MSC: Market Leader in Europe

Gianni Onorato

MSC has 17 ships in the European market, with 13 sailing in the Mediterranean and four in Northern Europe, said Gianni Onorato, CEO, in an interview with Cruise Industry News. Onorato also pointed out the new 5,400-guest World Asia, which will debut in Europe in 2026, making MSC the only brand putting new tonnage into…

Fincantieri: Underlining Its Position as Leading Shipbuilder

Luigi Matarazzo

“We have new clients. We are proud to have AIDA. We are also happy to have Marella in our orderbook with very innovative vessels coming in 2030 and 2031,” said Luigi Matarazzo, general manager of the Fincantieri Merchant Ships Division. It was a busy spring for the Italian shipbuilder, which also confirmed two more Viking…

Costa: Core Innovations

Costa Toscana

The focus at Costa is on product innovation, building on the company’s Italian product with a new shore excursion program combined with its Sea Destination initiative, said Mario Zanetti, president. Zanetti told Cruise Industry News that Sea Destinations have been a huge hit with guests. The program brings destinations alive with  programming matched to ports….

SunStone: Setting New Standards

Sylvia Earle

The biggest provider of expedition tonnage on charter deals is pushing forward with another newbuild project, while leadership changes are bringing in a new generation. Niels Erik-Lund has turned SunStone Ships over to his sons, Carsten and Christian, and resigned on July 1, 2025, staying on as a non-executive board member. “My brother and I…

Ambassador: ‘Set for Long-Term Success’

Ambition

The Ambassador Group is stronger as a result of the merger earlier this year between Ambassador and Compagnie Française de Croisières (CFC), CEO Christian Verhounig told Cruise Industry News. He said the merger will strengthens the company’s presence in the no-fly cruise market and expand its product offerings, including a new joint Caribbean fly-cruise program…

Carnival Procurement: Bringing Value to the Guest Experience

Carnival ships in Mahogany Bay

“As a global company, we are constantly collaborating across the organization, with both our internal stakeholders and vendors, exploring supply markets to bring new and innovative offerings and experiences to our guests across our eight brands and specifically when it comes to food and beverage,” Jon McKeown, chief procurement officer for Carnival Corporation, told Cruise…

Lindblad: One-Stop Shop for Adventure Travel

Lindblad National Geographic Resolution

Lindblad Expeditions is committed to continuing to grow its expedition cruise programs, but also wants to highlight its five land brands, according to Natalya Leahy, CEO. “If people love their experiences on our ships, they will also love the experiences we offer on land,” she told Cruise Industry News. “We have this amazing collection of…

Mein Schiff: Aggressive Growth

Mein Schiff Relax

With the new Mein Schiff Flow to be introduced next year, following the sister ship, Mein Schiff Relax, this spring, and Mein Schiff 7 last year, the brand is on an aggressive growth path, more than doubling its guest capacity from 2023 to 2026. With nine ships in service, Mein Schiff will have a 35.5…