Disney Signs 15-Year Agreement for Preferred Access at Icy Strait Point

Disney Signs 15-Year Agreement for Preferred Access at Icy Strait Point

Disney Cruise Line and Huna Totem Corporation have signed a 15-year agreement securing preferred weekly access at Icy Strait Point, ensuring Disney Cruise Line guests will continue visiting the Indigenous-owned Alaska destination through at least 2041, the company said in a press release.

“Icy Strait Point has been a valued part of our Alaska itineraries for nearly a decade, offering Disney Cruise Line guests an opportunity to experience the natural beauty, wildlife and rich cultural heritage of Hoonah and the broader Southeast Alaska region,” said Jose Fernandez, vice president of port strategy, development and operations at Disney Cruise Line.

The agreement provides Disney Cruise Line preferential docking at Icy Strait Point for one vessel each week and includes a minimum annual passenger guarantee.

Disney Cruise Line expanded its Alaska presence in 2026 to two ships, with select seven-night itineraries aboard the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder featuring calls at the destination.

Situated on the shores of Hoonah, Icy Strait Point is owned and operated by Huna Totem Corporation, an Alaska Native corporation representing more than 1,850 shareholders with Indigenous ties to Glacier Bay.

The destination is the largest employer in Hoonah and has welcomed over four million cruise travelers since opening in 2004.

“Disney Cruise Line has been an important part of the Icy Strait Point story for nearly a decade, and we’re grateful to build on that relationship through this agreement,” said Howard Sherman, Huna Totem Tourism Group president.

“Each Disney Cruise Line visit helps support local jobs, businesses and economic opportunity in Hoonah.”

 

TUI Welcomes Mein Schiff 4’s New Captain Adam Swietlik

TUI Welcomes Mein Schiff 4’s New Captain Adam Swietlik

TUI Cruises promoted Captain Adam Swietlik as the Captain of the Mein Schiff 4.

In a LinkedIn post, the company said: “Swietlik has been part of the TUI Cruises family since 2014 and has taken on various responsible positions within our fleet during this time,  most recently as Staff Captain for several years.”

The company said that Swietlik succeeds Captain Panos Varotsos, and that with more than 20 years of experience at sea and his team-oriented leadership style, he brings the best prerequisites for his new role.

“We wish Swietlik and his crew onboard Mein Schiff 4 all the best, much success and always a hand’s breadth of water under the keel,” TUI Cruises stated.

According to Schiffe Und Kreuzfahrten, Swietlik joined Celebrity Cruises in spring 2010 and, in 2014, moved to TUI Cruises. He worked at the company for five years and was then promoted to Staff Captain in 2019. Świetlik officially assumed command of the vessel on July 19, 2026.

According to the article, Swietlik will first sail the Mein Schiff 4 in the Adriatic Sea.

The ship is currently operating seven-night roundtrip cruises from Trieste, Italy, with visits to ports across Italy, Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, and Slovenia. The seasonal program will continue until October.

Swietlik will be the third new TUI Cruises captain brought on in 2026. At the beginning of the year, Kira Schikorr steered the Mein Schiff 6 in Asia for the first time, and Alexander Orendt first captained the Mein Schiff 3 from Bremerhaven.

The company said that the promotions are due, among other things, to the growth of the Mein Schiff fleet.

Viking Reveals Names of Its Next Two Ocean Ships

Viking Reveals Names of Its Next Two Ocean Ships

Viking recently revealed that its next two ocean newbuilds will be called the Viking Leda and the Viking Vega.

Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard, the 998-passenger ships will join the company’s fleet, respectively, in late 2028 and mid-2029.

As previously announced, Viking is also set to take delivery of three ships between 2026 and 2028, including the Viking Libra, the Viking Astrea and the Viking Lyra.

The Viking Leda is scheduled to enter service in December 2028, kicking off a winter schedule in the Mediterranean.

According to published deployment, the vessel will offer a series of eight- to 16-day itineraries departing from Greece, Italy and Spain.

