MSC to Deploy 7 Ships in U.S. and the Caribbean for Summer 2028

MSC to Deploy 7 Ships in U.S. and the Caribbean for Summer 2028

MSC Cruises recently revealed its plans for the 2028 summer season in North America and the Caribbean, which includes itineraries onboard seven ships.

According to a press release, the deployment is highlighted by the first full year of service of the MSC World Atlantic.

After entering service in late 2027, the new World-class ship will continue to sail from Port Canaveral during the summer, offering seven-night cruises to the Caribbean.

The World Atlantic will be joined in Central Florida by the MSC Grandiosa, which will offer a series of three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas.

MSC is also deploying two ships in PortMiami during the 2028 summer, with the MSC World America and the MSC Seaside.

The MSC Seascape will continue to sail from Galveston on seven-night itineraries to the Western Caribbean, while the MSC Poesia returns to Alaska for the third consecutive summer.

MSC also announced plans to operate the MSC Opera in the Southern Caribbean during the summer of 2028, with additional deployment details set to be revealed at a later date.

According to the company, the itineraries will be highlighted by overnight stays in its private island destination of Ocean Cay, as well as the debut of Sandy Cay.

“We’re always looking for opportunities to give our guests new ways to experience MSC Cruises’ mix of European style and American comfort, and our Summer 2028 Caribbean itineraries are a great example of that,” said Lynn Torrent, president of MSC Cruises North America.

“We have sunny getaways available for everyone, whether they’re looking for a quick weekend in The Bahamas, a family vacation aboard one of our fantastic World Class ships, or a bucket-list journey through the gorgeous Southern Caribbean. Plus, guests can look forward to the new experiences we’re building in key destinations like Ocean Cay, Sandy Cay and Catalina Island—all aimed at ensuring they have the best beach days possible,” she added.

Viking Announces CEO Transition and Reports First Quarter Results

Viking Announces CEO Transition and Reports First Quarter Results

Viking Holdings today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Leah Talactac, President and Chief Financial Officer, as Chief Executive Officer.

Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO, has been appointed as Executive Chairman and will continue to serve as Chairman of Viking’s Board of Directors, according to a press release.

The company also announced that Linh Banh, Executive Vice President of Finance, has been appointed as CFO.

Since joining Viking in 2006, Viking said Talactac has been a key leader on the executive team. Alongside Hagen, she led Viking’s initial public offering in 2024, which was the largest offering on the NYSE that year, and she was appointed President in January 2025 while retaining her responsibilities as CFO. Starting today, Talactac will report to the Board of Directors and continue to lead Viking’s executive committee.

As Executive Chairman,  Hagen will focus on long term strategy and continue to support Talactac in her role as CEO.

“This leadership transition reflects the strength and depth of Viking’s management team and the succession planning we have built over many years,” said Hagen. “Leah’s appointment as CEO is a natural next step, and the Board and I have full confidence in her ability to lead Viking with the same continuity, discipline and vision that have guided us since Viking was founded. On behalf of the entire Viking family, we congratulate Leah, and I look forward to partnering closely with her and the Board as she guides Viking forward in this next chapter.”

“I am honored by this appointment and deeply grateful for the trust of the Board and Tor,” said Talactac. “Tor and our entire executive team have built a phenomenal company over the last 29 years, and I am delighted to lead Viking as we continue to deliver meaningful experiences for our guests and execute our long-term strategy. I also want to take a moment to congratulate Linh on her new appointment as CFO. Linh is a trusted leader within Viking, and her financial stewardship will ensure a smooth transition.”

Q1 Results

The company also reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, and provided an update on operating capacity and bookings.

