. Instead, larger ships must anchor offshore and transfer guests via tender boats, while daily disembarkations will be capped at 6,000 passengers. Described by the city council as a form of 'drastic regulation,' the new policy aims to make tourism in Cannes 'less numerous, less big, less polluting and more esthetic.' Mayor David Lisnard insists this is not a ban, but a strategic response to balance visitor demand with environmental concerns. 'Cannes has become a major cruise ship destination, with real economic benefits,' he said. 'It's not about banning cruise ships, but about regulating, organizing, setting guidelines for their navigation.' Environmental advocates have welcomed the move. In 2024, Cannes hosted 175 ships and more than 450,000 passengers, underscoring the significance of the shift. A Growing Movement Across Europe Cannes is just the latest in a series of high-profile European ports placing limits on cruise ship access. In recent years, cities across the continent have introduced restrictions to tackle the environmental impact of cruise tourism and the pressure it places on local infrastructure. Venice led the way by banning large ships from entering its historic lagoon in 2021, rerouting vessels over 25,000 gross tons to nearby industrial ports. Amsterdam has announced a phased reduction in cruise traffic, aiming to cap visits at 100 ships per year from 2026, with a long-term goal of eliminating cruise ships entirely by 2035. In Spain, Palma de Mallorca limits daily arrivals to just three ships, only one of which may carry more than 5,000 passengers. Meanwhile, Barcelona has capped arrivals at seven ships per day and banned the biggest ships from its downtown port. While that figure may seem high, Barcelona is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world and a major turnaround hub, making the restriction a significant step. Other cities, including Dubrovnik and Zeebrugge, have implemented caps on daily dockings, while Nice has restricted access to ships over 190 meters or with more than 900 passengers. The message from Europe is increasingly clear: smaller, better-managed cruise tourism is the way forward. Cruise Lines Need To Segment To Survive The rise of megaships continues to dominate the cruise industry's marketing and media coverage. Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean are investing heavily in these floating resorts, aiming to attract younger travelers looking for an all-in-one vacation experience with amenities such as surf simulators and water parks. However, this is only one direction the industry is taking. Alongside the growth of megaships, a quieter but equally significant trend is reshaping the sector. There is increasing demand for smaller, boutique-style vessels that focus on cultural enrichment and sustainability, together with access to ports that larger ships cannot reach. Industry analysts report strong growth in the luxury cruise segment, where intimacy and curated experiences are prioritized over size and spectacle. Viking Ocean Cruises is a clear example. Its ocean-going ships each carry fewer than 1,000 passengers and focus on thoughtful itineraries and an enrichment-focused onboard atmosphere. Other lines, such as Explora Journeys, Seabourn, and Ponant are expanding with similar models that emphasise space, style and service. As cruise lines adapt to changing traveler expectations and increased regulatory pressure in major ports, the shift toward a more segmented and diversified market appears not just likely, but inevitable. Large megaships are likely to remain popular on well-established routes such as the Caribbean and parts of Europe, especially where the appeal lies in the ship itself. Travelers seeking cultural depth, unique ports, and a quieter, more personalized atmosphere will increasingly seek smaller ships. As ports introduce new restrictions and passenger expectations continue to evolve, cruise lines that can serve both ends of the market will be better positioned for long-term success. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes New To Cruising? These 5 Cruise Traditions May Surprise You By David Nikel Forbes When It Makes Sense To Book Cruise Line Shore Excursions By David Nikel Forbes Turnaround Ports Are The Cities That Power The Cruise Industry By David Nikel
Skift
02-06-2025
- Business
- Skift
MSC Cruises Is Reimagining the Private Island Experience Through Conservation
Cruise lines are rethinking what drives guest interest in a destination. Conservation-led private islands investing in ocean health and local communities are creating the kind of differentiation guests increasingly expect and value. This sponsored content was created in collaboration with a Skift partner. Private islands have become unique opportunities for cruise lines looking to create a memorable guest experience and diversify their brand. At the same time, there's a growing interest in experiences focused on quiet, nature-based engagement. Recent research from the Galápagos Islands found that satisfaction and loyalty are highest in destinations that provide ecological engagement, structured learning, and time for quiet reflection. This shift is happening against a backdrop of timely events, including the most severe coral reef bleaching on record between January 2023 and April 2025, which has left 84% of surveyed reefs pale white due to extreme heat stress. As World Oceans Day and World Reef Awareness Day take place this week, the time is now to take action. Amid these events, private islands' long-term relevance depends on their ability to support conservation and deliver experiences that align with travelers' growing expectations for sustainability while still providing exceptional hospitality. Initiatives that promote ocean health and environmental conservation in tandem with memorable hospitality will be critical differentiators in the competitive Caribbean cruise market. Innovating with Purpose Located in the Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is an example of this shift. MSC Cruises has transformed this former abandoned industrial site into a destination rooted in conservation and restoration. 