The cruises sail to destinations in the Aegean, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, including the Greek Islands, the French Riviera and Morocco.

The Viking Vega is set to debut in June 2029, welcoming its first guests in the Mediterranean.

After offering itineraries in Southern Europe, the vessel is scheduled to reposition to the British Isles in mid-July 2029.

Highlights of the ship’s inaugural season include cruises departing from ports in Italy, Spain, Norway and the United Kingdom, such as Civitavecchia, Barcelona and Bergen.

The Leda and the Vega will be the 17th and 18th ocean ships built for Viking at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy.

The 47,000-ton vessels will feature a design similar to the Viking Star, which was the first newbuild introduced by the company in 2015.

In addition to the two ships, Viking’s current orderbook includes nine other vessels, with deliveries scheduled between 2026 and 2031.

Before welcoming the Leda and the Vega, the company is taking delivery of the industry’s first hydrogen-powered ships.

Set to be delivered in 2027 and 2028, respectively, the Viking Astrea and the Viking Lyra will be able to operate with zero emissions using a new technology that relies on containerized fuel.

Viking’s lineup also includes two additional expedition ships, which will join the Viking Octantis and the Viking Polaris in 2030 and 2031.

Duffy: 65 Original Destiny Crew Members Still with Carnival

Duffy: 65 Original Destiny Crew Members Still with Carnival

Thirty years after the ship’s debut, 65 crew members from the delivery team of the original Carnival Destiny, which entered service in 1996, are still working with Carnival Cruise Line.

“I think that says a lot about the Carnival family, the culture and our leaders,” the company’s President Christine Duffy said.

Speaking at the steel-cutting ceremony of the new Carnival Destiny, Duffy said that many crew members who started their careers on the 101,000-ton ship now hold leadership positions.

“Many started in entry-level positions and have grown their careers across the fleet and in our headquarters offices,” she continued.

Three Deck Officers who were part of the Destiny’s first bridge team are now Captains in Carnival’s fleet, while two Technical Officers are now Chief Engineers.

Duffy noted that John Heald, who currently serves as Carnival’s Brand Ambassador, was also onboard as the ship’s Cruise Director.

Introducing a new design to the company’s fleet, the new Carnival Destiny is scheduled to enter service in 2029.

As the first vessel in the new Ace-class series, the 230,000-ton ship will be built at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone shipyard in Northern Italy.

With capacity for over 8,000 passengers at maximum occupancy, the new Destiny will become the largest ship in Carnival’s fleet.

While additional details of the vessel will be revealed at a later date, the company said that the ship will feature the most outward-facing areas in the company’s fleet.

The new Destiny will also feature a dining, beverage and entertainment lineup that is more than 70 percent new.

Two additional Ace-class ships are set to be built by Fincantieri, with deliveries scheduled for 2030 and 2031.

Carnival is also building two additional Excel-class ships, the Carnival Festivale and the Carnival Tropicale, at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany. The 183,900-ton sister ships are scheduled to enter service in 2027 and 2028, respectively.

Wartsila and Carnival Extend Collaboration with Lifecycle Agreement

Wartsila and Carnival Extend Collaboration with Lifecycle Agreement

Wartsila and Carnival Corporation have entered into an eight-year Lifecycle Agreement covering four cruise ships in the Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line fleets, including two newbuild vessels currently under construction.

The agreement marks the first service contract between the companies covering Carnival LNG-fueled cruise ships.

“The agreement reinforces Carnival Corporation’s ongoing commitment to operational excellence, sustainability and delivering a world-class guest experience,” said Vera Lannek, VP of strategic sourcing and asset management at Carnival.

“By working with Wartsila through a long-term lifecycle agreement, we can further strengthen the performance of the covered vessels while supporting the high standards our guests and operations depend on,” added Lannek.

“This agreement is the latest milestone in the long-standing relationship between Carnival Corporation and Wartsila,” said Andrea Morgante, VP of performance services at Wartsila Marine.

