Latest news with #CruiseLinesInternationalAssociation
Yomiuri Shimbun
2 days ago
- Business
- Yomiuri Shimbun
1st Newly Built Asuka Cruise Ship in 34 Years Unveiled as More Companies Invest in Building Cruise Ships
The Asuka III, NYK Line's first new passenger ship in 34 years, is set to go into service on July 20, becoming part of a two-ship fleet for the company alongside the active Asuka II. NYK Line unveiled the interior of the Asuka III to the press on July 11. The ship weighs 52,265 gross tons, 230 meters long and can accommodate 740 passengers. It boasts an outdoor pool, a casino and six restaurants, and all 381 staterooms include balconies providing ocean views. As part of decarbonization efforts, the ship's fuel system allows for the use of liquefied natural gas, which emits fewer greenhouse gases, in addition to conventional heavy and light oils. On its maiden voyage, the ship will embark on a seven-day tour, visiting Hakodate and Otaru in Hokkaido. The travel fare, for two people sharing a room, ranges from ¥984,000 to ¥4,786,000 per person. 'We aspire to be the flagship of Japan's cruise industry,' Captain Hisashi Kogue said during the preview event on July 11. NYK Line's primary businesses is cargo logistics, such as transporting automobiles and raw fuel. However, the company's outlook is uncertain due to disruptions from U.S. tariff measures and concerns about economic slowdown. To diversify its revenue sources, the company aims to strengthen its cruise ship business. According to the Cruise Lines International Association, the number of global cruise passengers reached a record high of 34.6 million in 2024, a 9% increase from the previous year. It predicts this number will approach 40 million by 2027. The Japanese market is relatively small, with only 224,000 passengers in 2024. However, the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry has set a goal of reaching 1 million passengers by 2030. As cruise ship businesses are expected to experience increased demand both domestically and internationally, companies are focusing their efforts on this sector. In March, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. announced the purchase of a cruise ship from a U.S. passenger ship company, with plans to commence operations in the second half of 2026. The company also plans to invest about ¥100 billion to build two cruise ships, with the first slated for completion around 2027. Oriental Land Co. aims to commence cruise ship operations by the end of fiscal 2028. The company's long-term management strategy, announced in April, also revealed a plan to consider launching a second ship. 'Unlike theme parks, cruises have no land constraints,' said President Wataru Takahashi. 'We want to leverage our strength, which is the power of Disney, to provide enjoyment to our customers,' he added, indicating his intention to establish the cruise ship business as a growth pillar.
Toronto Star
7 days ago
- Toronto Star
Cruising is more popular than ever. Here's your expert guide, from scoring a good deal to booking better shore excursions
Cruising has its avid fans, people who praise the simplicity of going from port to port without unpacking, or the ease of multi-generational travel when there's entertainment for all. And the cruise-curious are also getting on-board: According to the State of the Cruise Industry Report 2025 from the Cruise Lines International Association, the number of first-time cruisers is growing. Over the past two years, 31 per cent of cruisers have been new-to-cruise — up from 24 per cent in 2019. Read on for your practical guide to navigating these waters if you've never sailed before. Consider the ports. 'Choosing the right destination is crucial. When we cruised with another family, we chose a sailing out of San Juan, Puerto Rico, because of the fantastic itinerary: British and U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Lucia, Barbados and Antigua. The stops offered a diversity of landscapes and activities, with the right amount of beach time and adventure for four teenagers between two families. For us, the ship's amenities were less important than the stops, but they could be a deciding factor for families with young children looking to engage littles on-board with kid's camps, a water park and nightly entertainment.' — , travel writer
Daily Mirror
04-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Major European city confirms 'drastic' 6,000 tourist cap to control numbers
An insatiably popular city on the French Riviera has revealed it is clamping down on over-tourism with a bold cap on cruise passengers - in a huge blow to UK holidaymakers A popular EU hotspot is clamping down on over-tourism after unveiling a brutal visitor cap. Every year, around three million tourists flock to the ultra-chic city of Cannes, lured in by its golden sandy beaches, designer shops, and A-list-studded film festival. The influx is largely attributed to cruise passengers travelling through the French Riviera, who get dropped off in huge crowds for day-trips. In fact, in 2024, a staggering 460,000 cruise passengers flocked to Cannes - resulting in concerns of pollution and overcrowding, as well as straining local amenities for permanent residents. However, in a major crackdown confirmed by the council - this could all soon change. Starting next year, a maximum of 6,000 cruise passengers will be allowed to disembark in Cannes per day. The number of mega ships carrying more than 5,000 passengers will also be cut by 48 per cent, with a long-term aim of banning all vessels carrying more than 1,300 people by 2030. The harsh limit follows in the footsteps of the nearby city of Nice, which vowed to ban ships more than 190m long and with a capacity of more than 900 passengers from docking in its port, as well as the neighbouring Villefranche-sur-Mer from next summer. However, authorities have since backtracked on the ruling, now permitting ships carrying up to 2,500 people to dock in Villefranche-sur-Mer, but only one at a time, with a cap of 65 per year. According to EuroNews, cruise operators have criticised the move in Cannes - arguing such restrictions are 'damaging' to tourist destinations and holidaymakers. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) says such a strict cap 'imposes unjustified restrictions on a sector that enables millions of people to discover the world'. The company argued that cruises 'actively contribute to the vitality of port cities' by bringing in income to the area. However, Mayor David Lisnard was quick to defend the decision and double down on the cap. "Cannes has become a major cruise ship destination, with real economic benefits," the politician said in a statement. "It's not about banning cruise ships, but about regulating, organising, setting guidelines for their navigation." As reported by the Express, Mayor Lisnard has already imposed an environmental charter on cruise companies back in 2019. Back then, he threatened to block passenger excursions if they failed to comply. Other popular cities including Venice, Barcelona and Amsterdam have also capped cruise ships in recent years - following a string of anti-tourist protests that have erupted across the continent. While it puts the future of Brits' cruise holiday into jeopardy - it's likely the move will be well received by fed-up locals, who have long demonstrated against overcrowding and spikes in holiday rentals.
STV News
01-07-2025
- General
- STV News
Father jumps off Disney cruise ship to save daughter who fell overboard
Disney cruise ship crew rescued a father and daughter who fell into the water during a cruise between the Bahamas and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It has been reported the father was taking a photo of his daughter against a railing on the fourth deck when she fell into the water. Witnesses say the man then jumped into the water himself to rescue the girl. A man overboard signal was quickly heard and crew members ventured into the water on a small boat to rescue the pair by pulling them onto the vessel, as passengers could be herd cheering. Passengers on board the cruise ship describe what they saw. 'The ship was moving quickly, so quickly, it's crazy how quickly the people became tiny dots in the sea, and then you lost sight of them,' passenger Laura Amador said. One other described the father looking tired after treading water with his daughter for so long. The incident took place on the last day of the cruise, as the ship was returning from the Bahamas to Fort Lauderdale. Footage filmed by passengers shows the moment the small boat rescued the father and daughter. Disney has released few official details about the incident but praised the quick work of their crew members in a statement. 'The Crew aboard the Disney Dream swiftly rescued two guests from the water,' a Disney Cruise Line spokesperson said. 'We commend our Crew Members for their exceptional skills and prompt actions, which ensured the safe return of both guests to the ship within minutes.' It is rare for passengers to fall overboard from cruise ships and data from the Cruise Lines International Association shows the number of incidents is falling. It remains the case however that when passengers do fall overboard they are rarely rescued. In 2019, 25 people fell overboard, but only nine were recovered. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
ITV News
01-07-2025
- ITV News
Father jumps off Disney cruise ship to save daughter who fell overboard
Disney cruise ship crew rescued a father and daughter who fell into the water during a cruise between the Bahamas and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It has been reported the father was taking a photo of his daughter against a railing on the fourth deck when she fell into the water. Witnesses say the man then jumped into the water himself to rescue the girl. A man overboard signal was quickly heard and crew members ventured into the water on a small boat to rescue the pair by pulling them onto the vessel, as passengers could be herd cheering. Passengers on board the cruise ship describe what they saw. "The ship was moving quickly, so quickly, it's crazy how quickly the people became tiny dots in the sea, and then you lost sight of them," passenger Laura Amador said. One other described the father looking tired after treading water with his daughter for so long. The incident took place on the last day of the cruise, as the ship was returning from the Bahamas to Fort Lauderdale. Footage filmed by passengers shows the moment the small boat rescued the father and daughter. Disney has released few official details about the incident but praised the quick work of their crew members in a statement. "The Crew aboard the Disney Dream swiftly rescued two guests from the water," a Disney Cruise Line spokesperson said. "We commend our Crew Members for their exceptional skills and prompt actions, which ensured the safe return of both guests to the ship within minutes." It is rare for passengers to fall overboard from cruise ships and data from the Cruise Lines International Association shows the number of incidents is falling. It remains the case however that when passengers do fall overboard they are rarely rescued. In 2019, 25 people fell overboard, but only nine were recovered.
