Sam Hamilton

Sam is part of the team at Maritime Bell and he works hard to bring you the latest, most up-to-date maritime industry news, including on topics such as commercial shipping, cruise ships, offshore oil and gas, regional shipping industry news, corporate maritime news and more.

Diamond Princess Adds Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill

Princess Cruises has introduced two new specialty dining venues aboard the Diamond Princess, the company announced in a recent press release.

Spanish Police Dismantle Major Maritime Cocaine Network

Spanish police have dismantled a large-scale maritime drug smuggling operation following a year-long investigation, leading to more than 100 arrests.

Odyssey of the Seas Sailing Delayed by Winter Storm

Royal Caribbean International has notified guests booked on an upcoming Odyssey of the Seas cruise that the departure will be postponed by a day.

Eikborg Loses Rudder After Grounding Near Portuguese Port

Dutch-flagged general cargo ship Eikborg suffers loss of rudder control following a brief grounding while departing the port of Figueira da Foz.

Port NOLA Surpasses One Million Cruise Passengers in 2025

The Port of New Orleans reported 1,067,407 cruise passenger movements in calendar year 2025, according to a PR issued by the port authority.

Princess Cruises Creates Guest Operations Group

Princess Cruises is reorganizing shoreside leadership and introducing a new department aimed at strengthening oversight of the guest experience.

Western Bulk Launches Lumber and Projects Team in Bergen

Norwegian dry bulk operator Western Bulk has announced the establishment of a new lumber and projects team based in the city of Bergen.

Developers Study New Cruise Port Near Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Florida

SSA Marine and Slip Knott LLC are evaluating plans to develop a new cruise port near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Manatee County, Florida.

Passenger Overboard Reported on Star Breeze in Polynesia

Code Oscar alert issued aboard Windstar’s Star Breeze after a passenger was reported overboard while the ship was sailing in French Polynesia.

Heritage Unveils 18-Day Micronesia and Solomons Expedition

Heritage Expeditions reveals 18-day voyage to explore remote atolls and islands across Micronesia and the Solomon Islands, the company announced.

Symphony of the Seas Adjusts Nassau Departure Time

Royal Caribbean announces change to itinerary of cruise aboard Symphony of the Seas, citing the need to comply with safe speed requirements.

Ponant to Deploy Two Ships in French Polynesia in 2026

Ponant confirms plans to operate two vessels in French Polynesia during the winter 2026–27 season; Le Jacques Cartier and the Paul Gauguin.

UK Secures Record Offshore Wind Capacity in AR7 Auction

The UK has delivered an unprecedented boost to its offshore wind industry following the outcome of its latest renewable energy auction.

Ryan Calkins Takes Over as Port of Seattle President

Port of Seattle Commissioner Ryan Calkins is now commission president for 2026 while Commissioner Fred Felleman has been appointed vice president

Three Cruise Ships Make Maiden Calls at Nassau Cruise Port

Nassau Cruise Port reports MSC Grandiosa, Oceania Allura and Seven Seas Grandeur all made their first-ever visits to the destination in December.

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