“It reflects our shared focus on ensuring high-performing cruise operations through proactive lifecycle support, data-driven insight and close technical collaboration throughout the vessel lifecycle.”

Wartsila said in a press release that under the agreement, it will provide a lifecycle maintenance solution for the vessels’ Wartsila dual-fuel engines and related equipment.

Wartsila booked the order in Q2 2026, and the Lifecycle Agreement provides long-term lifecycle support focused on optimizing asset performance throughout the vessel lifecycle.

The scope of the agreement includes:

• Planned and unplanned maintenance support
• Spare parts supply and logistics
• Major engine overhauls
• Remote monitoring and condition-based maintenance
• Technical audits and performance reviews
• Advisory services
• Crew training, and
• Performance management through agreed KPIs and a performance-based framework.

 

According to the press release, the agreement also provides Carnival with a lifecycle partnership focused on maintaining fleet reliability, increasing asset availability and optimizing total cost of ownership across the covered vessels.

Its performance-based structure also aligns the companies around measurable operational outcomes, including lower unscheduled maintenance costs and fewer unplanned stops.

Barcelona Approves 24 Euro Tax for Cruise Passengers

Barcelona Approves 24 Euro Tax for Cruise Passengers

The City of Barcelona will raise its fees for cruise passengers to 24 euros per person in municipal taxes, according to a report by Metropoli Aberta.

The local news source said that the decision was approved by Barcelona’s City Council following a meeting of the Committee on Economy and Finance.

Guests staying in the city for less than 12 hours will be required to pay the increased fee, which was proposed by Mayor Jaume Collboni earlier this year.

The initiative will triple the current tax, an increase that was originally set to be applied gradually through 2029.

While the immediate increase was green lit by local authorities, it is expected to be enacted into law following the upcoming fiscal ordinances meeting, scheduled for the end of the year.

A supporter of the measure was quoted as saying that cruise tourism is currently unsustainable for Barcelona, impacting the day-to-day life of the city’s neighborhoods.

Representing the BComú political party, Marc Serra said that the change serves as a tool to send a message to cruise lines, pushing them to “seek other destinations.”

The increase is also expected to incentivize homeporting operations, reducing the number of port of call guests arriving in the city onboard cruise ships.

In addition to paying the 24- Euro municipal fee, passengers will also pay an additional 6 euros in regional taxes.

Barcelona has also been reportedly discussing limiting the number of cruise guests arriving in the city, considering an annual cap of 3.5 million passengers.

As previously reported by Cruise Industry News, the city approved a plan to reduce the number of cruise terminals in its port.

In an effort that also aims to modernize the city’s infrastructure, three cruise terminals are expected to be demolished to make room for a newer and larger facility.

Cunard Reveals Plans for Queen Victoria Transformation

Cunard Reveals Plans for Queen Victoria Transformation

Cunard has unveiled its plans for an extensive transformation of the Queen Victoria, with the ship set to emerge from drydock this autumn with refreshed signature spaces.

Other modifications include Cunard Grills suites and the introduction of The Pavilion Wellness Café.

Katie McAlister, president of Cunard, said: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to refine the experiences and spaces the Queen Victoria offers, with every decision approached with deep respect for the heritage and charm that make her who she is.”

“From the Grand Lobby to the Queen’s Room, every detail has been thoughtfully considered to ensure the Queen Victoria continues to deliver the timeless luxury she is known and loved for. We can’t wait to welcome guests back onboard to experience these beautiful enhancements for themselves,” added McAlister.

Cunard stated in a press release that the ship will enter drydock at Damen Shiprepair in Rotterdam from October 17 to November 5, 2026.

The ship’s signature spaces will each be revitalized, with a refreshed Grand Lobby to enhance the sense of arrival.

The iconic Queens Room will also be reimagined, ensuring it sets the scene for Cunard’s signature Afternoon Tea, live music and Gala Evenings.

