MSC Cruises working with airlines to 'speed up repatriation process' as US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran continue

MSC Cruises' MSC Euribia ship arrives into Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2023 (Credit: MSC Cruises)

Celestyal has cancelled four Middle East departures due to the geopolitical situation in the region while MSC Cruises has confirmed it is working with airlines to offer charter flights to speed up repatriation of its passengers.

The 1,260-passenger Celestyal Journey ship was due to welcome guests in Doha, Qatar, and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates between 7 and 16 March.

However, the line issued a statement on Wednesday (4 March), saying: "We continue to follow developments in the Middle East and remain in regular contact with the relevant authorities.

"Throughout this period, our focus has been and continues to be the safety and wellbeing of our guests and crew.

"Considering the current geopolitical situation in the region, we have taken the decision to cancel the following scheduled departures on Celestyal Journey: 7 and 14 March from Doha and 9 and 16 March from Dubai. 

"Guests impacted by the line's decision will be offered a full refund or a future cruise credit."

The line confirmed the cancellation of these sailings means the Arabian Gulf programme will now conclude. Subject to operational conditions, Celestyal Journey and sister ship Celestyal Discovery will reposition to Athens to begin their scheduled programme in the Mediterranean.

The line added: "We sincerely thank our guests and partners for their patience and understanding during this evolving situation." 

Tui Cruises, one of the three other lines with capacity currently in the Middle East, confirmed it was "continuing to monitor development in the Middle East very closely".

Its guests remain onboard Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5 and operations on both vessels continue "running normally", the German cruise brand said.

Cruises on 5 March and 9 March have been cancelled, in line with advice issued by the German Foreign Office.

A Tui Cruises spokesperson added: "The top priority is and remains the safety and wellbeing of our guests and crew.

"The Tui Cruises crisis management team is working continuously and in close coordination with the relevant authorities, the German Foreign Office, the relevant embassies, international security experts and the security teams of our shareholders, Tui AG and the Royal Caribbean Group, to continuously assess the situation and the measures to be taken as a result."

MSC Cruises working with airlines

MSC Cruises ship MSC Euribia is currently docked in Dubai. The line issued a statement on Wednesday (4 March), saying: "MSC Cruises is working continuously with airline partners in the region, particularly Emirates and Etihad Airways, to identify and secure return flights for our guests.

"We are requesting priority for our guests from our partners. At present, airlines operating flights have indicated that they will follow an order of priority based on the original flight date.

"In order to speed up the repatriation, we are working on other options such as chartering flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Muscat.

"In parallel we are in constant contact with local authorities, embassies and Foreign Offices to also support the safe return of our guests."

It added: "The situation on board remains calm. We are providing guests with regular updates on the situation. They have full access to all onboard services and facilities, and we continue to provide a high standard of care, comfort and support."

Meanwhile, a Scenic spokesperson told TTG: "Our priority at this time is supporting our guests and their travel arrangements, and we can confirm we have no ships operating in the Middle East region. Our thoughts are with the impacted communities and travellers across the region."

NCLH CFO Admits Caribbean Expansion Was Premature

NCLH CFO Admits Caribbean Expansion Was Premature

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ Chief Financial Officer Mark Kempa offered commentary on the company’s Caribbean capacity strategy, acknowledging that a 40 percent capacity increase into the region was pushed forward prematurely.

“In hindsight, it is clear that this shift was executed without the necessary enterprise-wide coordination,” Kempa told investors on the company’s fourth quarter and year-end earnings call.

“The capacity increase was premature.”

At the center of that was Great Stirrup Cay, the company’s private Bahamian island, which is undergoing a significant enhancement program.

The capacity shift happened before the opening of Great Tides water park on the island, which expected to open later this summer.

Kempa said the commercial infrastructure needed to absorb the additional capacity simply wasn’t ready.

Revenue management, sales, marketing, itinerary planning, and on-island monetization strategies were not aligned or integrated under a single cohesive operating plan.

