Ports
Carnival Freedom makes its first call at Valletta
Carnival Freedom called at Malta for the first time on 15 October, during an eight-night Western Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona that also visited Marseille, Livorno, Civitavecchia and Naples. Valletta Cruise Port says it is the fifth Carnival ship to visit Malta. The ship came to Europe in September for a drydock at Chantier Naval de Marseille, which included a new funnel, and returns to short Bahamas cruises from Florida in November.
Source: Cruise Industry News ↗ · 22 Oct
Cruise lines
Aroya Cruises begins its first Mediterranean winter, sailing from Istanbul
Aroya Cruises, the Saudi-based line that is part of Cruise Saudi, has started its first Mediterranean winter season with its single ship, the 3,362-passenger Aroya. The ship is based in Istanbul and sails six- to eight-night voyages to and from Alexandria, calling at ports including Bodrum, Mykonos, Kotor and Valletta. It moves to Jeddah for a Red Sea season in September 2027.
“Our first winter season in the Mediterranean is an important step in building a year-round presence in the region.”Ala Tashkandi, commercial executive director, Aroya Cruises
Source: Travel Weekly (UK) ↗ · 21 Oct
Sustainability
Norwegian Cruise Line signs up to plug into Malta's grid in port
Norwegian Cruise Line has signed a shore power agreement with Transport Malta, so its ships can connect to Malta's electricity grid while berthed. The grid will run onboard services such as lighting and air conditioning, so ships can switch off the engines they would otherwise use in port. It is the fourth shore power deal Transport Malta has signed.
Source: Engine (engine.online) ↗ · 16 Oct
Ships
MSC World Asia will bring an Eataly restaurant to the Mediterranean in December
MSC Cruises' new flagship, MSC World Asia, will have an Eataly restaurant when it starts Mediterranean cruises on 4 December 2026. It will be the second Eataly at sea, after MSC World America, with show cooking, an outdoor terrace and a wine cellar where guests can choose a bottle. The ship's seven-night routes call at Barcelona, Marseille, Messina, Civitavecchia, Naples and Valletta, and passengers can join at several of these ports.
“Exceptional food and hospitality are at the heart of the experience we create for our guests.”Gianni Onorato, CEO, MSC Cruises
Source: MSC Cruises press area ↗ · 15 Oct
Cruise lines
Star Clippers adds Barcelona, Valletta and Las Palmas as home ports for 2028
Sailing-ship line Star Clippers will start voyages from Barcelona, Valletta and Las Palmas in summer 2028. The Barcelona sailings bring back the French ports of Sète, Port-Vendres and Cassis after ten years away. Cassis accepts only seven ships a season. A new 10-night Royal Clipper voyage from Valletta to Rome's port calls at Gozo, Lipari, Trapani, Agropoli and Sorrento.
Source: Travel Weekly (UK) ↗ · 14 Oct
Cruise lines
Norwegian Aura arrives early, adding two extra Mediterranean sailings
Norwegian Cruise Line's largest ship so far, Norwegian Aura, is now expected to be delivered early and will start sailing on 2 May 2027. Two new voyages have been added: a 10-day trip from Trieste to Athens (Piraeus), and a nine-day return from Athens to Trieste from 12 May. The ship then sails from Trieste to Barcelona from 21 May, via Valletta, Salerno and Civitavecchia, before crossing to Miami for the Caribbean.
“The early delivery of Norwegian Aura allows us to welcome guests aboard sooner than expected”Gary Anslow, NCL vice-president for the UK, Ireland, Middle East and Africa
Source: Travel Weekly (UK) ↗ · 12 Oct