Key Highlights

• Total revenue was $1,053.7 million for the first quarter of 2026, an increase of 17.5% compared to the same period in 2025.
• Gross margin increased 21.2% and Adjusted Gross Margin increased 16.9% compared to the same period in 2025.
• Net Yield was $596, an increase of 9.5% compared to the same period in 2025.
• Adjusted EBITDA was $104.8 million, an increase of 43.9% compared to the same period in 2025.
• Diluted EPS was $(0.12) and Adjusted EPS was $(0.11).
• Net Leverage improved from 1.1x as of December 31, 2025 to 1.0x as of March 31, 2026.
• As of May 3, 2026, for its Core Products, Viking had sold 92% of its Capacity Passenger Cruise Days for the 2026 season and 38% of its Capacity Passenger Cruise Days for the 2027 season.

 

“2026 is off to a strong start and we are very pleased with our first‑quarter results. Total revenue for the quarter grew 17.5% driving a 43.9% year-over-year increase in Adjusted EBITDA, underscoring the demand for our product and our operational discipline,” said Mr. Hagen. “Moreover, we are already 92% booked for 2026 which positions us very well for the remainder of the year. During the quarter, we also continued to make progress increasing our fleet and destination-focused offerings, further enhancing the experiences and value we offer our guests. As we look ahead, we remain focused on delivering on the strong demand while continuing to invest in our future and generate sustainable, profitable growth.”

First Quarter 2026 Consolidated Results

During the first quarter of 2026, Capacity PCDs increased by 6.6% over the same period in 2025. This year-over-year increase was mainly driven by the growth of the company’s fleet, which included one additional ocean ship. Occupancy for the first quarter of 2026 was 94.7%.

Total revenue for the first quarter of 2026 was $1,053.7 million, an increase of $156.6 million, or 17.5%, over the same period in 2025 mainly driven by increased Capacity PCDs and higher revenue per PCD in 2026 compared to 2025.

Gross margin for the first quarter of 2026 was $297.6 million, an increase of $52.1 million, or 21.2%, over the same period in 2025 and Adjusted Gross Margin for the first quarter of 2026 was $717.2 million, an increase of $103.9 million, or 16.9%, over the same period in 2025. Net Yield was $596 for the first quarter of 2025, up 9.5% year-over-year.

For the first quarter of 2026, vessel operating expenses were $357.5 million and vessel operating expenses excluding fuel were $316.1 million. Compared to the same period in 2025, vessel operating expenses increased $47.6 million, or 15.4%, and vessel operating expenses excluding fuel increased $47.9 million, or 17.9%, mainly driven by timing of maintenance and repair costs and the increase in the size of the company’s fleet in 2026 compared to 2025.

Net loss for the first quarter of 2026 improved to $54.2 million compared to a loss of $105.5 million for the same period in 2025. Adjusted Net Loss attributable to Viking Holdings Ltd for the first quarter of 2026 improved to $49.2 million compared to a loss of $105.5 million for the same period in 2025.

Adjusted EBITDA was $104.8 million, an increase of $32.0 million, or 43.9%, over the same period in 2025. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was mainly driven by increased Capacity PCDs and higher revenue per PCD.

Diluted EPS was $(0.12) and Adjusted EPS was $(0.11) for the first quarter of 2026, compared to Diluted EPS and Adjusted EPS of $(0.24) for the same period in 2025.

Our first quarter results reflect the seasonality of our business. While our ocean, expedition and Mississippi products operate year-round, the primary cruising season for our river product is from April to October.

“We are very encouraged by the financial results of the first quarter. Increasing capacity together with Net Yield improves our profitability and further strengthens our market leadership,” said  Banh. “In this dynamic macroeconomic environment, we remain focused on delivering superior experiences, optimizing revenue and maintaining disciplined cost management, while prudently investing to support long‑term growth.”

Update on Operating Capacity and Bookings

For the company’s core products, operating capacity is 7% higher for the 2026 season compared to the 2025 season and 15% higher for the 2027 season compared to the 2026 season.

As of May 3, 2026, for the company’s core products, it had sold 92% of our Capacity PCDs for the 2026 season and 38% for the 2027 season. Viking said it had $6,225 million of Advance Bookings for the 2026 season, 13% higher than the 2025 season at the same point in time; and said it had $3,403 million of Advance Bookings for the 2027 season, 31% higher than the 2026 season at the same point in time.

