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Carnival Executives Detail Latest Ship Sales

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Carnival Executives Detail Latest Ship Sales

Carnival Corporation has sold two ships this year, as the Seabourn Sojourn will be transferred to Mitsui Ocean Cruises next year, and the Costa Fortuna will sail for Margaritaville in late 2026.

“Over time, since ships get older, we will sell them to other parties,” said David Bernstein, CFO, speaking on the company’s second quarter earnings call.

“We do not feel that those parties come back to compete against us because they are generally in different marketplaces with different brands,” he continued.

Neither Bernstein nor Josh Weinstein, CEO, would comment on the sales prices of either ship, although Weinstein said it was “nicely over book value.”

“People came to us looking for ships and gave us prices that we thought were in the best long-term interest of the company,” Weinstein said.

He also explained that the Costa Fortuna’s departure from the fleet does not impact Costa’s core program in Europe, as the Serena will take its place in the market.

Aroya Set For First Season in the Mediterranean

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Aroya Set For First Season in the Mediterranean

Aroya Cruises is ready to begin its inaugural season in the Eastern Mediterranean later this month.

The Aroya recently arrived at the company’s new homeport in Istanbul after embarking on a repositioning voyage from Jeddah.

The 3,400-guest ship is now set to undergo some routine maintenance before kicking off its inaugural cruise from the Galataport on June 28, 2025.

“We’re excited to be bringing Aroya to some of the Mediterranean’s most popular cruise destinations this summer,” said Dr. Joerg Rudolph, president of Aroya Cruises.

“Aroya Cruises first set sail just six months ago, and we’re incredibly proud of all we’ve achieved so far, with passenger numbers in the Red Sea exceeding expectations. We look forward to welcoming our valued guests aboard this season,” he added.

As part of its inaugural season in the region, the Aroya will offer a series of six- and seven-night cruises in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Extending through September, the season includes two itineraries to ports in Turkey, Greece and Egypt, such as Kas, Bodrum, Marmaris, Athens, Mykonos, Rhodes, Alexandria and Souda Bay.

According to Aroya, the product blends iconic destinations with its Arabian-inspired onboard experience.

“The move to the Mediterranean marks a strategic next chapter for Aroya Cruises as it expands its itineraries and brings a taste of Arabian culture and hospitality to Europe,” the company stated in a press release.

Aroya also celebrated the successful completion of its maiden season in the Red Sea, which started in December 2024.

Sailing from Jeddah, the company welcomed more than 70,000 guests onboard for sailings that visited Egypt, Jordan and the Saudi Red Sea private island of Jabal AlSabaya for Saba Beach.

Originally in service for Dream Cruises, the Aroya was acquired by the company in late 2023 and underwent a year-long refurbishment before launching service for its new owners.

Cruise Industry Mourns Loss of Captain Geir-Arne Thue-Nilsen

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Cruise Industry Mourns Loss of Captain Geir-Arne Thue-Nilsen

The cruise industry is mourning the loss of Seabourn’s former Captain Geir-Arne Thue-Nilsen.

His wife, Juvy Thue-Nilsen, announced the news via social media on June 22, 2025.

“With deep sorrow, I share that Geir Arne has passed away peacefully. He is remembered for his kind and gentle heart, his deep love for the sea and animals, and his passion for racing,” Juvy said in the post.

“He had a warm sense of humour, and as a captain, he was both knowledgeable and deeply committed — always looking after his crew with their well-being in mind.”

A friend of the Captain, Eric Goldring, responded to the news in a post that said: “My dear, dear friend and former Seabourn Captain Geir Arne Thue-Nilsen passed away yesterday.”

“He was a captain’s captain, a beloved mentor for those wanting a seaman’s life, a teacher, the kindest of human beings, and a renaissance man without knowing it. He taught me how it should be on a ship, not by lecture, but by example. We sailed from Turkey to the British Isles to Antarctica and more. I hope I continue to do him proud.”