“The individual components were moving forward, but they were not integrated under a single cohesive operating plan designed to absorb the capacity at the right yield,” he said.

Kempa said the headwinds are more pronounced than the company anticipated.

Kempa did express confidence in the long-term Caribbean strategy, pointing to strong early guest satisfaction scores at Great Stirrup Cay following the opening of a new pier, expanded pool facilities, and enhanced amenities.

“The early feedback reinforces our confidence that our investments are improving the guest experience and will drive strong returns,” he said.

Avora Residences Acquires Regent’s Seven Seas Navigator

Avora Residences Acquires Regent’s Seven Seas Navigator

Avora Residences has acquired the Seven Seas Navigator from Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

The vessel will debut in January 2028 as Avora Lumina, serving as the flagship of Avora’s residential platform designed specifically for long-term living at sea, the company said in a statement.

“Residential cruising has proven its viability,” said Mikael Petterson, Founder of Avora Residences as well as Villa Vie. “Avora Lumina represents the next evolution — purpose-built for long-duration global living, expedition capability, and a more refined residential experience.”

The transaction builds on the proven residential cruising model and strategically positions Avora between Villa Vie Residences’ contemporary residential cruise offerings and The World, according to a statement from Avora.

The ship was acquired on a nine-year charter deal with a nominal purchase option, according to a press release. It also creates a long-term operational agreement with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), according to a press release.

NCLH had previously had an arrangement to sell the Navigator to Crescent Seas, in addition to an Oceania ship, with the deal falling through.

As part of this relationship, Avora plans to preserve the operational DNA of Seven Seas Navigator wherever possible, maintaining established systems, standards and key vendor and service relationships that have defined the ship.

“Our philosophy is evolution, not disruption,” said Kathy Villalba, Co-Founder & CEO of Avora Residences. “Navigator has a soul — built through years of disciplined operations, experienced crews, and trusted relationships. We intend to honor that legacy while transforming the ship into a true long-term residential platform.”

Ahead of its 2028 launch, Avora Lumina will undergo a full residential conversion. Planned upgrades include personalization and residential enhancements, reimagined common spaces optimized for long-term living, a dedicated business and global connectivity center designed to support extended voyages.

Residences range from approximately 300 to 1,173 square feet and will feature premium finishes, expansive ocean views, and opportunities for personalization.

“These are not cruise cabins,” Petterson said. “They are designed as floating homes — primary residences that travel with their owners for years at a time.”

The Avora Lumina intends to launch from Lisbon, Portugal, embarking on a three-year continuous global circumnavigation, visiting more than 140 countries and over 400 destinations across seven continents.
The ship will remain in port for up to five days at a time.

“We are building a resident-driven global platform,” said Chris Cox, President of Avora Residences. “After the first circumnavigation, owners will help shape where Lumina sails next. That fundamentally changes the residential cruise model.”

Avora Residences will offer two ownership pathways:

• Life-of-Ship Ownership, with pricing ranging from approximately $545,000 to $4.2 million across 242 private residences
• Five-Year Ownership Program, starting at approximately $219,600, offering long-term residential access with a lower overall commitment.

 

Viking Orders Expedition Ships, More Ocean Ship Options

Viking Orders Expedition Ships, More Ocean Ship Options

Viking is continuing its growth track as the company announced it had entered into a deal to build two expedition ships for delivery in 2030 and 2031.

The two expedition ships will join the current Viking expedition fleet, the 378-guest Polaris and Octantis. The new ships will be sister vessels and be built in Italy.

At the same time, the company said it had entered into option agreements for two additional ocean ships for delivery in 2034, with an exercise date of July 30, 2028.

Viking Newbuild Orderbook:

• Viking Mira: 54,300 tons, Built in 2026, 998 passengers.
• Viking Libra: 54,300 tons, Built in 2026, 998 passengers.
• Viking Astrea: 54,300 tons, Built in 2027, 998 passengers.
• Viking Lyra: 54,300 tons, Built in 2028, 998 passengers.
• Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2028, 998 passengers.
• Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2029, 998 passengers.
• Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2030, 998 passengers.
• New Expedition Ship Order: TBD, Built in 2030; TBD passengers.
• Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2030, 998 passengers.
• Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2031, 998 passengers.
• Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2031, 998 passengers.
• New Expedition Ship Order: TBD, Built in 2031; TBD passengers.

