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.

Belgian Maritime Pilots Slow Work in Pension Reform Protest

Since October 5th, Belgian maritime pilots have initiated a coordinated work slowdown to oppose the government’s proposed pension reforms.

Oceania Allura Celebrates Return of Jacques Restaurant

Oceania Cruises reopens its acclaimed French restaurant, Jacques, aboard the Oceania Allura marking the return of one of its most celebrated venues

Denmark Tightens Inspections on Shadow Fleet Oil Tankers

Danish government announces escalation in environmental and safety inspections targeting oil tankers, particularly older or high-risk vessels.

Qatar Eases Maritime Ban but GPS Issues Still Persist

Qatar has partially lifted its maritime navigation ban, easing the restrictions that were imposed on October 4 following widespread GPS disruptions.

MXP Adds New Chat Feature to MXP365 Digital Guest Journey

MXP unveils upgrade to its MXP365 Digital Guest Journey, introducing chat function that allows guests to engage in private and group conversations.

StarCruises Launches TCM Wellness Festival at Sea

StarCruises announces collaboration with Guangdong Broadcasting Network to introduce a Traditional Chinese Medicine Festival aboard Star Voyager.

Qatar Suspends Navigation Amid Widespread GPS Failures

Qatar temporarily suspends all vessel movements in its waters, citing a “technical fault in the GPS” that's disrupted maritime navigation routes.

US Clarifies Details On New Port Fees For Chinese Vessels

US Customs has just released further guidance on the new port fees for Chinese-linked ships, which they say are set to take effect next week.

TUI River Cruises Unveils Biggest Summer Program for 2027

TUI River Cruises reveals plans for its most ambitious summer schedule yet, highlighted by the debut of its first newbuild vessel, the TUI Luzia.

French Forces Detain Russian-Linked Tanker Off Saint-Nazaire

French media have reported the arrest of two senior officers from a Russian-linked shadow fleet tanker intercepted near Saint-Nazaire, France.

Princess Cruises Launches Cocktail Book with Rob Floyd

Princess Cruises has released “Sip at Sea: A Princess Cruises Cocktail Collection,” created by global mixologist and brand ambassador Rob Floyd.

Holland America to Debut Alaska Float in Macy’s Parade

Holland America Line revealed that it will debut a brand-new float in the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, November 27, 2025.

Zodiac Maritime Orders Five 6,000 TEU Containerships

Zodiac Maritime returns to the shipbuilding market with an order for five 6,000 TEU containerships in China, a deal valued at nearly $400 million

Carnival Expands 2027-28 Cruises From South Florida

Carnival Cruise Line unveils new 2027-28 sailings from Miami and Port Canaveral, highlighting the relocation of the Carnival Venezia to Florida.

MedCruise General Assembly Opens in Šibenik, Croatia

The 67th MedCruise General Assembly officially began yesterday, September 30th, in Šibenik, Croatia, according to a recent press release.

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