Wartsila and Carnival Extend Collaboration with Lifecycle Agreement

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

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 Newsthe 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.

Star Voyager Returning to Hong Kong in Fall 2026

Star Voyager Returning to Hong Kong in Fall 2026

StarCruises has announced that the Star Voyager will return to Hong Kong for a fall season sailing from September 30 to November 13, 2026.

Coinciding with the region’s peak travel period, the cruise line will offer two-, three- and five-night cruises sailing from Ocean Terminal, located in central Hong Kong. 

To celebrate the occasion, StarCruises is offering 30 percent off on bookings made on or before August 31, 2026, with the third guest cruising free on selected sailings under its Autumn Sales Promotion. 

“Hong Kong has always been one of StarCruises’ key homeports, and we are delighted to return this autumn with Star Voyager during one of the busiest holiday seasons of the year,” said Michael Goh, president of StarDream Cruises. 

“From short getaways over weekends and public holidays to longer vacations, we have curated a variety of itineraries to suit different travel preferences. Combined with the convenience of sailing from the heart of Hong Kong, guests can simply step onboard and enjoy a memorable holiday filled with great dining, world-class entertainment and exciting destinations.” 

Some of the destinations guests can explore include Xiamen and Sanya, the port city of Kaohsiung and the Penghu islands, or Okinawa, with calls at Miyakojima, Ishigaki and Naha. 

Available sailings: 

  • two-night Xiamen cruises (Sept. 30; Oct. 14 and 28; Nov. 11) 
  • three-night Kaohsiung & Penghu Cruises (Oct. 11) 
  • three-night Sanya cruises (Oct. 25 and Nov. 8) 
  • five-night Okinawa cruise 
  • Miyakojima & Naha (Oct. 4 and Nov. 1) 
  • Ishigaki & Naha (Oct. 18) 

In addition is the convenient two-night High Seas Cruise on weekends, departing every Friday at 8:00 p.m. and returning on Sunday afternoon. 

Also offered will be a special five-night one-way voyage to Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh and finally Singapore as the Star Voyager repositions for her next homeport deployment on November 15.