A life jacket worn by a survivor of the RMS Titanic has sold for £670,000 at auction, setting a new benchmark for memorabilia linked to the ill-fated liner.
Titanic Life Jacket (Photo Credit: Henry Aldridge & Son)
The flotation device, once used by first-class passenger Laura Mabel Francatelli, went under the hammer at Henry Aldridge & Son in Devizes, Wiltshire.
It is believed to be the only Titanic life jacket ever offered for sale at auction since the ship sank in 1912.
Francatelli was among roughly 700 passengers and crew who survived the disaster after the vessel struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic. She wore the life jacket before boarding a lifeboat and later signed it along with other survivors.
Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge said he was “ecstatic” with the result, noting that the sale highlights the enduring fascination with Titanic’s story.
He previously described the item as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, given its unique status and direct connection to a named survivor.
The vest features 12 cork-filled pockets, shoulder supports and side straps, and had been expected to sell for between £250,000 and £350,000. Competitive bidding pushed the final price hundreds of thousands of pounds beyond that estimate.
Historic Artefacts Continue To Draw Strong Interest
The life jacket was not the only Titanic-related item to attract attention during the sale. A seat cushion from one of the ship’s lifeboats achieved £390,000.
The cushion is linked to London tea importer Richard William Smith, who perished in the disaster while travelling to New York. Although his body was never recovered, the cushion had been preserved by a friend.
It has been purchased by the Titanic Museum Attraction, which operates sites in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and Branson, Missouri. The artefact is expected to go on public display.
Enduring Legacy Of The Titanic Disaster
The auction coincided with commemorations marking 114 years since the Titanic sank on 14th April 1912.
Ceremonies were held in Southampton, the port city closely associated with the ship and many of its crew.
More than 1,500 people lost their lives in the tragedy, making it one of the deadliest peacetime maritime disasters in history.
Over a century later, items connected to the ship and its passengers continue to command significant interest from collectors and museums alike, reflecting the lasting global impact of the event.
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P&O Cruises has launched its largest ever summer programme, putting 215 cruises on sale for 2028 across its seven-ship fleet, with departures from Southampton and fly-cruise options from Malta.
The new collection covers sailings between March and October 2028 and underlines the line’s continued focus on no-fly convenience from the UK as well as warm-weather Mediterranean holidays.
The programme spans 121 destinations in 29 countries and includes a broad mix of short breaks, British Isles voyages, Canary Islands sailings, Mediterranean fly-cruises, Northern Europe and Scandinavia itineraries, as well as longer 30-night cruises to the USA and Canada.
A major part of the new season is an expanded line-up of Norwegian fjords cruises, which remains one of the strongest parts of the P&O Cruises holiday offering.
The line is scheduling 36 weekend departures, including Friday sailings, between May and September 2028 in a move designed to make shorter scenic breaks easier to book for UK guests travelling from Southampton.
More time ashore is another key feature of the collection. Across the programme there are 64 overnight calls and 69 late evening departures, giving passengers longer in port to explore headline attractions including Athens’ Acropolis from Piraeus and Barcelona’s landmark Gaudí architecture.
More Northern Europe Sailings Take Centre Stage
Among the standout additions is a new 14-night Arvia itinerary combining Spain and France with the Norwegian fjords on round-trip sailings from Southampton.
It’s an unusual blend of Western Europe and Scandinavia in one voyage and gives the line a new way to package longer no-fly holidays for the UK market.
Arcadia and Aurora continue to play an important role in that strategy. P&O Cruises positions both vessels as its more traditional, adult-focused ships, although each also operates selected all-ages departures.
For summer 2028, the pair will offer cruises to Norway and Iceland, Northern Europe and Scandinavia, alongside selected multi-generational sailings ranging from three to 21 nights.
Aurora’s 21-night Arctic itinerary in August 2028 is one of the most notable longer cruises in the programme and includes an overnight stay in Reykjavik. P&O says Arcadia and Aurora remain its two ships most associated with adult-only holidays, while the rest of the fleet is primarily family-friendly.