Queens Grill and Princess Grill Suites will be enhanced with sumptuous furnishings, sophisticated detailing and design.

Eight additional Britannia staterooms will also be introduced, including three from a new premium category, Britannia Deluxe Oceanview, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic ocean views.

The new staterooms will go on sale from July 20 for voyages sailing from November 11, 2026.

In addition, the Queen Victoria will become the third Queen in the Cunard fleet to introduce The Pavilion Wellness Café, following its launch on the Queen Anne in 2024 and introduction on Queen Elizabeth in 2025.

The wellness-focused venue will serve breakfast, lunch and daytime dining with a menu offering plant-based cuisine alongside sustainably sourced meat, fish and dairy.

Carnival to Reveal More Details on Destiny in November

Carnival to Reveal More Details on Destiny in November

After revealing the name and initial details of the new Carnival Destiny, Carnival Cruise Line will announce more about the new ship later this year.

According to the company’s President Christine Duffy, a further announcement is scheduled for this November.

As previously reported by Cruise Industry News, the first Ace-class vessel will carry the name previously used by the 1996-built Destiny.

“It’s back (to the future) but it’s looking forward because we are very excited to cut the steel on our beautiful Carnival Destiny,” Duffy said in an interview with Carnival’s Brand Ambassador John Heald.

“The next big update will probably come in November and then we’ll be talking more about it and putting out a link for people to learn more as we go forward,” she continued.

Carnival announced the name and first details of the new ship during an event at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, on July 10, 2026.

In addition to introducing the first details of the first Ace-class ship, the gathering celebrated the partnership between the company and the shipbuilder.

According to John Heald, the event also marked the 30th anniversary of the delivery of the original Carnival Destiny.

Captain Giovanni Gallo, who brought the ship out of the shipyard for its inaugural season, was also present in Monfalcone.

“Thirty years ago, I was a young cruise director onboard… and a lot of the crew members and I will have memories of a pretty rough crossing across the Atlantic but mostly of the pride and the extraordinary pomp and circumstance that came with delivering the ship,” Heald said.

Then the world’s largest cruise ship, the 101,000-ton vessel, was the first built for Carnival by the Italian shipyard.

Fincantieri later built over 15 vessels for the U.S.-based brand, including the Carnival Panorama, which was the latest Carnival newbuild delivered by Fincantieri in 2019.

Carnival and the shipyard are now working together again for the three Ace-class vessels that are set to be delivered between 2029 and 2031.

Glass Dome Installed on Royal Caribbean’s Hero of the Seas

Glass Dome Installed on Royal Caribbean’s Hero of the Seas

Meyer Turku recently installed the signature Aquahome on Royal Caribbean’s next Icon-class ship, the Hero of the Seas.

Scheduled for delivery in mid-2027, the 250,800-ton vessel is currently being built at one of the shipyards' drydocks in Turku, Finland.

According to an update shared by Meyer Turku, the 25-meter-high piece was lifted into place on June 28, 2026.

The shipyard added that the 50-meter-wide dome is the largest single-piece glass and steel structure ever lifted onto a ship.

Part of Hero’s Aquadome complex, the space will house an aquatic theater, as well as a series of restaurants, bars and lounges.

“This was already the fourth Aquadome lift. The entire operation went exceptionally well in terms of both timing and schedule,” said Elvis Kulovac, foreman of Meyer Turku’s factory logistics division.

“The prep work had been carried out carefully, and the conditions were perfect. There was virtually no wind, which is crucial for a lift of this scale. The entire process took about 24 hours, while the actual lift was completed in just a few hours,” he added.

Following the Icon of the Seas, the Star of the Seas and the Legend of the Seas, the Hero of the Seas will debut as the fourth ship in Royal Caribbean’s Icon class.

With its maiden voyage scheduled for August 2027, the 5,610-passenger ship will offer cruises departing from PortMiami.