Advance Bookings per PCD for the 2026 season was $842, 5.5% higher than the 2025 season at the same point in time, and Advance Bookings per PCD for the 2027 season was $986, 11.0% higher than the 2026 season at the same point in time.

“With 2026 mostly booked, our focus has shifted to the 2027 season, which is off to a great start. Capacity for our Core Products is increasing by 15%, and is already 38% booked, with Advance Bookings 31% ahead of last year,” said Talactac. “Our booked positions for 2026 and 2027 demonstrate the resilience of our loyal customer base and the sustained demand for our product reflecting that travel remains a priority for our customers. These results also underscore the effectiveness of our strategic initiatives including an extended booking window, targeted direct marketing, a broader itinerary offering and a compelling value proposition.”

Norwegian Cancels Joy Cruise Due to Charter

Norwegian Cancels Joy Cruise Due to Charter

Norwegian Cruise Line cancelled the cruise that was set to take place onboard the Norwegian Joy on April 12, 2027.

According to a statement sent to booked guests, the sailing will no longer go ahead due to a full-ship charter.

Sailing roundtrip from PortMiami, the vessel was set to offer a five-night cruise to the Bahamas and Mexico.

In addition to Cozumel, the itinerary included a visit to the company’s private island destination of Great Stirrup Cay, as well as two days of cruising in the Caribbean.

Norwegian said that guests will receive a full monetary refund of the fare paid for the cruise, which will be automatically returned to the original form of payment. In addition they will be getting a future cruise credit (FCC).

“We recognize this change wasn’t part of your original travel arrangements, and as a token of our appreciation for your patience, we’re pleased to offer you a 10 percent discount in the form of a Future Cruise Credit,” the company added.

The FCC can be used toward any of Norwegian’s published sailings through December 31, 2027, the statement added.

The company also said that its teams are available to book guests on alternative sailings, suggesting three similar cruises departing from Miami.

Highlighted cruises include two departures of the Norwegian Viva, sailing on April 13 and April 18, 2027.

The first sails to the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic over the course of five nights, while the second is a seven-night cruise to the Western Caribbean and the Bahamas.

Norwegian also suggested a four-night cruise to the Bahamas onboard the Norwegian Getaway on April 12, 2027. All of the options also include a visit to Great Stirrup Cay.

Following its new charter sailing, the Norwegian Joy is scheduled to reposition to the West Coast ahead of a summer season in Alaska.

Joining the Norwegian Bliss, the Norwegian Encore and the Norwegian Jade, the vessel offers a series of seven-night cruises departing from Seattle.

More Information

A full-ship charter for a Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) vessel generally ranges from £1 million to over £12 million ($1.3 million to $15+ million USD) for a week, depending on the ship's size, age, and itinerary. Chartering requires covering the equivalent of all stateroom fares, food, entertainment, and a 10% or higher initial deposit. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Key Considerations for Full-Ship Charters:

• Costs: Rates often base on roughly $150–$200+ per passenger per day, plus taxes and gratuities, which on a 4,000-passenger ship can exceed several million dollars in total.
• Capacity & Timing: Costs vary based on the ship class and season; smaller or older ships (e.g., Norwegian Sky) cost less than larger, modern vessels (e.g., Norwegian Encore).
• Payments: A non-refundable deposit is required at signing, typically with the full balance due 90 days to several months in advance.
• All-Inclusive Nature: The charter fee covers food, entertainment, and standard amenities, but usually excludes alcohol, spa treatments, and special excursions.
• Process: Companies like NCL Corporate Incentives handle these, requiring advanced planning (often 12–18 months). [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

For exact pricing, you must submit a request for proposal directly to Norwegian Cruise Line's charter department.

MSC Cruises and Eni Prove Biofuel’s Readiness for Cruise Ship Engines

MSC Cruises and Eni Prove Biofuel’s Readiness for Cruise Ship Engines

MSC Opera Photo Credit Spacejunkie2 Flickr Account https://flic.kr/ps/GkiQt

Testing by Eni and MSC Cruises has confirmed the technical feasibility of using biofuel in its pure form to power cruise ship engines, the cruise line said in a press release. 