Elsewhere in the programme, Azura gains a new overnight call in Livorno, creating more time for guests wanting to visit Florence and Pisa, while selected cruises on Britannia and Ventura will again offer access to Rome from Civitavecchia.
What Guests Can Book Now
The summer 2028 collection is now on sale with a series of launch offers available on bookings made by 30th June 2026. These include a 10% early booking discount and a 10% deposit on applicable Select Price and Early Saver holidays, plus an extra 5% saving for Peninsular Club members on selected sailings.
P&O Cruises is also offering third and fourth guests a fare from £49 per person on selected off-peak Southampton cruises of seven nights or more, where they are sharing a cabin. That could prove particularly attractive on family sailings during shoulder-season dates.
The cruise line is also continuing to push its newer always-on package options, which bundle together drinks, speciality dining credit and WiFi.
The Classic Package is priced from £49 per person per day and can offer savings of up to 32% against buying those elements separately on board.
The launch adds further weight to P&O Cruises’ push for early booking business in the UK market. The company has already been directing customers towards its wider 2028 cruise collection and has highlighted the breadth of destinations available across that programme, from Northern Europe to the Canary Islands, Caribbean and longer grand voyages.
For passengers, the main message from this release is straightforward. P&O Cruises is putting more summer product on sale than ever before, with Southampton departures, Norwegian fjords cruises and flexible holiday lengths all firmly at the centre of its 2028 plans.
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MSC Cruises has confirmed that MSC Euribia will operate its previously cancelled sailings on 16th and 17th May 2026 after successfully navigating the Strait of Hormuz and beginning its repositioning voyage to northern Europe.
The Meraviglia-Plus class ship had remained in Dubai due to uncertainty surrounding access through the key waterway, prompting the cruise line to cancel the two early-season Baltic departures.
However, in a reversal of that decision, the line has now reinstated both voyages after the vessel was able to safely depart the Arabian Gulf.
“MSC Euribia has departed Dubai, has safely transited the Strait of Hormuz, and is now en route to Northern Europe. The passage was completed in close coordination with the relevant authorities.
“MSC Euribia is on course to resume her Northern Europe season, and as the ship will now be able to return sooner than previously anticipated, MSC Cruises confirms that the cruise departing on May 16 from Kiel (and May 17 from Copenhagen) will now operate as originally scheduled, with all subsequent sailings operating as planned.”
The ship cleared the northern tip of Oman on Saturday, 18th April, according to tracking data, and is now making her way towards Europe. The repositioning voyage spans approximately 8,300 miles, with refuelling and operational stops expected along the route before arrival in Germany.
Northern Europe Season Back On Track
The reinstated 16th May sailing from Kiel is a seven-night itinerary that includes calls to Copenhagen, Hellesylt, Alesund and Flam. The 17th May departure mirrors the same itinerary but operates as a round trip from Copenhagen.
MSC Euribia is scheduled to spend the summer season sailing across the Baltic Sea and North Sea before transitioning to the Mediterranean in mid-October. Winter itineraries will include departures from Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Naples and Palermo, with a return to northern Europe planned for April 2027.
Guests Offered Chance To Rejoin Cancelled Cruises
Passengers affected by the earlier cancellations are now being given the option to move back onto their original sailings.
“Guests whose cruises were cancelled will have the option to transfer their booking to this sailing should they wish, and will be contacted directly with further details,” MSC Cruises confirmed.
At the time of cancellation, travellers had been offered alternative sailings, future cruise credit, or full refunds. While the reinstatement provides an opportunity to restore original plans, some guests may be unable to return due to rearranged travel or scheduling conflicts.
The cruise line has not yet clarified how priority will be given to guests wishing to switch back, though with around a month before departure, there is still time to manage rebookings.
Captain Reflects On Strait Crossing
Following the successful transit, the ship’s captain shared a personal message reflecting on the experience:
The successful transit and swift reinstatement of sailings marks a significant turnaround for MSC Euribia’s European season, which now appears set to proceed without further disruption.
