After four years darkened by the COVID pandemic and recovery, the cruise industry is emerging into the light, participants in the State of the Industry debate told an overflow audience at Seatrade Cruise Global on Tuesday.

Coral Expeditions’ 120-passenger Coral Adventurer underwent a major upgrade with its hull coated with XGIT-FUEL and its propellers with XGIT-PROP.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings placed the largest newbuild order in its history — eight ships for three brands — at Fincantieri, and confirmed a two-berth pier at Great Stirrup Cay.

Chantiers de l'Atlantique cut steel for Accor's 120-passenger luxury sailing superyacht Orient Express Corinthian, set for 2026 delivery.

Ponant is collaborating with start-up Farwind Energy to develop solutions for ship refueling with renewable hydrogen. 

Carnival Corp. & plc is equivocal on a possible second newbuild in 2028 but said any additional capex from recent orders won't deter a return to investment grade status.

Carnival Corp. & plc ordered a fifth Excel-class ship for Carnival Cruise Line with delivery from Meyer Werft set for 2028.

Global energy company Eni, Fincantieri and RINA are partnering to develop joint projects to decarbonize the maritime sector in the medium- to long-term with the goal of net zero by 2050.

Exploris One was equipped with a complete hybrid network solution from Marlink during its refit in Valparaiso, Chile to ensure seamless, secure connectivity in isolated areas.