During the tests with Enilive’s HVO (Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil) diesel, one of the MSC Opera’s engines was powered for approximately 2,000 hours with pure HVO. 

No engine modifications were made, while performance and emissions data were recorded. 

The test demonstrated that HVO can be used for marine engines with no technological upgrades needed, with performance staying in line with traditional marine fossil fuels. 

Michele Francioni, Chief Energy Transition Officer of MSC Cruises, said:” We are very pleased to have satisfactorily confirmed the technical feasibility of 100% HVO on our cruise ship as part of our continuous decarbonization efforts. 

“We believe HVO may play an important role in the decarbonization of shipping and together with other immediately available fuels such as LNG and bio-LNG, constitutes an immediate opportunity that could be deployed onboard cruise ships to accelerate the transition towards renewable fuels, bringing us a step closer to our ultimate goal of reaching net zero GHG emissions by 2050”. 

According to the press release, the test recorded lower emissions of both NOx (16 percent) and particulate, as well as a reduction in GHG emissions inherent to the origin of the HVO product of around 80 percent compared to the use of traditional fuel. 

The reduction is said to be due to the usage of 100 percent biogenic feedstocks in the HVO production process. 

Technical data on engine performance and associated emissions were collected and assessed with the support of Wärtsilä as the engine manufacturer, and Bureau Veritas, which independently validated the results. 

Stefano Ballista, CEO of Enilive, noted that his company’s marine HVO diesel has been available at the ports of Genoa, Ravenna and Venice for direct delivery from the terminal to vessels via barge for several months. 

He described the fuel as a viable solution for the decarbonization of maritime transport.

Royal Caribbean Inks Shanghai Rolex Masters Sponsorship

Royal Caribbean Inks Shanghai Rolex Masters Sponsorship

Royal Caribbean International has solidified its commitment to the Chinese market by renewing its partnership with the Shanghai Rolex Masters tennis tournament.

The cruise line will continue as the Official Cruise Line Partner for the 2026 and 2027 editions of the event, marking a strategic extension of its high-profile sports marketing initiative in the region.

The renewed multi-year deal sees Royal Caribbean retaining its title sponsorship of the “Royal Caribbean Masters Practice Court” at the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena and maintaining its exclusive branded skybox, offering guests premium viewing and interactive experiences.

This collaboration aims to fuse the world of elite sports with the brand’s signature “Live. Love. Cruise.” vacation lifestyle.

Benjamin Bouldin, Vice President and Managing Director, Greater China at Royal Caribbean International, stated that the partnership aligns with the brand’s mission to create deep connections with consumers’ passions.

“As an international brand also rooted in Shanghai, we are honored to renew our partnership with this iconic tennis event,” Bouldin said. “We believe exceptional experiences are not just about ‘arriving,’ but about resonating deeply with what people love”.

Michael Luévano, Tournament Director of the Shanghai Rolex Masters, welcomed the continued alliance, noting Royal Caribbean’s success in integrating its vacation concept into the event last year and creating memorable fan interactions.

Azamara: Investing in Existing Fleet and More Markets

Azamara: Investing in Existing Fleet and More Markets

With a new refurbishment program underway, Azamara is focusing on hardware upgrades and operational agility to drive profitability, according to Chief Executive Officer Dondra Ritzenthaler.

The company last expanded its fleet in 2022, with the introduction of the Azamara Onward, which was acquired from Princess Cruises a year earlier.

According to Ritzenthaler, the company currently sees investment in its own fleet as the biggest opportunity for growth.

In 2026, Azamara announced the “Forward” refurbishment program, an $80-million project that will see the brand’s four ships undergoing major refits.

Ritzenthaler said that in addition to updates to existing areas of the vessels, the program includes major structural additions.

“We’re literally putting a deck on top of the ship that’s going to have 12 more suites,” she explained.