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A pair of cruise YouTubers say they have been banned from sailing with Margaritaville at Sea after publishing a widely viewed negative review, with the cruise line reportedly citing their past criticism as the reason for the restriction.
The creators behind the Travel Spree channel allege they discovered the ban while attempting to book a new cruise in 2026.
After entering their personal details online, they were repeatedly blocked from completing the reservation and instructed to contact customer support.
Testing the system with different names allowed bookings to proceed, prompting suspicion their accounts had been flagged.
That suspicion was later confirmed during a call with a customer service representative. According to a recording shared by the creators, the agent told them: “the system show me this is a guest blocked… you’re not allowed to board a cruise,” before adding that the restriction was linked to “something about… bad reviews.”
Viral Video Sparked Widespread Attention
The situation stems from a 2023 sailing aboard Margaritaville at Sea’s Paradise, which Travel Spree documented across YouTube and TikTok. While their longer-form video performed well, it was a short-form clip that gained significant traction, reportedly reaching around 10 million views.
The viral video highlighted aspects of the onboard experience the creators found disappointing, using humour and trending audio to showcase what they described as underwhelming conditions. The clip attracted hundreds of thousands of likes and tens of thousands of comments, as well as wider media attention.
Business Insider, which interviewed the pair at the time, described scenes including “a trash can full of used toilet paper, a rusted shower drain, and an unusual smell wafting through the cabin,” as the video circulated widely online.
Travel Spree have consistently stated they paid for the cruise themselves and were not invited as part of any promotional partnership. In the weeks following the video’s success, the Paradise entered dry dock for refurbishment, though the creators say they cannot directly link the timing to their content.
“We made a video. It got a result,” they said in their recent update. “We just showed you guys what our real experience was.”
Attempt To Rebook Reveals ‘Guest Locked’ Status
The creators recently attempted to revisit the cruise line to assess newer ships, including Islander, with the aim of providing an updated review for their audience.
“We wanted to give it a fair shot… our audience wants to know what it’s like now,” they explained.
However, after failing to complete a booking online, they contacted customer support, where they were informed of the restriction. When asking for clarification, the representative pointed to their previous feedback.
“So basically, because we didn’t have a good experience, they blocked us from getting on the ship again,” the creators said.
Despite the outcome, they emphasised they are not angry about the situation. “We’re not trying to play the victims here… we take accountability,” they said, adding that they were simply surprised by the long-term consequences of their review.
“I never realized that being so honest in a review could actually get you banned from a cruise line.”
Debate Grows Over Handling Of Criticism
The story has quickly gained traction within the cruise community, with other creators and viewers weighing in on the implications. A follow-up video discussing the situation attracted tens of thousands of views within hours, alongside hundreds of comments.
Much of the reaction has been critical of the cruise line’s reported decision, with some arguing it reflects poorly on transparency. Others suggested it represents a missed opportunity to invite the creators back and demonstrate improvements.
Some commentators have also highlighted the broader tension between cruise lines and content creators, particularly as influencer marketing becomes more prominent across the industry.
While many creators are invited on sponsored trips, Travel Spree noted they have never received a complimentary cruise, raising questions about how independent reviews are treated.
Another cruise vlogger discussing the case described the situation as unusual, noting that while bans do occur in the industry, they are rarely linked directly to negative reviews.
At the same time, opinion among viewers appears divided. Some argue businesses are entitled to refuse service following damaging publicity, while others suggest that preventing critics from returning may amplify attention rather than limit it.
For now, Travel Spree say they remain open to sailing with the line again in future if given the opportunity.
“We’re not mad at them… there’s no hard feelings,” they said. “We’d still like to try the new ships.”
Whether the incident signals a broader shift in how cruise lines handle online criticism remains to be seen, but it has already reignited debate about authenticity, transparency, and the growing influence of independent travel creators.
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An elderly passenger has gone overboard from Carnival Splendor, triggering an extensive search and rescue operation off the coast of Australia and delaying the vessel’s next scheduled sailing from Sydney.