'We took a different approach to developing Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve because we wanted to create a destination that provides travelers a deeper connection to nature,' said Lynn Torrent, president of MSC Cruises North America. 'We envisioned Ocean Cay as a living example of regeneration and ocean stewardship in line with the growing desire among travelers for destinations that align with their values and contribute to the planet's health.' Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Source: MSC Cruises Before MSC Cruises entered the picture, the island was a sand excavation site left in poor condition after decades of industrial activity. MSC Cruises made significant investments to rehabilitate the neglected island, removing thousands of tons of scrap metal, relocating almost a million cubic yards of sand, and planting 5,000 palm trees and 75,000 native shrubs. The company also replaced the island's industrial scars with native vegetation, installed solar infrastructure to reduce its environmental footprint, and kept shoreline development to a minimum to protect the coastal ecosystem. Integrating Conservation Into the Guest Experience The island experience at Ocean Cay begins with nature and circles back to conserving it: What looks like a tropical escape is one of the Caribbean's most ambitious coral restoration projects. The MSC Foundation (MSC Group's philanthropic arm focused on environmental protection, education, and community support) restores endangered coral species and studies their ability to withstand rising ocean temperatures through its Super Coral Reefs Program. 'Our vision is to turn scientific discovery into real-world impact by combining research with restoration and education. We're not only growing thermally resilient coral but also growing awareness,' said Daniela Picco, executive director of the MSC Foundation. At the heart of this work, the newly opened Marine Conservation Center houses 22 coral tanks, a fully equipped bio lab, and a lecture hall. The center functions as a base for restoration and research, an educational hub, and a guest-facing venue that integrates regeneration directly into the guest experience. Ocean Cay Marine Conservation Center. Source: MSC Cruises The island encourages guests to slow down and engage with the environment. On target to begin in the fall, guests can attend talks from marine conservation experts, watch coral restoration efforts in progress, or join guided eco-excursions that explore the fragility and resilience of the island's surrounding reef. 'These experiences allow guests to deepen their understanding of coral restoration, making them active participants in Ocean Cay's ongoing story of environmental stewardship,' said Torrent. The work extends well beyond what guests see on the island. Populated by five coral species and 13 genotypes, the offshore coral nursery has achieved a 100% survival rate through the 2023 Caribbean marine heatwave. Scaling Impact According to Torrent, the next phase involves outplanting coral fragments for long-term reef restoration efforts. As of April 2025, MSC Foundation has already begun outplanting nursery-grown coral fragments at two reef sites near Ocean Cay in partnership with the Perry Institute for Marine Science. Together, they've planted over 200 fragments across five species, including the critically endangered elkhorn coral, at varying depths based on their maturity and potential for long-term survival. Divers cleaned the seafloor and secured the fragments using marine-safe cement, placing genetically related colonies in proximity to encourage natural fusion and improve reef resilience. Ocean Cay underwater coral nursery. Source: MSC Cruises This conservation-first model has brought Ocean Cay recognition within the global marine science and conservation community. Mission Blue declared the island a Hope Spot, placing it in a global network of over 160 locations that scientists identify as critical to ocean health. Founded by oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle, Mission Blue highlights marine areas with the potential for ecological restoration. "Ocean Cay's restoration has been a multidisciplinary effort to re-establish the ecological balance of this limestone island and its surrounding marine estate," said Earle. "It informs thousands of people weekly about the importance of growing and outplanting thermally tolerant corals for marine conservation, ocean health, and human wellbeing." Economic Anchoring and Local Impact in the Bahamas As a fully staffed island destination, Ocean Cay has become a local employer with nearly 300 employees, with Bahamians making up 80% of its workforce. MSC Cruises plans to grow that number to over 500 employees in the next two to four years, increasing Bahamian representation across all services and roles. This investment takes many forms. MSC Cruises has partnered with local institutions to offer scholarships and internships for Bahamian students in marine science and sustainability, with the aim of helping build the country's future conservation workforce. 'A critical aspect of our Foundation's work are partnerships with universities such as Nova Southeastern, the University of Miami, the University of The Bahamas, and The Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) to enable hands-on education and internships, passing on Ocean Cay's coral restoration commitment to the next generation of marine conservation leaders,' said Torrent. 'Our long-term vision is to deepen these collaborations, expand coral outplanting efforts, and scale public education programs.' She continued: 'Over the next decade, the most successful private islands will be those that go beyond scenic beauty and entertainment. They'll offer authentic experiences that deliver real value to nature and local communities.' That model is already taking shape at Ocean Cay. As more travelers seek out destinations with depth and purpose, it may well become the blueprint others follow. To learn more about MSC Cruises, click here. This content was created collaboratively by MSC Cruises and Skift's branded content studio, SkiftX.
