Effective January 19, 2019, Disney Cruise Line will raise its recommended gratuity guidelines. The new recommended gratuity rate is $13.50 per passenger/per day based.

“The recommended increase is $0.50 per passenger/per day for the Dining Room Service Team and Stateroom Host/Hostess. The total recommended gratuity is $13.50 per passenger/per day based. Total gratuity is based on the length of the cruise.”

The exact timing of when the change goes into effect depends on the exact sailing and ship.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. announced an order for a new ship for Regent Seven Seas Cruises.  The new vessel will be a sister ship to Seven Seas Explorer. The ship will be designed and built by Fincantieri S.p.A. for delivery in late 2023.

Accommodating up to 750 guests, the new ship will be Regent's sixth-all-suite vessel. Details regarding her itineraries, accommodations, dining venues, amenities and onboard experiences will be revealed leading up to her 2023 debut. Voyages for the ship’s inaugural season will go on sale in 2021.

On January 10th, the Norwegian Gem became the 10th ship of the modern Norwegian Cruise Line fleet to cross the Panama Canal, visiting 10 new port cities during that sailing.

“We are very excited to showcase another one of our incredible ships on the West Coast, offering guests there a chance to experience our fleet and enjoy the freedom and flexibility that comes with cruising Norwegian,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line.

Luxury cruise line Oceania Cruises announced it has ordered two new cruise ships that will be ready in 2022 and 2025.

Nearly 500 passengers on Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas became sick on their cruise following an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness.

As a result of the incident, Royal Caribbean decided to cancel the remainder of the sailing and return the ship to port a day early. Royal Caribbean indicated passengers are getting a full refund.