 

Viking Newbuild Options:

• Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2032, 998 passengers.
• Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2032, 998 passengers.
• Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2033, 998 passengers.
• Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2033, 998 passengers.
• Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2034, 998 passengers.
• Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2034, 998 passengers.

 

Stornoway Port Set for Major 2026 Cruise Season

Stornoway Port Set for Major 2026 Cruise Season

Stornoway Port is preparing to welcome 89 cruise ship calls during the 2026 season, reinforcing its growing prominence as one of Scotland’s premier cruise destinations, according to a press release.

The season is expected to bring approximately 60,000 passengers to the Outer Hebrides, contributing an estimated £7.8 million to the local economy.

“The 2026 cruise season represents another major milestone for Stornoway Port, with 89 scheduled calls highlighting the continued growth in demand from international cruise operators,” said Kirsty Hutchison, cruise and marketing manager at Stornoway Port.

“The return of high-profile vessels such as Queen Anne, alongside visits from MSC Preziosa and Carnival Legend, demonstrates the strength of Stornoway’s reputation as a world-class destination.”

Among the headline arrivals in 2026 are globally recognized vessels. These include the MSC Preziosa, the Carnival Legend and Cunard’s newest flagship, the Queen Anne, which will return to Stornoway following its successful maiden visit in 2025.

The MSC Preziosa and the Carnival Legend will each bring substantial visitor numbers to the island.

Their inclusion in the schedule demonstrates sustained confidence in Stornoway’s facilities, particularly the £59 million Deep Water Terminal, which has significantly expanded the port’s ability to accommodate larger, modern cruise ships.

Hutchison said the Deep Water Terminal continues to transform what the port can offer, strengthening its ability to accommodate larger vessels and enhancing the overall visitor experience.

The port is progressing plans for the next phase of development at the terminal, alongside the ongoing development of Arnish Road, to further build capacity and resilience across the estate, she said.

MSC Poesia Enters Drydock for Major Refurbishment

MSC Poesia Enters Drydock for Major Refurbishment

The MSC Poesia recently entered drydock at the Palumbo Shipyard in Malta to undergo a major refurbishment project.

Having completed its winter season in Northern Europe, the MSC Cruises vessel arrived at the facility on Feb. 19, 2026.

As part of a modernization effort that will see all of the Musica-class ships undergoing refits, the 2008-built vessel is now set to get new features and venues.

The project includes the addition of MSC Yacht Club, the company’s ship-within-a-ship concept that will feature 62 new suites.

Guests staying in these new staterooms will take advantage of private areas including a sun deck, a restaurant and a lounge.

The MSC Poesia is also getting two new specialty restaurants: the American-style Butcher’s Cut Steakhouse and Kaito Sushi Bar.

Other areas undergoing significant changes include the MSC Aurea Spa, which will be redesigned and modernized.

The ship’s gym will be moved to a new area, where it will offer a fresh layout and state-of-the-art equipment.

Upon completing its drydock, the MSC Poesia is set to kick off a repositioning voyage to North America ahead of MSC’s first season in Alaska.

The two-part voyage starts with a trans-Atlantic crossing to PortMiami that is set to depart from the Italian port of Civitavecchia on April 6, 2026.

The 90,000-ton ship is then scheduled to offer an 18-night cruise to the Panama Canal that sails between Florida and Seattle.

Starting in early May, the MSC Poesia offers a series of seven-night cruises to destinations in Alaska and Canada.

Sailing roundtrip from Seattle, the itineraries are highlighted by scenic cruising at Tracy Arm Fjord and Inside Passage. Ports of call set to be visited include Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point and Juneau.

Following MSC’s maiden season in the region, the vessel is scheduled to reposition to Miami for longer cruises to the Caribbean and Central America during the 2026-27 winter season.