The incident occurred during the ship’s four-night voyage departing Sydney, with the man, believed to be in his 70s, reported missing in the early hours of 18th April 2026. The 3,012-guest vessel was nearing the end of its itinerary at the time.
Passengers onboard reported hearing a man overboard alert broadcast across the ship’s public address system, specifically referencing the starboard side. Within an hour, the captain confirmed the situation and altered course, turning the vessel around to begin search efforts.
Tracking data indicates the ship deviated from its planned route and began conducting search patterns approximately 30 miles southeast of Moreton Island, near the approach to the Port of Brisbane.
Search Operation Intensifies Off Brisbane Coast
Australia’s national maritime authority has mobilised significant resources in response. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority confirmed it is coordinating a large-scale operation involving multiple agencies.
Assets deployed include six vessels from Queensland Police, five rescue helicopters, and Challenger jet aircraft tasked with scanning the area from above. The search zone lies along Australia’s east coast, where conditions and currents can complicate recovery efforts.
Carnival Splendor had visited Moreton Island on 17th April and was en route back to Sydney when the incident unfolded.
Next Sailing From Sydney Delayed
The operation has disrupted the ship’s return schedule, forcing a delay to its next cruise, which was due to depart Sydney on 19th April.
In a message sent to embarking passengers, Carnival Cruise Line confirmed the delay and advised guests not to travel to the terminal until updated timings are issued.
“Carnival Splendor is currently involved in a search and rescue operation and will be delayed arriving in Sydney tomorrow. As a result, check-in and embarkation for your cruise will also be delayed,”
The statement added that revised embarkation details would be shared later, urging passengers to await confirmation before heading to the port.
The affected sailing is a four-night itinerary mirroring the current voyage, including a call at Moreton Island, and is scheduled to return to Sydney on 23rd April.
Man overboard incidents remain relatively rare but often require immediate and resource-intensive responses, with survival chances heavily dependent on how quickly a person is located and recovered.
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A passenger and his pet cat have been rescued by Carnival Legend after the cruise ship responded to a distress situation in the Gulf of Mexico on 14th April 2026.
The 85,942-gross-ton vessel was en route from Galveston, Texas to Cozumel when crew spotted a disabled sailboat launching emergency flares in choppy conditions. The sails on the smaller craft were down, leaving it drifting without control as waves buffeted the vessel.
Carnival Legend altered course and initiated a rescue operation, deploying a tender boat while illuminating the area with searchlights to maintain visibility. Despite the rough seas affecting the sailboat, conditions posed no difficulty for the much larger cruise ship.
When rescuers reached the vessel, they found one man onboard along with a black cat named Dahlia. Reports indicate the pair had been drifting for four days before being located. An inflatable raft was also spotted alongside the sailboat, suggesting the sailor may have been preparing to abandon ship.
Both were safely transferred to Carnival Legend, where they received medical checks, food, and care. Cruise lines are obligated to assist those in distress at sea, and this extends to animals in rescue situations.
The abandoned sailboat was left afloat following standard maritime protocol. Officers recorded its position and alerted relevant authorities so it could be tracked and addressed.
The rescue operation did not affect the ship’s itinerary. Carnival Legend had departed Galveston on 13th April for a 10-night Western Caribbean sailing, with scheduled calls including Cozumel, Belize, Roatan, Jamaica, and Grand Cayman before returning on 23rd April.
The rescued man and his cat were later disembarked in Cozumel during the ship’s planned port call.
Guests onboard documented the dramatic rescue, sharing footage across social media that captured the challenging sea conditions and careful approach taken by the crew.
While pets are not permitted aboard cruise ships under normal circumstances, exceptions are made during rescue operations. Carnival Cruise Line confirmed Dahlia remained onboard following the rescue and was safely cared for until disembarkation.
Animal rescues at sea, while uncommon, are not unprecedented. In January 2024, Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas rescued six fishermen along with their dog in waters north of the Yucatan Peninsula.
In another unusual case in October 2023, a stowaway cat was discovered aboard Ovation of the Seas during a transpacific voyage and was later adopted after completing quarantine.
