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On the morning of September 19, 2001 American Classic Voyages Co. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The timing was cruel, but the company’s troubles had been deepening long before that terrible month of September. The collapse of American Classic…
2026 is shaping up to be another major year for new cruise ships up from 19 newbuils delivered last year, with a mix of megaships, luxury vessels, expedition ships, and coastal cruisers entering service. From billion-dollar giants to intimate yachts…
There’s something different about stepping onboard a brand new cruise ship for the very first time. Everything feels untouched, the spaces are pristine, and even the smallest details carry that unmistakable “new ship” energy. That’s exactly what I’m expecting as…
Rumors are beginning to circulate in New Hampshire about a possible return of overnight ferry service between Nova Scotia and New England, a route that has been absent from the region for two decades. According to local reporting, a representative…
Having sailed aboard Oasis of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas from the Oasis-class, as well as Quantum of the Seas, it becomes clear that Royal Caribbean was not simply scaling ships up or down. These two classes represent…
Quantum of the Seas was conceived under Royal Caribbean’s “Project Sunshine” program as a prototype for a new Quantum‑class, combining advanced naval engineering with a suite of headline-grabbing “firsts at sea,” but its radical dining experiment—Dynamic Dining—proved one of the…
Overview Oceania Cruises occupies a distinctive position between premium and luxury cruising, with a brand identity built around culinary excellence, destination rich itineraries, and mid sized ships. The line was founded in 2002 by cruise industry veterans Frank Del Rio…
My next short getaway takes me aboard Quantum of the Seas, sailing round-trip from Los Angeles. Departing from LA is always a favorite of mine. It’s one of the country’s busiest commercial ports, and watching container ships, tankers, and working…
Overview Crystal Cruises has one of the most complex ownership histories in the modern cruise industry, marked by long periods of stability followed by rapid expansion, collapse, and eventual revival. The brand was launched in 1988 under the ownership of…
The modern Regent Seven Seas Cruises story effectively began in 1992 with the launch of Radisson Diamond Cruises and the christening of the 19,000 ton, twin hull Radisson Diamond. The ship was owned by Finland based Diamond Cruise Ltd. and…
Explora Journeys is MSC Group’s entry into the ultra luxury cruise segment, created to compete directly with established luxury and lifestyle brands while offering a distinctly European perspective. Announced in 2021, the brand was developed as a standalone luxury division…
A Year of Scale, Sustainability, and Strategic Shifts The cruise industry entered 2025 on strong footing and used the year to refine rather than reinvent. After several seasons defined by recovery and headline-grabbing launches, this past year focused on scaling…
OverviewSilversea Cruises occupies a distinct position in the global cruise industry as one of the pioneers of modern ultra luxury cruising. Founded in 1994 by the Lefebvre family of Monaco, Silversea entered the market with a clear objective: to offer…
Costa Cruises is one of the oldest names in European passenger shipping, tracing its roots back to 1854 when the Costa family began transporting olive oil throughout the Mediterranean. The company entered the passenger business in the mid twentieth century…
Few names in maritime history carry the same weight as Cunard Line. Founded in 1839 by Canadian entrepreneur Samuel Cunard, the company began as a mail carrier operating steamships across the North Atlantic. Cunard quickly became synonymous with reliability, safety,…
Holland America Line represents one of the most storied brands in passenger shipping, with a heritage that stretches back more than 150 years. Founded in 1873 as the Nederlandsch-Amerikaansche Stoomvaart Maatschappij (NASM), the company began as a transatlantic steamship line…
Princess Cruises holds a unique position in cruise history, balancing innovation, global reach, and a refined yet approachable onboard style. Founded in 1965 by Stan McDonald, the line began with a single chartered ship sailing to Mexico and quickly expanded…
Celebrity Cruises: Modern Luxury at Sea Celebrity Cruises was founded in 1988 with a clear mission; to deliver a premium cruise experience that combined modern design, elevated cuisine, and attentive service. Created by the Chandris Group of Greece, the line…
Norwegian Cruise Line, or NCL, has long been recognized as one of the most forward-thinking brands in modern cruising. Founded in 1966 by Norwegian shipping magnate Knut Kloster and entrepreneur Ted Arison (yes that Ted Arison later of Carnival Cruise…
Disney Cruise Line has carved out a distinctive place in the modern cruise industry by bringing the company’s legendary storytelling and family entertainment to the ocean. Established in 1995, the line was Disney’s strategic step into cruising—a natural extension of…
MSC Cruises has grown from a regional European operator into one of the largest cruise lines in the world, combining Mediterranean heritage with an expanding global footprint. Founded in 1988 as part of the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the line…
Viking has redefined what it means to cruise with a focus on cultural immersion, minimalist design, and destination-driven itineraries. Founded in 1997 by Torstein Hagen, the company began as Viking River Cruises, operating a handful of vessels along Europe’s iconic…
Royal Caribbean International has built its reputation on scale, innovation, and bold design. Founded in 1968 by Ed Stephan and backed by a trio of Norwegian shipping companies, the line quickly distinguished itself by introducing purpose-built cruise ships at a…
Carnival Cruise Line is one of the most recognizable names in modern cruising — and for good reason. Founded in 1972 by Ted Arison, Carnival began with a single secondhand ship, the original Mardi Gras, and an unconventional marketing pitch:…
A complete, up to date, encyclopedia of all cruise lines. CruiseInd is launching a new editorial series that takes a closer look at the companies shaping today’s cruise industry. Each installment will focus on a single cruise line, offering a…