Wartsila and Carnival Extend Collaboration with Lifecycle Agreement

Posted on 21 July, 2026 by Spacejunkie2

Wartsila and Carnival Extend Collaboration with Lifecycle Agreement

Wartsila and Carnival Corporation have entered into an eight-year Lifecycle Agreement covering four cruise ships in the Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line fleets, including two newbuild vessels currently under construction.

The agreement marks the first service contract between the companies covering Carnival LNG-fueled cruise ships.

“The agreement reinforces Carnival Corporation’s ongoing commitment to operational excellence, sustainability and delivering a world-class guest experience,” said Vera Lannek, VP of strategic sourcing and asset management at Carnival.

“By working with Wartsila through a long-term lifecycle agreement, we can further strengthen the performance of the covered vessels while supporting the high standards our guests and operations depend on,” added Lannek.

“This agreement is the latest milestone in the long-standing relationship between Carnival Corporation and Wartsila,” said Andrea Morgante, VP of performance services at Wartsila Marine.

“It reflects our shared focus on ensuring high-performing cruise operations through proactive lifecycle support, data-driven insight and close technical collaboration throughout the vessel lifecycle.”

Wartsila said in a press release that under the agreement, it will provide a lifecycle maintenance solution for the vessels’ Wartsila dual-fuel engines and related equipment.

Wartsila booked the order in Q2 2026, and the Lifecycle Agreement provides long-term lifecycle support focused on optimizing asset performance throughout the vessel lifecycle.

The scope of the agreement includes:

Planned and unplanned maintenance support
Spare parts supply and logistics
Major engine overhauls
Remote monitoring and condition-based maintenance
Technical audits and performance reviews
Advisory services
Crew training, and
Performance management through agreed KPIs and a performance-based framework.

According to the press release, the agreement also provides Carnival with a lifecycle partnership focused on maintaining fleet reliability, increasing asset availability and optimizing total cost of ownership across the covered vessels.

Its performance-based structure also aligns the companies around measurable operational outcomes, including lower unscheduled maintenance costs and fewer unplanned stops.

Barcelona Approves 24 Euro Tax for Cruise Passengers

Posted on 20 July, 2026 by Spacejunkie2

Barcelona Approves 24 Euro Tax for Cruise Passengers

The City of Barcelona will raise its fees for cruise passengers to 24 euros per person in municipal taxes, according to a report by Metropoli Aberta.

The local news source said that the decision was approved by Barcelona’s City Council following a meeting of the Committee on Economy and Finance.

Guests staying in the city for less than 12 hours will be required to pay the increased fee, which was proposed by Mayor Jaume Collboni earlier this year.

The initiative will triple the current tax, an increase that was originally set to be applied gradually through 2029.

While the immediate increase was green lit by local authorities, it is expected to be enacted into law following the upcoming fiscal ordinances meeting, scheduled for the end of the year.

A supporter of the measure was quoted as saying that cruise tourism is currently unsustainable for Barcelona, impacting the day-to-day life of the city’s neighborhoods.

Representing the BComú political party, Marc Serra said that the change serves as a tool to send a message to cruise lines, pushing them to “seek other destinations.”

The increase is also expected to incentivize homeporting operations, reducing the number of port of call guests arriving in the city onboard cruise ships.

In addition to paying the 24- Euro municipal fee, passengers will also pay an additional 6 euros in regional taxes.

Barcelona has also been reportedly discussing limiting the number of cruise guests arriving in the city, considering an annual cap of 3.5 million passengers.

As previously reported by Cruise Industry News, the city approved a plan to reduce the number of cruise terminals in its port.

In an effort that also aims to modernize the city’s infrastructure, three cruise terminals are expected to be demolished to make room for a newer and larger facility.

Cunard Reveals Plans for Queen Victoria Transformation

Posted on 20 July, 2026 by Spacejunkie2

Cunard Reveals Plans for Queen Victoria Transformation

Cunard has unveiled its plans for an extensive transformation of the Queen Victoria, with the ship set to emerge from drydock this autumn with refreshed signature spaces.

Other modifications include Cunard Grills suites and the introduction of The Pavilion Wellness Café.

Katie McAlister, president of Cunard, said: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to refine the experiences and spaces the Queen Victoria offers, with every decision approached with deep respect for the heritage and charm that make her who she is.”

“From the Grand Lobby to the Queen’s Room, every detail has been thoughtfully considered to ensure the Queen Victoria continues to deliver the timeless luxury she is known and loved for. We can’t wait to welcome guests back onboard to experience these beautiful enhancements for themselves,” added McAlister.

Cunard stated in a press release that the ship will enter drydock at Damen Shiprepair in Rotterdam from October 17 to November 5, 2026.

The ship’s signature spaces will each be revitalized, with a refreshed Grand Lobby to enhance the sense of arrival.

The iconic Queens Room will also be reimagined, ensuring it sets the scene for Cunard’s signature Afternoon Tea, live music and Gala Evenings.

Queens Grill and Princess Grill Suites will be enhanced with sumptuous furnishings, sophisticated detailing and design.

Eight additional Britannia staterooms will also be introduced, including three from a new premium category, Britannia Deluxe Oceanview, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic ocean views.

The new staterooms will go on sale from July 20 for voyages sailing from November 11, 2026.

In addition, the Queen Victoria will become the third Queen in the Cunard fleet to introduce The Pavilion Wellness Café, following its launch on the Queen Anne in 2024 and introduction on Queen Elizabeth in 2025.

The wellness-focused venue will serve breakfast, lunch and daytime dining with a menu offering plant-based cuisine alongside sustainably sourced meat, fish and dairy.