Balmoral Back in Newcastle for Four-Month Sailing Program

Balmoral Back in Newcastle for Four-Month Sailing Program

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Balmoral has started a four-month sailing program from Newcastle’s Port of Tyne.

Between February and September 2026,17 cruises will be departing from the city, with durations ranging from one‑night sailings to 14‑night explorations.

The program includes Northern Lights voyages in Arctic Norway, cruising through Norway’ s fjords, and sailings to the Baltic, Scandinavia and Iceland.

“We’re delighted to welcome our guests from the North East back on board Balmoral as she begins her programme of sailings from Newcastle,” said Doug Glenwright, guest experience director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.

“This programme offers an inspiring collection of sailings – from the chance to seek out the Northern Lights in Arctic Norway to exploring Europe’s riverside cities.”

According to the company, the first cruise of the season departed Newcastle on February 21, taking guests on a 10-night “In Search of the Northern Lights” voyage.

The Balmoral has been updated and now eatures a new rotating Colors & Tastes menu and an exclusive Chef’s Table experience.

Additionally, a refreshed entertainment program, delivered in partnership with RWS, will be rolled out from February, featuring updated daytime activities and new evening theater productions launching from mid-2026.

Sailings from Newcastle include:

In Search of the Northern Lights

This 10-night cruise departs from Newcastle on March 23, 2026, with prices starting from £1,599 per person.

Guests can experience the Arctic winter, seek out the Northern Lights in Arctic Norway, and discover Arctic culture and landscapes, from fjords to Sami traditions.

European Cities & Scenic Rivers

This 14-night cruise departs from Newcastle on April 2, 2026. Prices start from £2,099 per person.

Travelers can explore riverside cities and European waterways, including France and Portugal’s rivers and historic cities, such as Bordeaux and Lisbon, and enjoy local culture, fine wine regions and landscapes.

Exploring Iceland in Nine Nights

This nine-night cruise departs from Newcastle on May 5, 2026. Prices start from £1,699 per person.

Iceland’s mountains, geysers, and waterfalls can be discovered by going hiking and bathing in hot springs, paired with whale watching.

Norwegian Fjords in Five Nights

This five‑night cruise departs from Newcastle on August 28, 2026, with prices starting from £999 per person.

Guests can take in Norway’s landscapes from the ship, or go kayaking, or hiking in Briksdal National Park. They can also discover the geology and the Ice Age legacy at Kjenndalen glacier.

Depending on the sailing, guests who book before March 11, 2026, can get onboard spend in the amounts ranging from £25 to £150.

Okaloosa County Sets Tentative Date for SS United States Project

Okaloosa County Sets Tentative Date for SS United States Project

Okaloosa County officials are planning to sink the SS United States this April, according to a report by Fox10 News.

Set to become the world’s largest artificial reef, the former ocean liner will be sunk 22 miles west of Destin-Fort Walton Beach.

Acquired by Okaloosa in 2023, the 1952-built vessel is currently being prepared for the operation in Mobile.

The process included remediation and decontamination of all of the ship’s interior areas and outside decks.

Carried out by Coleen Marine, the project also saw the removal of the ship’s two funnels, as well as its main mast, which will be used in a future land-based museum.

According to Fox10 News, Okaloosa County has already removed all the oil and fuel that were still onboard the vessel.

“She had 200 tanks onboard, so all that fuel and oil had to be removed. What they do in that process is suck it out of there and take it to an environmentally safe area,” Nick Tomacek, Okaloosa County Public Information Officer, was quoted as saying.

Contractors removed other hazardous materials as well, including non-metal parts, ensuring the deployment is clean and not harmful to the environment it aims to benefit.

Other modifications were also made to ensure that the vessel will land upright underwater following the assisted sinking operation.

He added that final Coast Guard inspections are set to start soon, with the exact deployment date dependent on weather conditions.