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A US jury has ordered Carnival Cruise Line to pay $300,000 in damages after finding the company partially responsible for overserving alcohol to a passenger who later suffered serious injuries onboard.
The case centres on Diana Sanders, a 45-year-old California woman who sailed aboard Carnival Radiance on 5th January 2024 for a three-night cruise from Long Beach to Mexico. Sanders claimed she was served at least 14 tequila shots over an eight-hour period before falling on a stairway late that evening.
She filed her lawsuit in November 2024, seeking damages exceeding $75,000 and requesting a jury trial. After a 17-month legal process, a six-person jury ruled in her favour, although liability was shared between both parties.
Details Of The Incident And Injuries
According to court filings, Sanders began drinking at around 3 pm and continued until shortly after 11:30 pm when the incident occurred. While walking around the ship, she fell on a stairway, resulting in multiple injuries.
The lawsuit listed those injuries as “including, but not limited to, a concussion, headaches, a possible traumatic brain injury, back injuries, tailbone injuries, bruising, and other injuries.”
The jury determined that Carnival bore 60% of the responsibility, while Sanders herself was assigned 40% of the blame, reflecting arguments that she had some level of personal accountability for her alcohol consumption.
Her attorney, Spencer Aronfeld, pointed to broader issues within the cruise industry when discussing the case.
“I believe a primary culprit is prepaid drink packages that encourage people to ‘get their money’s worth.’ Furthermore, servers on these cruise lines are often minimally paid workers from economically disadvantaged countries who are financially incentivized to continue serving alcohol because they are compensated by tips,”
Spencer Aronfeld, attorney.
At the time of the sailing, Carnival’s Cheers! drink package allowed guests to consume up to 15 alcoholic beverages within a 24-hour period, starting from 6 am. Sanders’ reported consumption fell just below that threshold.
Questions Over Service And Accountability
The case raised complex questions about how alcohol service is monitored onboard large cruise ships. Carnival Radiance, a vessel of more than 101,000 gross tonnes, features eight separate bars and lounges, meaning passengers may be served by multiple crew members throughout the day.
During proceedings, it emerged that Sanders could not identify a specific bartender or venue responsible for overserving her. Additionally, there was no clear evidence presented that she was visibly intoxicated in a way that would have prompted crew intervention.
While all purchases are logged through a guest’s Sail & Sign account, it remains unclear whether bartenders consistently review a passenger’s prior orders before serving additional drinks. High demand and long queues at onboard bars may also impact how closely consumption is monitored in real time.
Carnival is expected to challenge the verdict. In a statement issued to local media, the company said:
“Carnival Corporation respectfully disagrees with the verdict and believes there are grounds for a new trial and appeal, which it will pursue.”
Latest In A String Of Cruise Lawsuits
The case adds to a growing number of legal actions involving cruise lines and passenger safety. In recent years, incidents ranging from onboard injuries to equipment failures have resulted in lawsuits against major operators.
Claims involving alcohol service are less common but highlight ongoing scrutiny around drink packages and whether they encourage excessive consumption.
As these packages remain a popular add-on for passengers, the outcome of any appeal in this case could have wider implications for how cruise lines manage and monitor alcohol sales at sea.
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The first cruise ships have begun leaving the Arabian Gulf after weeks of disruption, with Celestyal Discovery leading a gradual return to movement through the Strait of Hormuz following a prolonged closure linked to regional conflict.
The 1,360-guest vessel departed Port Rashid in Dubai at 11:36 am local time on 17th April, becoming the first known cruise ship to transit out of the strait since late February. The ship is now sailing towards Muscat, Oman, where it is due to arrive on 18th April at 4 pm.
The reopening marks a significant turning point for the cruise sector, which had effectively been shut out of the key shipping lane after Iran warned vessels against entering the waterway on 28th February amid escalating tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
That warning halted traffic through the narrow channel linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, leaving multiple cruise ships stranded in regional ports and forcing widespread cancellations and itinerary changes.
Celestyal Discovery had been operating its ‘Iconic Arabia’ itinerary at the time, visiting ports including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Khasab. Its sister ship, Celestyal Journey, had been sailing similar ‘Desert Days’ cruises but was forced to remain in Doha as the situation developed.