Entrepreneur
21-05-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Viking Holdings Posts Strong Q1, Eyes Growth Ahead
After one year of being publicly traded, VIK stock shows resilience and a positive trend, supported by a loyal customer base and an innovative business model This story originally appeared on MarketBeat Viking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: VIK) is a relative newcomer to investors. The cruise line, known for its longships and child-free cruises, completed its initial public offering (IPO) in April 2024. The company just reported its first-quarter earnings for 2025. The results show a company that's maturing, and the stock chart may confirm future growth even at a premium valuation. [content-module:CompanyOverview|NYSE:VIK] The first quarter is historically the weakest for cruise lines, and seasonality is particularly notable with Viking. The company's river cruise season primarily runs from April to October. However, that doesn't take away from the fact that Viking delivered a double beat with revenue of $897.06 million coming in over 6% higher than analysts' estimates of $841.18 million. The topline number was also an impressive 24.9% higher on a year-over-year (YOY) basis. That was supported by a 14.9% increase in capacity passenger cruise days and 94.5% occupancy for the quarter. Also, in a quarter when cruise lines typically post losses, Viking's loss of $0.24 per share beat estimates of a $0.27 loss and improved from the $0.74 loss reported in May 2024. Demand Remains Strong [content-module:Forecast|NYSE:VIK] Like many transportation stocks, Viking stock dropped sharply on the announcement of the Liberation Day tariffs. However, that appears to be an example of traders selling first and asking questions later. The cruise line industry appears to be insulated from tariff pressures. Viking's target audience consists of a generation with the disposable income to travel. Viking's business model includes no casinos on board the ships and no passengers under the age of 18. These are not party ships. The stock's drop after the report may express concern about the number of passengers who sailed in the prior quarter, which came in approximately 88,000 below estimates. Still, there's no evidence that demand is waning. The company announced that it has booked 92% of its capacity for this season. If there was one hiccup in the earnings report, it's that 2026 bookings are currently at 37%. That's slightly below the 39% it had booked at this same time last year. New Ships Mean New Adventures Another highlight for the company was the announcement of its newest river ship, the Viking Thoth, which will be delivered in October. This is the latest addition to its Nile River fleet, which the company plans to expand to 12 ships by 2027. One ship, the Viking Libra, will be powered by hydrogen, meaning it will be capable of operating with zero emissions. The company expects to have the ship delivered in 2026. Plus, the company announced plans to take delivery of one ocean ship and nine more river vessels in 2025. More capacity along with favorable demand trends is a bullish sign for a company that posted an adjusted gross margin that was 23.8% higher YOY. A Trend Reversal Looks Favorable Although VIK stock has only been publicly traded for a year, it has shown several instances of making higher highs with higher lows. On the occasions when the stock has broken that pattern, it hasn't been because of the company's results but broader macroeconomic concerns that spooked investors. That's why the price action after the company's quarterly earnings report looks favorable. The stock dropped nearly 7% immediately after the report was released. However, in midday trading, Viking stock cut that loss nearly in half, and it may confirm support at a level around December 2024, along with its 10-day simple moving average (SMA). That said, the stock was overbought as it was heading into the earnings report. Investors may want to see a confirmed break above the May 19 close or if analysts raise their targets for the stock before adding to or taking a new position. Before you make your next trade, you'll want to hear this. MarketBeat keeps track of Wall Street's top-rated and best performing research analysts and the stocks they recommend to their clients on a daily basis. Our team has identified the five stocks that top analysts are quietly whispering to their clients to buy now before the broader market catches on... and none of the big name stocks were on the list. They believe these five stocks are the five best companies for investors to buy now... See The Five Stocks Here
