The Americas

USVI Open Registry Plan Resurfaces with Trump Briefing

Supporters of a proposed open ship registry for the U.S. Virgin Islands have revived plans that were initially introduced three years ago.

The US Virgin Islands

Anthem of the Seas Launches Inaugural Alaska Season

Royal Caribbean International’s cruise ship, Anthem of the Seas, is making its debut in Alaska, marking its first deployment in the region.

The Anthem of the Seas cruise ship

Holland America Expands Partnership With AWCC for 2025

Holland America reveals an expanded collaboration with the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, introducing new experiences for its 2025 season.

The Holland America Rotterdam cruise ship in front of snowy peaks

Carnival Rolls Out Digital Shore Excursion Platform

Carnival launches new digital platform designed to replace paper tickets for shore excursions, aiming to streamline check-ins and communication.

guests checking in to Celebration Key with the mobile app

Two Towboat Collisions Close Mississippi River Bridge

In just five days, two separate towboats struck the Old Highway 80 Bridge over the Mississippi River in the U.S., leading to its temporary closure

The Old Highway 80 Bridge over the Mississippi River

Sky Princess Itinerary Switched to Eastern Caribbean Route

Princess Cruises has announced a full change to the itinerary for the Sky Princess sailing which is departing on December 28th, 2025.

The bow of a Princess cruise ship

18 States Sue to Overturn Trump’s Offshore Wind Shutdown

Eighteen attorneys general have filed a federal lawsuit opposing U.S. president Donald Trump’s decision to shut down offshore wind projects.

An offshore windfarm at dusk

Rio de Janeiro Wraps Up Strong 2024-25 Cruise Season

Rio de Janeiro saw a bustling 2024-25 season, welcoming over 327,000 visitors and 36 cruise ships, according to the Pier Mauá Cruise Terminal

Aerial view of Rio de Janeiro

Tanker Collision Sends Barges Adrift on Mississippi River

The tanker Isla De Bioko collided with a group of barges being towed by the Ginny Rose, resulting in one barge sinking and six others breaking loose

A map showing the place in the river where the tanker hit the barges

US Sanctions Vessels for Allegedly Aiding Houthi Efforts

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control has imposed sanctions on three vessels for allegedly supporting the Houthis

The flag of the Marshall Islands

Ferry and Boat Collide in Florida, One Dead, Several Injured

On April 27 authorities in Clearwater reported a collision between a ferry and private boat near the Memorial Causeway Bridge resulting in a death

an aerial view of Clearwater Florida's coastline

Royal Princess Departs Australia for Alaska via Pacific

Earlier this month, the cruise ship, the Royal Princess set sail from Australia on a 33-night repositioning voyage bound for Alaska.

The Royal Princess cruise ship at sunset

Brawl Erupts at Galveston Terminal After Carnival Cruise

Chaos broke out at the Galveston Cruise Terminal when a fight erupted in the luggage pickup area after passengers disembarked from Carnival Jubilee

A Carnival cruise ship at sea

Trump Calls for Free U.S. Access to Panama, Suez Canals

U.S. President Trump has called for American ships, both military and commercial, to be granted free passage through the Panama and Suez Canals

The Panama Canal

Norwegian Bliss Sparks Emissions Concerns in Juneau

Norwegian Bliss became the first ship to arrive in Juneau for the 2025 cruise season, marking the official start of the year’s maritime tourism

Juneau Port in Alaska

Carnival Expands Heroes Tribute Lounge Across Fleet

Carnival has introduced its Heroes Tribute Lounge and Bar to 14 ships, building on the concept that was launched aboard Carnival Panorama in 2019

The Stars and Stripes

Mitsui OSK Lines to Open Strategic Office in Washington

Reflecting a shifting global landscape, Japan’s Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL), has announced plans to establish a new office in Washington, DC.

a MOL container ship

MSC World America Makes First Call to San Juan Port

The Puerto Rico government marked the maiden arrival of MSC World America with a plaque exchange ceremony at the Port of San Juan on April 15th.

The port of San Juan, Puerto Rico as seen from the ocean

CBP Seizes Heroin-Fentanyl Mix at Galveston Cruise Port

A passenger was taken into custody by CBP officers at the Galveston Cruise Port on April 20 after baggage inspection reveals nearly 72g of heroin

A vial of drugs and a syringe

14 Injured in Fire on Petrobras Platform Off Rio Coast

Fire broke out on Petrobras’ Cherne 1 platform in the Campos Basin approximately 130 Km off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, injuring 14 workers.

An offshore oil rig on fire