More Ships Now On The Move
Following Celestyal Discovery’s departure, several other cruise ships have now begun repositioning voyages out of the region, signalling cautious confidence that transit through the strait is once again possible.
MSC Cruises’ MSC Euribia, one of the largest vessels impacted, has departed Dubai and is currently sailing towards Muscat at reduced speed, with an expected arrival late on 18th April.
The 184,000-gross-ton LNG-powered ship had been due to begin its European summer season in Kiel, Germany, but multiple sailings have already been cancelled due to the delay. Whether it can meet its planned 23rd May departure from Germany will depend on how quickly it can complete the long journey to Europe.
Celestyal Journey has also departed Doha and is heading towards Khasab, near the northern tip of Oman within the Strait of Hormuz. The ship is expected to arrive late morning on 18th April, likely for refuelling or resupply before continuing towards its Mediterranean deployment. The vessel is scheduled to operate 7-night Greek Isles sailings from Greece through to November.
TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 5 is similarly underway from Doha, also bound for Khasab, with an arrival expected early afternoon on 18th April. The ship is due to spend the summer season in the Mediterranean, sailing from Heraklion before later repositioning to the Caribbean.
Cruise lines have not yet issued formal statements confirming a full reopening of the strait, but ship tracking data indicates a steady resumption of movements.
The best place to track cruise ships – as well as save a record of all cruises you’ve been on, replay the routes and countdown to your upcoming cruises – is The Cruise Globe, which is free to join.
More Departures Expected Soon
Attention is now turning to the remaining vessels still in the region, most notably Mein Schiff 4, which remains docked in Abu Dhabi at the time of writing. The ship had been due to begin its Mediterranean season earlier this month and may now adjust its route to reach Europe more quickly.
If conditions remain stable, further departures are expected in the coming days as cruise lines work to reposition ships for the summer season. These voyages typically involve sailing through the Strait of Hormuz, across the Arabian Sea, transiting the Suez Canal and continuing into Europe.
Many of the ships are currently travelling without guests on board, allowing operators to prioritise refuelling, resupply and crew logistics following the extended توقف. Some crew members may need to rejoin their vessels after precautionary evacuations during the height of the crisis.
Despite the heightened tensions in recent weeks, including a reported incident on 1st March when Iranian drones crashed in Abu Dhabi near Mein Schiff 4, no cruise ships have reported any damage.
The situation now appears to be stabilising, but cruise lines are likely to proceed cautiously, with ongoing security considerations and any requirements imposed by Iranian authorities expected to influence how quickly normal operations can fully resume.
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Princess Cruises has placed an order for three new Voyager Class ships with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, marking the line’s biggest and most advanced ship platform to date and setting up fleet growth through to 2039.
The vessels are scheduled for delivery in late 2035, 2038 and 2039, and will become the largest ships in the Princess fleet.
The new class will build on the foundation laid by the line’s Sphere Class ships, Sun Princess and Star Princess, but Princess said the vessels will feature newly designed outer decks, staterooms and Piazza spaces aimed at better serving its global customer base and varied deployment plans.
Each ship is expected to come in at 183,000 gross tons and carry around 4,700 guests.
Like Sun Princess and Star Princess, the Voyager Class ships will be dual-fuel vessels powered primarily by liquefied natural gas, with Princess and parent company Carnival Corporation continuing to position LNG as the key fuel choice for their next generation of newbuilds. The three ships will be constructed at Fincantieri’s yard in Monfalcone, Italy.
Gus Antorcha, president of Princess Cruises, said the new ships are being shaped by research into what both existing and future guests want from the brand.
“The Voyager Class will delight both our loyal guests and attract the next generation of Princess guests. We have been leveraging extensive customer and agent research to strike the right balance between evolving our proven winners and introducing new concepts and partnerships grounded in what matters to our current and future guests,
“From exceptional dining and inviting pool environments to elevated entertainment and beautifully reimagined spaces throughout the ship, we are leaving no area untouched as we thoughtfully evolve the Princess experience.”
