Viking Announces Discovery of New Penguin Colony in Antarctica
Viking announced its expedition team supported the discovery of a new colony of chinstrap penguins not previously known to science on Diaz Rock, near Astrolabe Island, in Antarctica, according to a press release. The finding took place in January 2024 when the Viking Octantis visited Astrolabe Island located in the Bransfield Strait of the Trinity…
SES Providing More Connectivity for the Lady Ships
Virgin Voyages and SES Networks recently rolled out a new connectivity system for guests and crew, meaning those onboard will benefit from SES’ medium earth orbit (MEO) satellites combined with Starlink’s low earth orbit (LEO) system and the newly launched SES Cruise mPOWERED + Starlink PRO system. “More than anything, this allows us to offer…
Navigator of the Seas to Enter Drydock in Asia
The Navigator of the Seas is currently sailing towards Asia for a routine drydock. After leaving Los Angeles in February, the Royal Caribbean International ship recently visited South Korea on its way to Singapore. Upon arriving in Southeast Asia, the 2002-built vessel is expected to undergo a two-week drydock at a local shipyard. In addition…
Journey Kicks Off Celestyal’s 2024 Season in the Eastern Mediterranean
The Celestyal Journey kicked off Celestyal Cruises’ 2024 season in the Eastern Mediterranean on Saturday. After completing a charter in late February, the vessel welcomed guests for a seven-night cruise to the Adriatic Sea. Sailing roundtrip from Piraeus, the cruise features visits to a total of six destinations in Italy, Greece, Croatia, and Montenegro, including…
Crystal Announces New Dates for 2024 Chairmen’s Cruise
Crystal announced a new date for the Crystal Chairmen’s Cruise, now sailing Nov. 14-24, 2024, aboard the Crystal Symphony from Venice to Athens, according to a press release. Guests will have the opportunity to sail alongside A&K Travel Group Executive Chairman, Manfredi Lefebvre, and Founder & Chairman Emeritus of Abercrombie & Kent, Geoffrey Kent. The…
NCLH: Measured Cruise Capacity Growth at 28%
A key cornerstone of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ long-term strategy is measured capacity growth, said Harry Sommer, president and CEO, speaking on the company’s year-end and fourth quarter earnings call. He pointed to the company’s newbuild pipeline of five ships and its 2023 to 2028 capacity growth, which represents 28 more supply for the company’s…
NCLH: New Transformation Office Driving Cost Cutting
Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, said that the company’s strong focus on costs in 2023 will not just be a one-year exercise. “Rather, it is a cultural shift in the way our entire company looks at cost to ensure that we are operating as efficiently as possible while delivering experiences…
Norwegian Cruise Line Reports Q4 and Full Year 2023 Results
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings reported financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2023 and provided guidance for the first quarter and full year 2024. Full Year 2023 Highlights: Generated total revenue of $8.5 billion, a 32% increase compared to the same period in 2019, with GAAP net income of $166.2 million,…
Virgin Voyages Rolls Out New Improved Internet Package with SES
Virgin Voyages will deploy a new level of “Pretty Fly for a Wi-Fi” connected experiences for its guests and crew becoming the first cruise line to deploy SES Cruise mPOWERED + Starlink PRO service, according to a press release. Combining Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite coverage, the SES Cruise mPOWERED…
Viking Said to Have Filed for IPO
Viking has filed confidentially with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a IPO (initial public offering), according to multiple news reports. There were no further details available. A previous report had a $500 million IPO being discussed. Investors eyeing a Viking IPO would be investing in a dominant position in the European river cruise market,…
Royal Caribbean Increases Financial Guidance for 2024
Royal Caribbean Group today provided an update on demand and updated its 2024 guidance. The company said it continues to be very encouraged about the demand and pricing environment for 2024. Since its most recent update on its Q4 2023 earnings call, the WAVE booking season has exceeded the company’s initial expectations, with the first…
P&O Cruises UK Sees Record Bookings
P&O Cruises has reported its strongest January ever, with record-breaking sales volume during the month., according to a press release. The most popular destinations booked were the Caribbean, the Norwegian fjords and the Atlantic Islands, while P&O Cruises Iona, has seen the most interest, the company said. In addition, P&O Cruises has seen a longer…
AIDA Announces AIDA Evolution Drydock Upgrade Program
AIDA Cruises has announced the AIDA Evolution, which will be the largest modernization program to date for the company’s fleet. AIDA said the first phase of the drydock upgrade program will involve the Sphinx-class ships in 2025 and 2026, including the AIDAdiva, AIDAbella and AIDAluna. The drydocks are expected to take six weeks each. Felix…
Norwegian Joy Resumes Service Following Drydock in Europe
The Norwegian Joy is back in service following a major refurbishment. After completing the enhancement at Damen, the Norwegian Cruise Line vessel welcomed guests back in Southampton, England on Feb. 13, 2024. Currently cruising in the North Atlantic, the Joy is offering an 11-night transatlantic to Miami. With no ports of call, the one-way cruise…
Royal Caribbean Group Signs with Chantiers For Next Oasis Class Ship
Royal Caribbean Group announced today that it has entered into an agreement with French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique to order a seventh Oasis Class ship for delivery to its Royal Caribbean International fleet in 2028. “While we eagerly anticipate the debut of Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas this summer, we’re already dreaming up her…