“While some folks did not want to see her sink, this is the next phase of the SS United States’ life, and she’s going to be enjoyed by divers, anglers and enthusiasts for years to come,” Tomacek said.

Okaloosa County also plans to livestream the reefing event on the Destin-Fort Walton Beach YouTube channel.

Out of service since 1969, the SS United States spent most of the last three decades docked at a commercial dock in Philadelphia.

 

Ventura Enters Drydock in Rotterdam

Ventura Enters Drydock in Rotterdam

P&O Cruises’ Ventura is currently undergoing a drydock at the Damen Shipyard in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

The vessel wrapped up its regular operations in Southampton on February 7, 2026, before arriving at the facility one day later.

Following the drydock, the Ventura will then welcome guests back on February 27, 2026, to kick off a 35-night cruise to the Caribbean and the United States.

Ports of call set to be visited include Port Canaveral and Miami, as well as New Orleans, where the Ventura is expected to stay two days docked.

In the Caribbean, the Ventura will make visits to Cozumel, Freeport, Belize and Roatán, as well as Freeport in the Bahamas.

The 3,100-guest ship is also scheduled to sail to the port of La Coruña in Spain, as well as Praia da Vitória in the Azores.

In September 2025, P&O cancelled a short cruise that was set to depart soon after the drydock. As Cruise Industry News reported, the vessel was scheduled to offer a four-night cruise on February 23, 2026.

At the time, the company said that the sailing was no longer possible due to an extension to a necessary refit for the Ventura. Cruising to the Netherlands, the itinerary included an overnight call to the port of Amsterdam.

Upon returning to Southampton in early April, the Ventura offers a series of cruises in Northern Europe and the Canaries.

The schedule is highlighted by visits to a wide range of destinations, including Santander, Vigo, Zeebrugge, Funchal and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, the Ventura features a design based on Princess’ Grand-class series and entered service in 2008.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Orders Three More Ships

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Orders Three More Ships

Norwegian Cruise Line Holding today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Fincantieri for the design and construction of three new cruise ships.

The order includes one ship for each of the company’s brands: Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, with one vessel to be built as a sister ship to Oceania Sonata, one as a sister ship to Seven Seas Prestige, and one as a sister ship to the previously announced Norwegian Cruise Line newbuilds order.

All three ships will be built at Fincantieri’s shipyards in Italy and delivered between 2036 and 2037.

“Together with Fincantieri, a trusted partner for decades, we continue to advance a disciplined approach to fleet growth that builds on the strength of our brands, defines the future of cruising and elevates the guest experience for years to come,” said John W. Chidsey, President and Chief Executive Officer of NCLH. “This agreement secures access to valuable shipyard capacity through the end of 2037, supporting our long-term growth while maintaining financial discipline and driving sustainable shareholder value.”

The company said this new ship order supports the Company’s long-term growth pipeline and competitive position with modest initial capital outlays, allowing it to remain focused on strengthening the balance sheet and reducing leverage.

Following this agreement, NCLH now has a total of 17 newbuilds on order; with Norwegian Cruise Line totaling eight newbuilds through 2037, five newbuilds for Oceania Cruises to be delivered through 2037 and four newbuilds to be delivered through 2036 for Regent Seven Seas Cruises. This newbuild pipeline supports an expected 4 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2026 through 2037, consistent with the company’s measured approach to expanding its fleet while investing in next-generation ships.