The first ship to undergo the project is the Azamara Quest, which will debut the new features ahead of its upcoming world cruise in early 2027. The Azamara Onward follows suit later next year.

Beyond hardware upgrades, the company is also planning to expand its global sourcing footprint, paying more attention to new markets around the world, Ritzenthaler said.

Azamara currently sources most of its guests in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia, she explained.

Executing these growth strategies is made easier by the lack of corporate bureaucracy inherent in a smaller organization, Ritzenthaler noted.

“You can make changes; you can turn on the dime. And I think when you’re able to do that, then the economics of what you do become much easier to achieve,” she explained.

Ritzenthaler said that Azamara is currently performing extremely well financially from an EBITDA standpoint.

This so-called operational nimbleness is said to be transferred to the brand’s deployment strategy, allowing Azamara to secure premium berthing in highly regulated destinations.

“We simply can go in right into the city center. We literally go up the Seville River where the larger ships have to stay out and tender people in,” Ritzenthaler said.

As some ports push back against large tourist influxes, smaller vessels provide a vital economic lifeline for local communities without overwhelming local infrastructure, Ritzenthaler continued.

The ability to rapidly adjust deployments is also an important defense against external disruptions, including fluctuating fuel prices and regional conflicts.

“We look at this every single day,” Ritzenthaler said, noting that Azamara is in a better position to weather geopolitical issues due to being small and profitable.

She said that when itinerary changes occur, the company relies heavily on its travel advisor network to communicate with passengers, ensuring safety remains a non-competitive priority across the industry.

Speaking of demographics, Ritzenthaler said that the company caters to shifting audiences but tends to naturally attract a specific passenger demographic.

While maturing cruisers looking to step up from premium lines form a significant part of the company’s public, the core Azamara guest is defined by having ample time and resources.

“The average cruise length for us is 12 nights, but many of our customers do back-to-backs or take intensive cruises or even a world voyage,” she said.

“These customers are different customers who really want to get immersed,” noting that the company’s passengers ultimately “love cruising.”

This mindset fosters a strong onboard community, Ritzenthaler added, leading to repeat bookings among affinity groups.

However, despite having an affluent passenger base, the company sees a consistent demand for a clear upfront value.

“No matter how wealthy somebody is, people still love value for money,” she noted, pointing to the line’s inclusive pricing model.

Ritzenthaler said that while external challenges may arise, the company is in a good position to handle situations positively.

“In life, it’s only 10 percent what happens and 90 percent how you handle it, and we’re going to handle it in a positive, nimble, flexible and resilient way.”

Hantavirus-Hit Hondius Passengers Repatriated to Home Countries

Hantavirus-Hit Hondius Passengers Repatriated to Home Countries

Twenty British nationals evacuated from the Hondius are beginning 45 days of self-isolation in the UK after their chartered flight from Tenerife landed at Manchester Airport on May 10, according to the BBC.

The evacuees are isolating at Arrowe Park Hospital in Merseyside for 72 hours before being asked to self-isolate for a further 42 days at home.

Seventeen American passengers from the vessel returned to the United States on May 11, landing in Nebraska, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.

One American passenger tested mildly PCR positive for the virus, the department said, according to the New York Times.

The American passengers were transported to the National Quarantine Unit at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, the country’s only federally funded quarantine center.

Two of the American passengers traveled in specialized biocontainment units out of an abundance of caution.

One passenger had mild symptoms and the other was the passenger who had tested mildly positive for the Andes virus, the department said.

International passengers from 23 nationalities were repatriated to their home countries following the vessel’s arrival at Granadilla port in Tenerife on May 10 at 06:24 local time, according to Oceanwide Expeditions.

Spanish nationals were given priority during the evacuation process, the Spanish health ministry said.

Passengers were ferried to shore in small launch boats and underwent medical screening before boarding evacuation flights arranged by their respective countries. Luggage stayed on the ship and will be dealt with separately.

The disembarkation was coordinated by local authorities, the WHO and international governments, with the sequence timed to the arrival of repatriation flights.