As part of its maiden season, the vessel will operate a series of seven-night voyages to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

The itineraries include visits to a range of destinations, such as Cozumel in Mexico, Philipsburg in St. Maarten and Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.

As part of recently announced deals, Meyer Turku will build three additional Icon-class ships for Royal Caribbean through 2030.

The company is also taking delivery of three vessels from Chantiers de l’Atlantique during that timeframe, including an additional Oasis-class ship and two new Discovery-class vessels.

Turkey, Egypt Block LGBTQ Cruise Entry Over ‘Moral Values’

Jul 12, 2026 (Bloomberg) –Turkey and Egypt have blocked a cruise ship carrying more than 1,900 LGBTQ tourists from entering their ports, with the former citing a supposed threat to Turkish society.

Egyptian port authorities ordered the Scarlet Lady to turn back as it was approaching the Mediterranean city of Alexandria on Thursday, tour organizer Atlantis Events Inc’s Chief Executive Officer Rich Campbell told Bloomberg by phone.

Atlantis had added Alexandria to its itinerary after Turkey canceled scheduled stops in Istanbul and the Aegean beach town of Kusadasi.

“From a general travel perspective, I find this to be highly disturbing,” said Campbell. “The idea that a country can pick and choose who their travelers are based on any criteria – based on sexual orientation, religious beliefs or color of their skin or anything else.”

Campbell said Atlantis has organized multiple past tours to Turkey and Egypt without issue and had been given clearance to dock in Turkey in advance. Both countries are heavily dependent on tourism revenue.

The provincial government encompassing Kusadasi said in a statement that the visitors would be “at odds with the fabric of our society and moral values” and that the ship’s planned arrival “had caused significant distress.”

Campbell said Egyptian authorities did not offer the ship any reasoning. The Turkish and Egyptian tourism ministries didn’t respond to requests for comment.

Atlantis’s 11-day tour, organized with Virgin Voyages, is marketed to gay men. It touts onboard drag shows and opportunities to visit gay clubs in cities like Istanbul and Athens.

The ship set off from the Greek capital on July 5, and after turning back from Egypt moored on the island of Crete, according to tracking data compiled by Bloomberg. It will add an unplanned stop in Montenegro before returning to the original itinerary in Croatia and Venice, Campbell said.

Turkish officials have put increasing pressure on LGBTQ communities in recent years, banning pride events and shutting down advocacy groups.

In Egypt, authorities “use vague, abusive penal code provisions” to imprison LGBTQ people, Human Rights Watch said in its latest annual report.

Campbell warned that the incident could have repercussions for Turkey’s tourism industry. “Large groups will avoid it — we will avoid it,” he said. “It’s a fantastic destination and it should be friendly to all.”

© 2026 Bloomberg L.P.

Star Voyager Returning to Hong Kong in Fall 2026

Star Voyager Returning to Hong Kong in Fall 2026

StarCruises has announced that the Star Voyager will return to Hong Kong for a fall season sailing from September 30 to November 13, 2026.

Coinciding with the region’s peak travel period, the cruise line will offer two-, three- and five-night cruises sailing from Ocean Terminal, located in central Hong Kong. 

To celebrate the occasion, StarCruises is offering 30 percent off on bookings made on or before August 31, 2026, with the third guest cruising free on selected sailings under its Autumn Sales Promotion. 

“Hong Kong has always been one of StarCruises’ key homeports, and we are delighted to return this autumn with Star Voyager during one of the busiest holiday seasons of the year,” said Michael Goh, president of StarDream Cruises. 

“From short getaways over weekends and public holidays to longer vacations, we have curated a variety of itineraries to suit different travel preferences. Combined with the convenience of sailing from the heart of Hong Kong, guests can simply step onboard and enjoy a memorable holiday filled with great dining, world-class entertainment and exciting destinations.” 

Some of the destinations guests can explore include Xiamen and Sanya, the port city of Kaohsiung and the Penghu islands, or Okinawa, with calls at Miyakojima, Ishigaki and Naha. 

Available sailings: 

• two-night Xiamen cruises (Sept. 30; Oct. 14 and 28; Nov. 11) 
• three-night Kaohsiung & Penghu Cruises (Oct. 11) 
• three-night Sanya cruises (Oct. 25 and Nov. 8) 
• five-night Okinawa cruise 
• Miyakojima & Naha (Oct. 4 and Nov. 1) 
• Ishigaki & Naha (Oct. 18) 

 

In addition is the convenient two-night High Seas Cruise on weekends, departing every Friday at 8:00 p.m. and returning on Sunday afternoon. 

Also offered will be a special five-night one-way voyage to Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh and finally Singapore as the Star Voyager repositions for her next homeport deployment on November 15.

Semester at Sea Opens Applications for Fall 2027 Voyage

Semester at Sea Opens Applications for Fall 2027 Voyage

Semester at Sea recently opened applications for its Fall 2027 World Voyage, which will take place onboard the World Odyssey.

According to an update shared by the company, the 104-day itinerary will sail to four continents and two oceans starting on September 9, 2027.

Departing from Ijmuiden in the Netherlands, the 140th voyage will be highlighted by visits to destinations in Portugal, Morocco, Brazil, St. Helena and South Africa.

Before ending in Thailand in late December, the cruise is also scheduled to sail to additional ports in Southeast Asia and the Far East, including Sri Lanka, Singapore, Vietnam and Hong Kong.

Semester at Sea noted that the voyage will feature six days in most ports, allowing for deeper immersion in destinations.

The company said passengers will move “beyond tourism to engage with local community leaders, environmental experts and historic heritage sites.”

A seven-day visit to Cape Town is returning by popular demand, the brand continued, noting that the South African city has been consistently ranked as a favorite destination by its alumni and guests.

For the first time in recent years, the voyage will feature a visit to Singapore, which Semester at Sea said offers a unique opportunity to experience one of the world’s most sophisticated green cities.

The company also highlighted days at sea, noting that the World Odyssey is transformed into a “floating campus” for its voyages.

“Students will take comparative coursework that brings the world outside their cabin window into the classroom, led by a world-class faculty dedicated to global perspectives,” it added.

Applications for the Fall 2027 Voyage for both students and Lifelong Learners opened on July 1, 2026.

Operating for Semester at Sea as part of a charter deal, the World Odyssey usually spends summer seasons sailing for Phoenix Reisen as the Deutschland.

With Phoenix Reisen deciding not to renew its contract beyond 2026, plans for the ship’s 2027 summer season are unclear.

Originally built for Peter Deilmann in Germany, the World Odyssey entered service in 1998 before making its debut for Semester at Sea in late 2015

Aurora Expeditions’ Biggest Year Yet: New Ship, New Markets

Aurora Expeditions’ Biggest Year Yet: New Ship, New Markets

Photo Credit Spacejunkie2-Flickr https://flic.kr/ps/GkiQt

Aurora Expeditions closed out 2025 as its biggest year ever and is building on that momentum as the company recently expanded to three ships with the new Douglas Mawson, according to an interview with Chief Marketing Officer Katie Malone featured in the 2026 Expedition Report by Cruise Industry News.

There is also a charter deal with Lindblad for Alaska and a Mediterranean deployment that puts the newest vessel somewhere most polar operators don’t go.

Aurora operates the Greg Mortimer, the Sylvia Earle, and the Douglas Mawson. All three ships are part of the SunStone Infinity-class series on long-term charter deals.

The Douglas Mawson maxes out at 130 passengers for expedition cruises; however, the ship can accommodate more guests on small-ship cruises in the Mediterranean and British Isles.

The Mediterranean deployment kicks off this year with itineraries focused on storytelling.

Each sailing features a “Master Storyteller” with historians, genealogists, art experts or cultural specialists, alongside Aurora’s expedition team. Guests also receive all-inclusive “Your Choice” excursions at each port.

It’s a test of whether Aurora’s expedition DNA translates to warm-water cruising.

The company bills it as “Vantage Explorations,” distinct from traditional expedition cruising but using the same ships and operational philosophy. Aurora acquired some assets from bankrupt Vantage in 2024.

Meanwhile, the company made headlines in December 2025 when Lindblad Expeditions announced it would charter the Greg Mortimer for Alaska cruises starting in 2027.

The deal will run for three years and covers the Northern Hemisphere summer season.

That’s one-third of Aurora’s fleet capacity gone for six months a year, but Malone said not to worry.

“The Greg Mortimer will be chartered for six months during the Northern Hemisphere summer in 2027 and 2028, with an option for 2029,” Malone said. “This forms part of our long-term fleet and growth strategy, designed to optimize seasonal deployment and align all our capacity with the demand that is out there.”

With the Greg Mortimer in Alaska with Lindblad, Aurora will operate Europe, Arctic and expedition programs using the Sylvia Earle and Douglas Mawson.

The Greg Mortimer continues operating in Antarctica and other geographies outside the charter window.

The Lindblad deal solves a deployment problem, too, as it maximizes utilization without Aurora needing to build its own Alaska sales infrastructure.

Holland America Line Expands Fjord Access on 2027 Rotterdam Cruises

Holland America Line Expands Fjord Access on 2027 Rotterdam Cruises

Holland America Line has updated itineraries of five cruises aboard the Rotterdam in 2027 to give guests more chances to experience fjords.

They will include calls to Flåm and Hellesylt and access to popular fjord destinations, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Nærøyfjord and Storfjorden.

The itineraries are now open for booking and available on five seven-day cruises aboard the Rotterdam, the cruise line said in a press release.

“Northern Europe continues to be one of the most sought-after regions we sail, with fjord cruising ranking among the most desired experiences for our guests,” said Paul Grigsby, vice president of deployment and revenue planning for Holland America Line.

“By adding Flåm and Hellesylt to these itineraries, we’re giving guests even more opportunities to experience the incredible scenery, rich history and unforgettable landscapes that make this part of the world so special.”

Three departures (May 30, June 27 and Aug. 1, 2027) call at Oslo, Kristiansand, Sandnes (Stavanger) and Flåm, with the addition of scenic cruising through the Sognefjord and Oslofjord.

The departures on July 25 and Aug. 8, 2027, enable guests to visit Eidfjord, Hellesylt, Ålesund and Bergen, alongside cruising in the Hardangerfjord and Storfjorden.

This follows the brand’s announced opening of its 2027-28 Caribbean season, sailing October 2027 through March 2028.

HX Marks 130 Years Since First Polar Expedition

HX is celebrating the 130th anniversary of its first expedition voyage on July 8, 2026.

On that date in 1896, steamship DS Lofoten sailed from Hammerfest to Svalbard. It was a time when the Arctic North was barely mapped and guests landed on the icefields of Bjørnøya.

To mark the occasion, CEO Gebhard Rainer thanked the cruise line’s guests in an anniversary video message, wishing the company another 130 years of successful exploration.

“From those beginnings to today’s purpose-built expedition ships, one thing has remained constant: a passion for real exploration, led by those who know these places best,” the company said in a statement.

“This anniversary celebrates 130 years of changing the way people see the world. And while we’re proud of where we’ve been, our greatest discoveries still lie ahead.”

130 years later, the company is still sailing polar waters, bringing guests to the same glaciers that captivated the first explorers in a more sustainable manner – using Roald Amundsen, the world’s first hybrid battery-powered expedition ship.

In celebration of the anniversary, guests can select one of two offers: up to 25 percent off all-inclusive expeditions, with discounts varying by destination, or a free suite upgrade.

Four Seasons Orders Third Ship for 2031 Delivery

Four Seasons Orders Third Ship for 2031 Delivery

Fincantieri announced today that it has signed a contract with Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings, which is the joint owner/operator of Four Seasons Yacht, for the construction of a third ultra-luxury cruise ship.

