"This is a difficult decision as we recognise the crushing impact that this pandemic has had on our community and every other industry. However, we believe this proactive action further demonstrates the cruise industry’s commitment to public health and willingness to voluntarily suspend operations in the interest of public health and safety, as has occurred twice prior."

"The cruise industry is committed to sustainable tourism management, and we are proud to have contributed to the destination assessment as part of our partnership with Dubrovnik to collaboratively address sustainability in the city. The partnership between the cruise industry and Dubrovnik is a testament to what can be achieved through collaborative tourism initiatives to help preserve the heritage and environment of the world's favourite destinations for future generations."

“The health and safety of our guests and crew are our number one priority, and the development of this new muster process is an elegant solution to an outdated, unpopular process. The fact that this will also save guests time and allow the ship to operate without pause means that we can increase health, safety and guest satisfaction simultaneously.”

Carnival Corporation has signed agreements with EGE CELIK and SIMSEKLER, maritime reclamation and recycling specialists, to dismantle and recycle two retired ships responsibly. Carnival Corporation is recycling Carnival Fantasy and Carnival Inspiration, which were previously operated by Carnival Cruise Line. The decision is a part of the company’s plans to align the fleet according to the anticipated phased restart of cruise operations and create cost savings. The cruise company has partnered with environmental non-profit Bellona Foundation and the specialised ship recycling experts Sea2Cradle to create a method for recycling the ships. 

Global cruise line MSC Cruises has formed a joint venture (JV) with Palumbo Group to operate the Palumbo Malta Shipyard. With the new JV, MSC Cruises will acquire a 50% stake in the shipyard and be an equal partner with Palumbo Shipyards, the current owner. A major upgrade for the shipyard is planned to boost the operations while also increasing its focus on the specialist cruise line. The shipyard will receive custom from the vessels of MSC Cruises and from cargo vessels and ferries of MSC Group. It will also serve its loyal clientele. With the introduction of cutting-edge technology, the shipyard will be able to serve and repair new liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered cruise ships that are constructed for the fleet of MSC Cruises. LNG is one of the most environmentally friendly maritime fuels available.

Carnival subsidiary Holland America Line has announced that its newbuild cruise ship Ryndam will be renamed to Rotterdam. The new Rotterdam will be designated as the fleet’s flagship. It will be the seventh ship to be named Rotterdam. The ship is scheduled to be delivered on 30 July 2021, which is a slight delay from the original delivery date in May next year due to the global Covid-19 pandemic. Earlier this month, Holland America Line sold four cruise ships, Amsterdam, Maasdam, Rotterdam and Veendam. The ships were sold in pairs. Norwegian company Bonheur acquired the R-Class Amsterdam and Rotterdam that will be transferred in the next few months. The new Rotterdam will be delivered from Marghera shipyard of Fincantieri in Italy. The ship will offer roundtrip cruises from Amsterdam and will explore Northern Europe and the Baltic. 

Finnish shipping company Viking Line will launch its new cruise ship Viking Glory, which is considered to be one of the most eco-friendly ships in the world. In June, the cruise liner held a keel-laying ceremony for the new passenger ship at the Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry Shipyard in China. Viking Line will launch the new vessel in 2021. The ship will be fitted with Wartsila 31DF dual-fuel engines, facilitating operations using sulphur-free liquefied natural gas (LNG).  The ship will also be able to operate on biogas. Due to fuel-efficient engines, Viking Glory will use up to 10% less fuel compared to its sister ship Viking Grace.