No quarantine of non-Spanish nationals took place in Spain, Oceanwide Expeditions said.

The Hondius docked in the Canary Islands on May 10 after Spain granted permission for the vessel to sail from Cape Verde.

 

Norwegian Targets Marketing Overhaul with New Leadership, Leaner Spend

Norwegian Targets Marketing Overhaul with New Leadership, Leaner Spend

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is moving to rebuild its marketing function at the Norwegian Cruise Line brand, bringing in new leadership and cutting overall spending, said Chairperson and CEO John Chidsey.

Speaking on the company’s first quarter 2026 earnings call, Chidsey acknowledged that marketing underperformance has been a significant part of the brand’s occupancy shortfall, and that correcting course will require both new personnel and a more disciplined approach to how dollars are allocated.

“We are looking to bring in new leadership in marketing at NCL and better align that function with revenue management, deployment, and sales,” Chidsey said. “This work is critical and will strengthen the business over time, but it may result in some near-term variability in top-line performance as we work through these initiatives.”

NCLH recently completed a search for a new chief people officer, and Chidsey said the company is continuing to build out its revenue management team, noting that new hires across both functions have not yet fully gelled, contributing to the wide guidance range the company issued for the full year.

On the spending side, NCLH expects to reduce marketing outlays as part of a broader spending cutback.

Chidsey said the company had lost its way on marketing efficiency, saying that spend had grown disproportionate to results over the past several years.

“Our spend increased dramatically, and we’re not nearly as efficient as our competitors,” Chidsey said.

CFO Mark Kempa offered a stark data point on the inefficiency, noting that NCLH had been spending approximately twice as much per berth as competitors.

“It’s about putting the dollars to work in the right places versus volume,” Kempa said.

Holland America Reveals Post-Evolution Deployment for Oosterdam

Holland America Reveals Post-Evolution Deployment for Oosterdam

Holland America Line is now accepting bookings for the first post-refit season onboard the Oosterdam, the company said in a press release.

The Vista-class ship will be the first to undergo a major refurbishment as part of the Holland America Evolution, which is considered the largest fleet investment in the brand’s 153-year history.

After undergoing its drydock, the Oosterdam is set to offer eight itineraries and 15 departure dates across Europe, the Caribbean and North America starting in late 2027.

Holland America said that the sailings “give guests the earliest opportunity to experience Oosterdam’s onboard enhancements, paired with destination-rich itineraries.”

The company highlighted the multi-year refurbishment program, which was designed to modernize its fleet by bringing features from the newer Pinnacle Class to more ships.

Following the project, the Oosterdam will introduce new stateroom and suite categories, in addition to expanded access to signature venues.

“We’re excited about what Holland America Evolution represents for our fleet and for our guests,” said Michael Stendebach, senior vice president of food, beverage and rooms division for Holland America Line.

“We can’t wait to welcome guests aboard the elevated Oosterdam through these new voyages, where they’ll be among the first to experience what this transformation brings. From the first step on board, guests will feel a more refined and thoughtfully designed experience, with new spaces like the Grand Dutch Café providing a sense of comfort and welcome as their vacation begins,” he added.

Among the new features coming to the Oosterdam are Solo Verandah staterooms, which offer solo travelers a private balcony and dedicated workspace.

Guests seeking premium accommodations can also choose from newly introduced Bridgeview Suites that feature panoramic windows and living space, as well as Vista Suites, debuting on Oosterdam for the first time.

As part of its Evolution enhancements, the ship will also introduce the Grand Dutch Café, a European-inspired coffee shop that first debuted on Pinnacle class ships and builds on the company’s Dutch heritage.

Following its refurbishment, the Oosterdam will return to service in Europe in early December 2027, kicking off a seven-day itinerary in the Western Mediterranean.

The cruise features visits to destinations in Spain, Portugal and Morocco and will be followed by a 13-night trans-Atlantic crossing to Fort Lauderdale.

