Atlas Ocean Voyages: Two Ships in the Arctic for the First Time
For the first time, Atlas Ocean Voyages’ 2024 Arctic Season will feature two yachts instead of one, according to a press release. The World Traveller and World Navigator will sail 11 expeditions ranging from seven to 12 nights, exploring the Arctic region with departures from Tromso, Oslo, Longyearbyen, Reykjavik and Kangerlussuaq. Featured itineraries include: A…
Growth Continues for Virgin with Expanded Deployment, More Funding
$550 million in new capital has been a major win for Virgin Voyages. “That is the runway we need to grow,” said Michelle Bentubo, chief operating officer, in an interview with Cruise Industry News, who added the company is growing and will continue to grow, not only concentrating on its core North America market but…
Holland America Stacks New Booking Records During ‘Wave’ Season
Six months after recording its largest booking day, Holland America Line set a new single-day sales record on Jan. 16, 2024, according to a press release. The Jan. 16 bookings surpassed the previous record from July 11, 2023, by 18 percent, making it the biggest sales day in the brand’s 150-year history. The cruise line…
China Update: Here Are the Restart Plans for the Local Brands
While 2023 marked the return of several domestic brands in China, 2024 will see international cruise lines – and even international guests – returning to China for the first time since 2020. Cruise Industry News looks at the status and the restart plans for the brands that historically have a presence in the region. For…
Quark Expeditions Introduces Ocean Explorer to its Polar Fleet
Quark Expeditions has announced the latest addition to its fleet: the Ocean Explorer, as the former Vantage ship will enter service for the 2024-25 Antarctica season. “Going beyond in the polar regions requires the best expedition team operating the best ships,” saidAndrew White, President of Quark Expeditions. “And we’ve got both. Ocean Explorer is the…
Carnival Miracle Completes 20 Years in Service
The Carnival Miracle has marked 20 years in service. Closing out Carnival Cruise Line’s Spirit Class, the vessel was delivered by the Kvaerner Masa-Yards shipyard on Jan. 17, 2004. After crossing the Atlantic with no guests onboard, the Miracle officially launched service from Jacksonville on Feb. 27, 2004. Before kicking off a spring program from…
AIDAsol Arrives in Mauritius; Begins Last Leg of World Tour
AIDA Cruises’ AIDAsol arrived in Port Louis, Mauritius on Friday, Jan.19, starting the last leg of its world cruise. Having sailed on October 2023 when it departed from Hamburg, the AIDAsol has so far crossed each of the major oceans once during this world voyage. Mauritius serves as the last port of transfer for guests…
Oceania: Upper Premium Niche
Oceania Cruises is defined by three brand pillars, according to Frank A. Del Rio, president: Number one is having the finest cuisine at sea, number two is the curated travel experience, and number three is the mid-sized upper-premium market ships. “We created a niche,” Del Rio told Cruise Industry News. “We never wanted to be…
Windstar’s First-Ever Med Winter Sailings Exceed Expectations
After launching its first-ever winter cruise season in the Mediterranean this year, Windstar Cruises’ decided to keep the Star Legend sailing in the region for another winter season, according to a press release. Due to increased demand for winter Mediterranean sailings, the cruise line will be launching five new itineraries for 2025, plus special holiday…
Fincantieri: Expansion Strategy
Fincantieri’s business plan covers both newbuildings and conversions and upgrades, according to Andrew Toso, senior vice president, Fincantieri Services. Although they are two distinct activities, he said, they are complementary, ensuring the continuity and expansion of the cruise fleets. While cruise operators continue to invest in new ships, existing ships can remain competitive and attractive…
Tokyo: A Treasure Trove of Endless Excitement
In March 2023, Japan reopened its ports to international cruise ships. Ever since, one after another, cruise ships have been calling at the Port of Tokyo and countless people have experienced the allure of Tokyo first-hand. The Tokyo International Cruise Terminal, which opened in 2020, offers easy access to Haneda Airport and Narita Airport, making…
MSC Cruises: ‘Investing More’
2024 will be about building up in the North American market and the return of China, said Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises. “We are investing more in North America,” he said, pointing to the Meraviglia’s program year-round out of New York, the Magnifica sailing short cruises out of Miami, and the expansion of Ocean…
Seajets Poised to Start Cruise Line
Seajets appears to be preparing to start its own cruise operation as the Greek ferry company currently owns four cruise ships which are laid up in Greece. With the former Veendam (now the Aegean Majesty), P&O Oceana (now the Queen of Oceans), Costa Magica (now the Mykonos Magic) and Majesty of the Seas (now the…
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas to Feature Chief Dog Officer
The new Icon of the Seas will feature a Chief Dog Officer when it enters service later this month. According to Royal Caribbean International’s social media profiles, the golden retriever will live onboard while serving as “family dog” of Icon’s crew. The new crew member, Rover, boarded the ship in Puerto Rico, along with its…
Great Lakes Cruising: Variety of Attractions
“Great Lakes destinations provides a variety of opportunities for cruise lines to develop unique itineraries. Starting with transiting the locks along the St. Lawrence Seaway and St. Mary’s River and visiting up to 35 destinations in the five Great Lakes,” said Rebecca Yackley, director, Office of Trade and Economic Development, Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway…