Rebecca Gibson, International Cruise & Ferry Review Journalist Profile

Articles

Deltamarin and China’s Weihai Shipyard to design and build three ropax ferries for Finnlines

2 days ago | cruiseandferry.net | Rebecca Gibson

China Merchants Weihai Shipyard (Weihai Shipyard) has contracted Deltamarin to design and engineer three new Hansa Superstar-class ropax ferries for Baltic Sea operator Finnlines, all of which will be delivered between 2028 and 2029. Each 240-metre vessel will accommodate up to 1,100 passengers (in 320 cabins) and 90 cars, and have 5,100 lane metres of cargo space for rolling freight.
Estonia launches €25 million grant for green retrofitting projects on passenger ships

1 week ago | cruiseandferry.net | Rebecca Gibson

The Government of Estonia has launched a €25 million ($28.2 million) grant to encourage shipowners to carry out green retrofitting projects onboard their passenger, cargo and other vessels at Estonian ports. Estonia is now one of only a few European countries to offer direct financial support for ship retrofits in the form of state aid.
New issue of Cruise & Ferry Interiors out now!

1 week ago | cruiseandferry.net | Rebecca Gibson

The 2025 issue of Cruise & Ferry Interiors is out now, offering exclusive insights from key stakeholders across the passenger ship interior design industry. With the passenger shipping industry now in a think-make-try-refine cycle of innovation to drive further energy efficiencies, stakeholders are now focusing on finding new ways to improve their sustainability performance.
Explora Journeys’ Anna Nash discusses a new era of luxury ocean travel

1 week ago | cruiseandferry.net | Rebecca Gibson

Explora Journeys officially named Explora II, the second of its luxury cruise ships, during a ceremony in Civitavecchia near Rome, Italy, on 15 September 2024. For the brand, it marked more than just the inauguration of a new vessel. “The ceremony marked a significant milestone, symbolising both the growth of the brand and its deep commitment to creating a new category of ocean travel,” says Anna Nash, who assumed her role as Explora Journeys’ new president just days before the christening.
Denmark to trial first data-driven remote pilotage solution

2 weeks ago | cruiseandferry.net | Rebecca Gibson

Global maritime technology company Danelec and pilotage services provider DanPilot are to carry out a first-of-its-kind remote pilotage trial for selected ships operating in the Kattegat and the western Baltic Sea.
CruiseandFerry.net > articles

2 weeks ago | cruiseandferry.net | Rebecca Gibson

Ports and destinations in the Cruise Norway and Cruise Northern Norway and Svalbard networks are making enhancements to improve the onshore experience for visitors in 2025 and beyond.
Viking Group develops new concept for sustainable luxury cruise yacht

1 month ago | cruiseandferry.net | Rebecca Gibson

Viken Group’s three brands – Tillberg Design of Sweden (TDoS), Hot Lab and Thalia Marine – have collaborated to develop a concept for a new luxury cruise yacht. Spanning 10 decks, the 196-metre-long vessel has a 28-metre beam and can accommodate up to 112 guests and 125 crew members. The yacht is named REI, which connotes both ‘beautiful’ and ‘graceful’ in Japanese, and could potentially be operated using electric, hydrogen, solar or wind-powered propulsion systems.
RWS Global to create 13 entertainment experiences for Azamara Cruises

1 month ago | cruiseandferry.net | Rebecca Gibson

Azamara Cruises has expanded its longstanding partnership with RWS Global to develop 13 new and exclusive entertainment experiences on its four ships from 2026. RWS Global, which has been Azamara’s partner since 2017, will be responsible for the development, design, casting, choreography and production of 10 original stage shows, two interactive game shows and the themed musical and pop-up experiences.
Collaborating for cleaner oceans

1 month ago | cruiseandferry.net | Rebecca Gibson

Nonprofit organisation World Ocean Council (WOC) was established to bring together multi-sector stakeholders to drive sustainable ocean development and environmental stewardship, particularly focused on corporate ocean responsibility for a sustainable and regenerative blue economy. In keeping with this aim, the WOC joined forces with several partners to launch a new initiative in December 2024: the Centre of Excellence (CoE) on Green Shipping.
Eric Stonestreet helps Norwegian Cruise Line to christen Norwegian Aqua in Miami

1 month ago | cruiseandferry.net | Rebecca Gibson

Emmy Award-winning actor Eric Stonestreet officially christened Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) new Norwegian Aqua during a ceremony at the line’s terminal in PortMiami, Florida, on 13 April 2025. Built by Fincantieri at its yard in Marghera, Italy, the 3,571-guest Norwegian Aqua is NCL’s first Prima Plus-class ship and offers several experiences that debuted on the Prima-class ships, as well as new additions.