Gus Antorcha, Princess Cruises president
Fincantieri also framed the agreement as a major long-term boost for its orderbook and cruise business.
“We are delighted to announce this new agreement with Princess Cruises, which confirms the strength of a long-standing and forward-looking partnership. These new orders secure a robust workload for our shipyards through 2039 and further support the profitable development of our cruise business, as outlined in our 2026–2030 Industrial Plan.
“With the new Voyager Class ships, we are once again leveraging Fincantieri’s distinctive expertise in sustainable, next generation shipbuilding, supporting Princess Cruises in its growth trajectory and reaffirming our role as a trusted industrial partner for the evolution of the cruise industry.”
Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and managing director of Fincantieri
Princess has not yet revealed full design specifications or named venues for the ships, saying more details on the platform’s features and onboard offering will be released later.
Voyager Class Will Push Princess Beyond Sphere Class
The order is significant not only because it introduces an entirely new ship class, but because it takes Princess beyond the recently launched Sphere Class platform. Sun Princess entered service as the first Sphere Class ship, while Star Princess was officially delivered in September 2025 as the second vessel in that series. The new Voyager ships will be larger than both.
That gives Princess a clear long-range growth path at a time when cruise lines are continuing to favour bigger, more feature-heavy ships that can support a broader mix of accommodation, dining and entertainment spaces.
Carnival’s LNG Fleet Expansion Continues
For Carnival Corporation, the agreements represent its 19th, 20th and 21st LNG-based ships. The company said the Princess order forms part of its wider fleet enhancement strategy, and it also noted that, beyond these three vessels, it already has seven additional ships under contract for delivery between 2027 and 2033.
Fincantieri said the deal was formalised during Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami, underlining the scale of the commitment from one of the industry’s biggest operators.
Separate industry coverage has reported the value of the three-ship package at more than €2 billion, although Princess itself did not disclose a figure and instead described the agreements as commercially significant and subject to financing and customary conditions.
With deliveries stretching from the mid-2030s to the end of that decade, the order also shows how far ahead the major cruise groups are now planning their fleet strategy, particularly for LNG-capable ships designed around higher-capacity, next-generation platforms.
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Princess Cruises is set to take centre stage in a new television series on Channel 4, offering viewers a behind-the-scenes look at life at sea alongside journeys to some of the world’s most striking destinations.
Cruising to the Ends of the Earth, an eight-part series produced by Crackit TV, will premiere on Sunday 26th April at 8pm.
Filmed aboard four ships in the cruise line’s fleet, Sun Princess, Discovery Princess, Royal Princess and Diamond Princess, the programme follows voyages across Alaska, the Mediterranean, Japan and South Korea.
The series aims to provide a fresh perspective on cruising, combining destination storytelling with an in-depth look at the day-to-day operations and experiences on board.
Life On Board And Beyond
Narrated by actor Greg Wise, known for roles in The Crown and The Buccaneers, each episode focuses on the people who make cruise holidays possible.
From senior officers such as captains and engineers to entertainers and culinary teams, the programme highlights the range of roles involved in delivering a cruise experience.
Viewers will also see how crew members balance demanding responsibilities while maintaining service standards, offering insight into the scale and complexity of running a modern cruise ship.
Alongside life at sea, the series follows guests and crew ashore, capturing excursions and cultural experiences across multiple regions. From the glaciers of Alaska to historic Mediterranean ports and vibrant cities in Japan and South Korea, the programme showcases the diversity of itineraries available.
“Through the power of television, viewers are invited to experience the joy of cruising with Princess, explore awe inspiring destinations, and meet the incredible crew who are at the heart of every journey.
“By sharing their stories on screen, the series celebrates the passion and care that make each voyage unique. It captures the beauty of the world, the adventure found at every port, and the moments that make cruising with Princess so special.”
Eithne Williamson, Vice President UK, Ireland and EMEA at Princess Cruises
Cruising to the Ends of the Earth will be available to watch or stream on Channel 4 from its launch date.
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