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…
Celebrity Cruises: Customer Driven
“Our customers tell us they come to us for five things – service first and foremost, accommodations, destinations, our great culinary, as well as our entertainment activities,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. “If you look at where we sit in the marketplace,” she added, “we have a very luxurious product when you…
Holland America’s 2025-26 Asia Season to Feature 50+ Ports
Holland America Line’s Asia cruise season will explore over 50 ports across 11 countries from September 2025 through April 2026, according to a press release. Itineraries onboard the Westerdam feature a strong focus on Japan with 24 different ports of call, as well as visits to Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea,…
Seven Seas Mariner Kicks Off 132-Night World Cruise
The Seven Seas Mariner is sailing from PortMiami today for Regent Seven Seas’ Navigate the World cruise. Spanning close to five months and 34,500 nautical miles, the voyage explores Central America, the West Coast and Hawaii, South Pacific Islands, Australia and New Zealand, Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and Bermuda….
Villa Vie Residential Cruise Concept Set For May Start
Villa Vie Residences is well on schedule for a May start up with its residential cruise ship concept, according to CEO Mikael Petterson. The ship is about 50 percent sold, with the average booking being 26 months, he told Cruise Industry News. The company announced the acquisition of the Braemer from Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines…
2024 Preview: Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line has a big year to look forward in 2024 with the introduction of a new ship, new itineraries and several product enhancements. Cruise Industry News looks into the most anticipated events taking place across the company over the next 12 months. Product Enhancements In late 2023, Carnival Cruise Line announced a series…
Here Are the 14 New Cruise Ships Entering Service in 2024
A total of 14 new cruise ships are set to enter service in 2024. According to data from the Cruise Industry News’ Global Cruise Ship Orderbook Report, the lineup includes a diverse selection of vessels, including mega ships, premium and luxury vessels, and more. Here’s the list of new vessels entering service through the end…