Delivery of the new vessel is scheduled for 2031. It is the third ship in a new class of ultra-luxury cruise ships designed and built by Fincantieri at its Ancona shipyard. The Four Seasons I debuted earlier this year and will be followed by a sister ship in early 2028, according to the Italian shipbuilder.

The new ship will retain the same residential-style, “all-suite” concept that characterizes the first vessel in the class, the companies said.

Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and general manager of Fincantieri, stated: “This new order represents another significant step in the development of our partnership with Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings LTD, which has become a benchmark for innovation in luxury hospitality at sea. 

The decision to expand the fleet with a third vessel reflects the strength of a long-term industrial vision and confirms market appreciation for a concept that has successfully created a new segment combining luxury hospitality with advanced shipbuilding. 

Designed and built at our Ancona shipyard, the vessel further reinforces the site’s role as a Fincantieri center of excellence for the construction of ultra-luxury ships, where innovation, craftsmanship, and industrial expertise come together to deliver the highest standards of quality and refinement.”

Chief Dog Officer Boards Royal’s Legend for Maiden Season

Chief Dog Officer Boards Royal’s Legend for Maiden Season

Royal Caribbean’s next Chief Dog Officer is already onboard the new Legend of the Seas for its maiden season in the Western Mediterranean.

According to a social media update, Skipper joined the ship earlier this month ahead of the vessel’s maiden voyage.

The new Icon-class vessel is scheduled to welcome its first paying guests on July 4, 2026.

Joining Rover on the Icon of the Seas and Sailor on the Star of the Seas, the Golden Retriever will live onboard.

Described by Royal Caribbean as a “family dog” for guests and crew, Skipper was born in early February 2026 and underwent training at the company’s headquarters in Miami.

As previously reported by Cruise Industry News, Royal Caribbean’s Chief Dog Officer program is conducted in partnership with the American Humane Society.

The partnership is said to ensure top-tier care and training for the pets, which have their own tutors onboard.

According to Royal Caribbean, the initiative aims to bring joy to guests and crew through playtime with the dogs.

Skipper will be onboard the Legend of the Seas for its first commercial cruise, which will sail to destinations in Italy, Spain and France.

The seven-night inaugural voyage is scheduled to start at the Italian port of Civitavecchia, near Rome, on Saturday.

Highlights of the itinerary include visits to La Spezia, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona and Marseille, as well as two days at sea in the Mediterranean.

Spending its first summer season in Europe, the Legend of the Seas will continue to offer similar itineraries through late October.

The 250,800-ton vessel will then offer a trans-Atlantic crossing ahead of debuting in Fort Lauderdale for a series of cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

Queen Mary 2 Takes Center Stage in NYC for July 4

Queen Mary 2 Takes Center Stage in NYC for July 4

Cunard marked a landmark moment today as the Queen Mary 2, took center stage in New York Harbor for Sail4th 250, which is said to be the center piece of the United States’ 250th Independence Day celebrations.

Anchored in a prime position, the Queen Mary 2 gave guests front-row views of one of the most significant Fourth of July celebrations ever staged, featuring the largest gathering of tall ships and naval vessels ever seen in New York City.

The celebration drew national attention as NBC’s TODAY broadcast live from Queen Mary 2, with Jenna Bush Hager reporting from the ship during the historic festivities.

The day featured the International Parade of Sail, with more than 100 vessels parading through the harbor, including 47 tall ships from 20 nations, sailing from the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge past the Statue of Liberty and up the Hudson River to the George Washington Bridge.

Guests also witnessed an International Naval Review, during which a Navy vessel formally acknowledged the anchored fleet of 37 U.S. and allied naval ships. The celebrations continued with a military flypast led by the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels featuring more than 150 aircraft, including the Red Arrows, and a spectacular fireworks display lighting up the iconic Manhattan skyline.