The 2003-built vessel is then set to spend the 2027-28 season sailing from Port Everglades to the Caribbean, with 11- and 12-night itineraries that highlight destinations in the Southern Caribbean and the ABC Islands.

In spring 2028, the Oosterdam will transit the Panama Canal while repositioning north to the Pacific Coast.

Holland America said that the journey includes ports throughout Central America and Mexico, followed by scenic sailings along the U.S. West Coast before concluding in the Pacific Northwest.

Malta Eyes Luxury Cruise Growth and Homeporting Expansion

Malta Eyes Luxury Cruise Growth and Homeporting Expansion

Malta is working to attract more boutique cruise ships and expand homeporting operations, according to Arthur Grima, director of marketing for the Malta Tourism Authority.

In 2025, in addition to 4 million tourists, the destination welcomed 870,560 cruise passengers who visited the country as part of 387 calls.

While overall passenger volume increased by 2.5 percent compared to the previous year, the average number of guests per vessel dropped from 2,339 to 2,250.

According to Grima, the change is related to Malta’s interest in appealing to smaller, more manageable cruise vessels.

“We are attracting a lot of these boutique, smaller ships,” Grima said, highlighting new operations from high-end operators like Ponant, Four Seasons, Orient Express and Aman.

“These are the types of brands and vessels that we are prioritizing because they help us mitigate the crowds. When you have a large ship coming in and 7,000 people enter Valletta at one go, it doesn’t create a nice impression,” he told Cruise Industry News.

In addition to this new focus on smaller vessels, Malta is also expanding the number of overnight cruise calls. The destination saw nearly 46,000 cruisers stay overnight in 2025, up from roughly 30,000 in 2024.

Grima highlighted the economic impact of the longer stays, noting that Malta continues to push for more homeporting business in Valletta.

He said that homeporting operations drive a higher economic impact with pre- and post-cruise hotel stays and additional onshore spending.

Central to the homeporting strategy is the North American market, Grima explained. Guests from the U.S. and Canada currently represent 21 percent of Malta’s total cruise arrivals, making the region the destination’s top source market.

To capitalize on this demographic, Malta is leveraging a new direct Delta Air Lines flight from New York (JFK) launching this June.

“The new Delta flight is a game-changer for us,” Grima said. “It will provide seamless connections for the American visitor. Homeporting is important for us because it works hand in hand with our aviation strategy. It improves connectivity, so it triggers demand both ways.”

The island’s appeal to these passengers and tourists is based on what Grima described as a 9,000-year history.

He said that Malta serves as a historical crossroads of civilizations and offers a unique cultural mix, including a Semitic language written in Latin script and a gastronomy that blends Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors.

Grima added that beyond its Grand Harbour, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the destination is highlighted by the world’s only underground megalithic temple, the Hypogeum, as well as medieval walled cities like Mdina.

To manage visitor flow and enhance sustainability, Malta is also promoting excursions to the island of Gozo via a 60-minute catamaran connection from Valletta.

Smaller ships can also visit Gozo directly and take advantage of a dedicated cruise buoy that facilitates tender operations, he added.

Grima noted that spreading the passenger load across the archipelago is a key pillar of the destination’s long-term strategy.

On the infrastructure side, Valletta Cruise Port can currently accommodate up to six ships simultaneously, including four large vessels and two smaller ones.

The port is also advancing its sustainability efforts through shore power infrastructure, which allows docked ships to turn off their engines and eliminate local emissions.

Malta is also investing in other infrastructure initiatives for tourists, including an expansion of the country’s airport and growth in its hotel inventory with brands like Hard Rock, which is opening a property on the island soon.

“We want the visitors to join us and enjoy our culture. We want them to visit as tourists and leave as locals,” Grima said.

“We see the cruisers as a ‘good investment’ because a lot of them return to Malta for longer stays afterward.”

Photo: Arthur Grima, director of marketing for the Malta Tourism Authority with Michelle Buttigieg, North America Representative Malta Tourism Authority.