Year	Brand	Detail	Tons	Berths
Q1 2026	Norwegian Cruise Line	Norwegian Luna	~156,000	~3,565
Q4 2026	Regent Seven Seas	Seven Seas Prestige	~77,000	~822
2027	Norwegian Cruise Line	Norwegian Aura	~170,000	~3,880
2027	Oceania Cruises	Oceania Sonata	~86,000	~1,390
2028	Norwegian Cruise Line	Next Generation “Methanol-Ready” Norwegian Prima Class	~170,000	~3,880
2029	Oceania Cruises	Oceania Arietta	~86,000	~1,390
2030	Norwegian Cruise Line	New Class 1	~227,000	~5,000
2030	Regent Seven Seas	Seven Seas Prestige Class 2	~77,000	~822
2032	Oceania Cruises	Sonata Class 3	~86,000	~1,390
2032	Norwegian Cruise Line	New Class 2	~227,000	~5,000
2033	Regent Seven Seas	Seven Seas Prestige Class 3	~77,000	~822
2034	Norwegian Cruise Line	New Class 3	~227,000	~5,000
2035	Oceania Cruises	Sonata Class 4	~86,000	~1,390
2036	Norwegian Cruise Line	New Class 4	~227,000	~5,000
2036	Regent Seven Seas	Seven Seas Prestige Class 4	~77,000	~822
2037	Norwegian Cruise Line	New Class 5	~227,000	~5,000
2037	Oceania Cruises	Sonata Class 5	~86,000	~1,390

Fincantieri and Generative Bionics Partner on Humanoid Welding Robot

Fincantieri and Generative Bionics Partner on Humanoid Welding Robot

Fincantieri and Generative Bionics, an Italian company focused on autonomous humanoid robots, announced an industrial partnership to develop a humanoid welding robot designed to operate alongside humans in the shipbuilder’s shipyards.

The collaboration integrates Fincantieri’s industrial expertise with the robotic platform developed by Generative Bionics, with the goal of increasing safety and operational efficiency, improving production quality and enhancing sustainability, according to the companies.

“Advanced robotics and artificial intelligence applied to industrial processes represent a strategic lever for the evolution of shipbuilding and for the competitiveness of the European industrial system,” said Pierroberto Folgiero, chief executive officer and general manager of Fincantieri.

“The collaboration with Generative Bionics is part of the transformation journey we are undertaking to strengthen our operational excellence, enhance the work of our people and address in a structured way the challenges related to growing production complexity and the availability of specialized skills.”

The humanoid robot will support specific welding activities in naval manufacturing.

The robot will be equipped with artificial intelligence, advanced manipulation, perception and vision capabilities for monitoring the welding seam, and optimized locomotion to operate in complex environments.

The collaboration program is expected to span four years.

Initial on-site tests are scheduled by the end of 2026, with operational functionalities available within the first two years.

Development and testing will take place at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard.

The collaboration is part of Fincantieri’s strategy in advanced robotics and innovation.

The adoption of Physical AI systems supports production continuity and assists workers in repetitive, physically demanding or ergonomically challenging tasks.

 

Mediterranean Cruise Capacity Nears 6 Million for 2026

Mediterranean Cruise Capacity Nears 6 Million for 2026

The Mediterranean will see close to 6 million cruise passengers this year, according to the upcoming 2026 Cruise Industry News Annual Report.

CIN data shows that over 180 ships will sail in the region across 57 cruise lines, with capacity up 3.7 percent on a year-over-year basis.

MSC and Costa will together account for nearly 40 percent of the capacity in the Mediterranean this year.

Among North American brands, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and Celebrity round out the top five, collectively accounting for approximately 18 percent of the market.

In addition, AIDA, Princess, Marella and TUI each bring significant capacity, while Viking Ocean has expanded its presence as it continues to expand.

New entrants and niche operators are adding further diversity. Aroya Cruises is positioning a ship in the region for a second straight year, while Orient Express is set to debut its much-anticipated Corinthian.

The capacity increase is being driven primarily by larger vessels.

The full market breakdown, including detailed capacity data for all 57 cruise lines, is available in the 2026 Cruise Industry News Annual Report.

 

Meyer Turku Unveils Net Zero Cruise Ship Concept

Meyer Turku Unveils Net Zero Cruise Ship Concept

Meyer Turku has completed a net zero cruise ship concept developed under its AVATAR project, achieving more than 90 percent reduction in lifecycle carbon footprint compared to the baseline defined by the International Maritime Organization.

The concept was developed as part of NEcOLEAP, Meyer Turku’s four-year research and development program co-funded by Business Finland, according to the company.

