Cruise Industry Makes Waves with April Milestones
April 2025 saw cruise lines chart bold new courses, from opening flagship terminals to debuting innovative ships and shore experiences. MSC Cruises inaugurated the world’s largest cruise terminal at PortMiami, a 492,678-square-foot facility built by Fincantieri and designed by Arquitectonica to process up to 36,000 passengers daily for both MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys. In Barcelona, MSC Group unveiled a new terminal to welcome EXPLORA II on its maiden call, reinforcing the line’s growing European footprint.
The American Society of Travel Advisors’ 2026 River Cruise Expo sold out for the fourth consecutive year, prompting a waitlist for next year’s Amsterdam event. “The overwhelming response from advisors highlights the caliber of this experience,” said ASTA’s Sarah Little, as exhibitors praised the immediate boost in client bookings following the event.
Silversea Cruises revealed the Cormorant at 55 South, a 150-room hotel in Puerto Williams, Chile. Slated to open for the 2025-26 Antarctica season, the property will be the southernmost hotel on Earth and serve as a gateway for expedition travelers bound for the frozen continent. “The Cormorant at 55 South is a tribute to Puerto Williams’ culture and natural beauty,” said Silversea president Bert Hernandez.
In Portugal, Riviera Travel introduced Riviera Rose on the Douro River, launching its “Highlights of the Douro Valley & Salamanca” itinerary. “Riviera Rose represents a new chapter with contemporary design and signature experiences,” said North America president Stuart Milan.
Alaska’s 2025 cruise season officially commenced when Norwegian Bliss docked in Juneau. The city anticipates 1.65 million visitors this season, which runs through October and cements Alaska’s status as a premier adventure destination.
Victory Cruise Lines returned to the Great Lakes with the christening of Victory I in Toronto on April 27, followed by Victory II’s upcoming ceremony at Chicago’s Navy Pier. The line will offer 10- to 15-night voyages across all five lakes, combining immersive shore excursions with all-inclusive onboard amenities.
AmaWaterways broke new ground when AmaMagdalena set sail on Colombia’s Magdalena River. “We are proud to be the first major river cruise line on the Magdalena,” said co-founder Rudi Schreiner, noting partnerships with local communities to ensure mutually beneficial operations.
MSC Cruises also christened MSC World America in Miami, a 6,764-passenger mega-ship featuring Euro-centric design, family adventure zones, and world-class dining. The Prima-Plus class vessel will sail seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from PortMiami.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings announced long-term charters of four vessels. Cordelia Cruises in India will operate Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun, while Crescent Seas, a new residential cruise concept, will deploy Seven Seas Navigator and Insignia starting in 2026.
Solar eclipse cruises remain in high demand as Oceania Cruises added four voyages for the April 2026 event and Windstar Cruises expanded its August 2026 eclipse offerings after selling out its first sailing.
Public health also made headlines when the CDC linked a “newly dominant” norovirus strain to 10 of the 13 outbreaks aboard ships in 2025. The agency warned that reliance on hand sanitizers over soap and water may be fueling transmission.
Finally, cruise lines continue investing in private islands. MSC Group confirmed plans for “Little Cay,” a new luxury retreat one-third the size of Ocean Cay, while Norwegian Cruise Line announced upgrades to its Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. These initiatives reflect growing competition to offer exclusive, shore-side experiences that complement innovative onboard offerings.
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