 

MSC Ready for Alaska Debut, Accelerating North America Growth

MSC Ready for Alaska Debut, Accelerating North America Growth

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

MSC Cruises is ready for the Poesia’s debut in Alaska, as the ship will spend the summer sailing Alaska cruises on Mondays from Seattle, marking the company’s entry to the region.

“We’re so excited for this moment,” said Lynn Torrent, president of MSC Cruises North America.

“From the time we announced the program until now, we’ve been approaching Alaska with the understanding that this is a highly seasonal destination. A destination-driven market where the itinerary and the natural environment are such an important part of the experience for our guests.”

The Poesia emerged from drydock freshly refurbished and readied for the market.

“We’ve really thought very carefully about the refurbishment,” she said. “At the same time, we’re making sure that the destination is really reflected in the journey. We’re incorporating Alaska-inspired dining, wellness and enrichment programming. Even the small touches, we have cocktails that bring together the itinerary and the onboard experience, like ‘Unwind in Juneau.’”

Among the headline additions to Poesia is the Yacht Club, MSC’s exclusive ship-within-a-ship concept.

“We know we see not only strong demand for the Yacht Club, but very, very high guest satisfaction,” Torrent noted.

New dining venues including Butcher’s Cut steakhouse and Kyoto sushi bar have also come aboard, along with an enhanced spa.

“Butcher’s Cut rates very high in terms of guest appeal,” she added.

On the responsible tourism front, MSC has inked a partnership with Orca that Torrent called a key differentiator.

“We will have a dedicated Marine Mammal Observer onboard during peak whale season,” she explained. “That allows us to add a strong educational layer to the experience and really give guests something to be excited about.”

From Europe to North America

When MSC first opened Alaska for sale, early bookings skewed heavily toward the line’s established European loyalist base, something Torrent said was fully expected.

“As soon as we opened for sale, our very loyal and robust past guests from around the world came in,” she said.

But the North American mix has strengthened considerably since.

“We’re seeing a very healthy mix from North America,” Torrent said. “It gives us another opportunity to introduce MSC Cruises to new guests and new travel advisors in another part of the country, just like we’re seeing with Galveston. “

Sandy Cay: A Second Private Island

Beyond Alaska, Torrent pointed to Sandy Cay, MSC’s second private destination in the Bahamas, as more major news in the brand’s near-term growth story.

The island, set to open in 2028 within the same 64 square miles of protected waters surrounding Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, is being designed with both MSC Cruises guests and the line’s Explora Journeys ultra-luxury brand in mind.

“We think of Sandy Cay as a natural extension of what we’ve already built in Ocean Cay,” Torrent said. “It complements that experience and really stays true to the nature-rooted identity.”

The island will be a tender operation, with ships docking at Ocean Cay and guests ferried across. It will feature five beaches.

“The goal is really to create something that’s a bit more refined, while maintaining that very relaxed, genuine atmosphere,” she said.

Seashore Updates and Flexible Dining

Coming off an April drydock, the MSC Seashore has received a pair of new food and beverage concept.

Red Cactus BBQ & Ribs, offering breakfast burritos, pulled pork hash, brisket, and ribs from Deck 8 aft. In addition is The Chicken Man, a fried chicken and comfort food venue on Deck 18 aft.

“These venues are good examples of how we continue to evolve the onboard experience based on guest feedback and invest across the fleet,” Torrent said. “It’s not only about new ships, although we’re very focused on that, and new destinations, but it’s also about that constant evolution.”

MSC is also piloting a new flexible dining program called “Dine on Your Time,” currently available on Seashore and Seaside, allowing guests to forgo fixed dining times in favor of open seating. Traditional fixed dining times remain available for those who prefer them.

Eyes Forward

“We’re constantly innovating, expanding, and listening to travel advisors and guests as we really think about how to enhance our product,” she said.

“North America continues to be a key growth market for us, and you’re seeing that as we continue to expand our deployment in Galveston and Alaska, and strengthen our presence in our key U.S. homeports.”

In addition is the new World-Class ship, the MSC World Atlantic, which begins service from Port Canaveral in late 2027.