“AVATAR has provided a solid foundation for our development work,” said Anu Ahola, chief strategy and transformation officer at Meyer Turku.

“We now have a substantial portfolio of new ideas, tools and next-generation ship technologies.”

The concept vessel incorporates technologies and solutions expected to be technologically viable and available by 2030.

More experimental or early-stage technologies were deliberately excluded.

“No single solution is enough, for example, simply switching fuels will not achieve the desired impact,” said Liina Vahala, head of product development at Meyer Turku. “A net zero vessel concept is the sum of many complementary measures.”

The design emphasizes a more streamlined and lightweight structure, as well as improved energy efficiency of onboard spaces.

More energy efficient air-handling units reduce heating and cooling power demand on cabin decks by approximately 50 percent.

The chosen fuel is bio-methanol.

The concept vessel also utilizes wind-assisted propulsion technology and solar panels.

Sustainable materials and optimized use of space further contribute to reducing the vessel’s total lifecycle emissions.

A dynamic energy simulation model, a digital twin, was used to evaluate the impact of different design choices across the entire energy system.

 

Secondhand Update: Here Are the Latest Ship Moves and Transactions

Secondhand Update: Here Are the Latest Ship Moves and Transactions

The new year began with news for numerous secondhand cruise ship transactions.

Cruise Industry News highlights some of the key transactions and developments that occurred in the first weeks of 2026.

For a complete overview of the market, see the Secondhand Market Report from Cruise Industry News.

Blue Zephyr (former Caledonian Sky)
Company: Kalama Shipping
Capacity: 114 guests
Tonnage: 4,200
Year built: 1991
Move: To be operated by Blue Zephyr Cruises
Date: January 2026

The former Caledonian Sky will sail for Blue Zephyr Cruises after being sold to Greece-based Kalama Shipping in late 2025.

According to a recent announcement, the 114-guest ship will be renamed Blue Zephyr for boutique cruising in the Greek Isles starting in late April 2026.

Exploris One
Company: Exploris
Capacity: 132 guests
Tonnage: 6,130
Year built: 1989
Move: Sold at auction for 4.5 million euros
Date: January 2026

The Exploris One was sold at auction in late January as part of Exploris Expeditions & Cruises’ liquidation process.

As Cruise Industry News informed, while further details of the operation were not disclosed, the ship was reportedly acquired by a new operator for 4.5 million euros.

German media reported Nordic Hamburg Group as the buyer. Requests for comment went unreturned. The company has involved with both Polar Latitudes Expeditions as well as Heritage Expeditions.

Alaskan Dream Fleet
Ships: Alaskan Dream, Baranof Dream, Chichagof Dream and Admiralty Dream
Company: Alaskan Dream Cruises
Capacity: 223 guests including all vessels
Tonnage: 40 to 76
Year built: 1979 to 1986
Move: Laid up in Alaska after the company’s shutdown
Date: February 2026

The Alaskan Dream Cruises fleet is facing an uncertain future after the company’s sudden shutdown, which was announced earlier this month.

Currently laid up in Sitka, the four coastal ships were built between the late 1970s and the mid-1980s and were scheduled to offer summer cruises in Alaska.

Ocean Endeavour
Company: SunStone Maritime Group
Capacity: 199 guests
Tonnage: 13,000
Year built: 1981
Move: Chartered to the Danish Defense
Date: January 2026

SunStone Maritime Group has chartered the Ocean Endeavour to Danish Defense in January 2026.

Last operated by Adventure Canada in the Arctic, the 1981-built vessel will accommodate Danish and international soldiers participating in a military exercise in Nuuk, Greenland.

Blue Dream Melody
Company: Blue Dream Cruises
Capacity: 1,218 guests
Tonnage: 42,200
Year built: 2002
Move: Laid up in China
Date: January 2026

The Blue Dream Melody was placed in lay up in the Chinese port of Beihai earlier this year after completing a final cruise for Blue Dream Cruises.

The Chinese cruise line announced the ship would be withdrawn from service for updates and maintenance, but operations are suspended indefinitely.