Alex Smith

Professional Writer at International Cruise & Ferry Review

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Articles

Creating an authentically Arabian experience for Aroya Cruises

2 weeks ago | cruiseandferry.net | Alex Smith

Aroya Cruises’ first cruise ship, Aroya, departed from its homeport of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with its very first guests on its maiden voyage across the Red Sea on 16 December 2024. The aroma of frankincense filled the air as musicians played maqam melodies on their traditional ouds and qanuns. Guests were welcomed with Saudi coffee and dates. The atmosphere was ‘authentically Arabian’ as Saudi Arabia’s first cruise brand was born.
First steel cut for Carnival Festivale at Meyer Werft

2 weeks ago | cruiseandferry.net | Alex Smith

The first steel has been cut for Carnival Cruise Line's fourth Excel-class ship, Carnival Festivale, at Meyer Werft's shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. The shipyard hosted a traditional ceremony to launch the beginning of the shipbuilding process. At 180,000 gross tons, the ship will accommodate up to 6,400 guests and will be powered by LNG.
MSC World America named in Miami

2 weeks ago | cruiseandferry.net | Alex Smith

MSC Cruises has officially named its new flagship, MSC World America, at the line’s new MSC Miami Cruise Terminal. MSC World America’s godmother, actress Drew Barrymore, cut the ribbon to break a celebratory bottle on the ship’s bow in a maritime tradition to wish the vessel good fortune. Barrymore was joined onboard by actor Orlando Bloom, who co-stars with her in the MSC Cruises’ ‘Lets Holiday’ marketing campaign that debuted during the 2025 Super Bowl.
Grimaldi Group orders nine methanol-ready ro-pax ferries

2 weeks ago | cruiseandferry.net | Alex Smith

Grimaldi Group has ordered nine new ro-pax ferries from shipbuilder China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Weihai) for its Grimaldi Lines, Minoan Lines and Finnlines brands. The agreement was signed in Hong Kong and is worth a total of $1.3 billion. All nine vessels will be equipped with methanol-ready engines in preparation to achieve Grimaldi Group's ‘Net Zero Emission’ goal.
Seatrade Cruise Global: Cruise leaders positive during State of the Global Cruise Industry keynote

2 weeks ago | cruiseandferry.net | Alex Smith

Leaders of the world’s biggest cruise lines discussed fleet expansion, ship refurbishments, guest experience and new technologies, as well as the economy and the geopolitical climate in the State of the Global Cruise Industry keynote at Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami, Florida.
Asian cruise destinations highlight investments at Seatrade Cruise Global

2 weeks ago | cruiseandferry.net | Alex Smith

Representatives from Hong Kong, Korea, the Phillipines and Xiamen have highlight their investments in infrastructure and support for the cruise industry at a lunch session on the opening day of Seatrade Cruise Global. The session, named ‘Connect & Discover – Asia’s Destinations Await’, saw the four cruise destinations highlight the resources and favourable policies they have taken to grow cruise tourism in the region.
Emerald Cruises to launch three new ships in 2027

2 weeks ago | cruiseandferry.net | Alex Smith

Emerald Cruises is to launch two new superyachts and its first ship for the River Seine in a multi-ship expansion of its fleet in 2027. “This is a transformational moment for Emerald Cruises,” said Glen Moroney, chairman and founder of Emerald’s parent company Scenic Group.
MSC inaugurates world's largest cruise terminal in Miami

2 weeks ago | cruiseandferry.net | Alex Smith

The cruise division of MSC has inaugurated the world's largest cruise terminal in Miami. The new MSC Miami Cruise Terminal spans more than 492,000 square feet and is capable of processing up to 36,000 passengers a day, with three ships able to call simultaneously. The terminal is equipped with shore-to-ship power connectivity to allow ships to turn off their engines and produce less emissions while in port.
Creating compelling dining experiences on ships

3 weeks ago | cruiseandferry.net | Alex Smith

For many cruise passengers, the dining experience onboard their ship is one of the most important parts of their holiday. The culinary experience delivered by a cruise line therefore plays a major role in deciding how their passengers perceive their brand. An outstanding meal at an impressive venue will stay long in the memory, encouraging guests to return for future voyages and recommend their experience to others.
MXP launches AI-powered digital assistant for cruise ships

3 weeks ago | cruiseandferry.net | Alex Smith

MXP is introducing the MXP self-service chatbot, an AI-powered smart digital assistant designed to improve guest experience, streamline onboard operations and help open opportunities to increase revenue. The MXP Chatbot is available at all times to answer questions based on cruise data. It is also able to move beyond dialogue to support guests in bookings for onboard services, such as reserving a table, checking the cruise schedule or reporting an issue.