Viking to Build Hydrogen-Powered Cruise Ship; Orders 2 More

Viking to Build Hydrogen-Powered Cruise Ship; Orders 2 More

Viking and Fincantieri today announced details of the Viking Libra, the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship, capable of operating with zero emissions. In addition, the company announced a deal to build two more ocean-going ships with Fincantieri for delivery in 2031.

Already under construction at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard, the Viking Libra is scheduled for delivery in late 2026.

The company’s subsequent ocean ship, the Viking Astrea, which is also currently under construction and scheduled for delivery in 2027, will also be hydrogen-powered.

While the ship is considered a sister ship in Viking’s ocean fleet, she will have a propulsion system based partially on liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells. This hybrid propulsion system will make her capable of navigating and operating with zero emissions, which would allow her to access even the most environmentally sensitive areas, the company said.

Enabled by Isotta Fraschini Motori (IFM), Fincantieri’s subsidiary specializing in advanced fuel cell technology, the ship’s state-of-the-art propulsion system will be capable of producing up to six megawatts of power.

“From the outset, we have designed our river and ocean ships thoughtfully to reduce their fuel consumption, and we are very proud the Viking Libra and the Viking Astrea will be even more environmentally friendly,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “Viking made the principled decision to invest in hydrogen, which offers a true zero-emission solution. We look forward to welcoming the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship to our fleet in 2026.”

“With the Viking Libra, we are not only delivering the world’s first cruise ship powered by hydrogen stored on board, but we are also reinforcing our commitment to shaping the future of sustainable maritime transportation,” said Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri. “Furthermore, we are thrilled about Viking’s decision to expand its fleet with the order of two additional ships, which reaffirms the strength of our partnership and the trust placed in our expertise. This new order is a testament to our shared vision for a more sustainable cruise industry, as together we continue to set new standards for innovation and responsible shipbuilding.”

As part of the company’s commitment to continue to grow capacity, Viking and Fincantieri also today announced that contracts have been signed for two additional ocean ships for delivery in 2031 and an option for two additional ocean ships for delivery in 2033.

Based on the committed orderbook, the company expects to take delivery of 26 additional river ships by 2028 and 11 additional ocean ships by 2031. With these orders, Viking will have 110 river ships in 2028 and 23 ocean and expedition ships in 2031.

NCLH To Remove 5,000+ Berths from Fleet by 2027

NCLH To Remove 5,000+ Berths from Fleet by 2027

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings will remove over 5,000 berths from service by 2027, with four ships now set to exit the line’s trio of brands.

After previously announcing the departures of Regent’s Seven Seas Navigator and Oceania’s Insignia, NCLH confirmed on Monday that it is also retiring the Norwegian Sky and the Norwegian Sun.

Currently in service for Norwegian Cruise Line, the 2,000-guest sister ships will be handed over to Cordelia Cruises in 2026 and 2027, respectively.

With the Seven Seas Navigator and the Insignia being handed over to Crescent Seas in 2026 and 2027, the NCLH fleet will see a reduction of roughly 5,200 berths over the next two years.

Pursuing an aggressive newbuild strategy, the company will add new vessels to offset this reduction.

All of NCLH’s three brands are welcoming new ships over the next three years, including Oceania, which is taking delivery of new vessels in 2025 and 2027, adding 2,650 berths to its fleet

Regent Seven Seas also welcomes a new vessel, the Seven Seas Prestige. The 850-guest ship is scheduled to enter service in 2026.

Norwegian Cruise Line is set to take delivery of two Prima-class ships during the timeframe, including the 3,571-guest Norwegian Luna in 2026. The company will also welcome a fifth ship in the Prima series in 2027. This follows the new Norwegian Aqua, which was delivered by Fincantieri in March.

According to CIN data, the five new vessels will add more than 10,000 berths to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ fleet.

For a breakdown of the company’s fleet, see the Global Cruise Ship Index by Cruise Industry News,

MSC World America Arrives in Miami for Maiden Season

MSC World America Arrives in Miami for Maiden Season

MSC Cruises' newest ship, the MSC World America, arrived in Miami on Monday morning.

After being delivered by the Chantiers de l’Atlantique in late March, the vessel visited MSC’s private island of Ocean Cay before arriving in South Florida on Monday, April 7.

As the second ship in MSC Cruises’ World Class series, the MSC World America is now set to be christened before kicking off its inaugural cruise on April 12, 2025.

Photo credit - https://eatsleepcruise.com/msc-world-america-arrives-miami/

Sailing from Miami on a year-round basis, the 5,400-guest ship will offer a series of seven-night cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

Itineraries sail to both the Western and Eastern Caribbean, visiting destinations like San Juan, Puerto Rico; Cozumel, Mexico; and Roatán, Honduras.

All of the ship’s sailings also feature a visit to MSC’s private island in the Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

Before welcoming its first paying guests, the MSC World America is set to be christened during a ceremony at the new MSC Miami Cruise Terminal.

With actress Drew Barrymore serving as the ship’s godmother, the naming celebrations will take place on April 9, 2025.

The LNG-powered ship then embarks on a three-night pre-inaugural cruise to Ocean Cay before welcoming its first paying guests.

A sister to the 2022-built MSC World Europa, the new World America features a tweaked design aimed at the North American market.

According to MSC, the ship will be the first in the fleet to feature seven onboard districts, including The Harbour, an outdoor family venue with the Cliffhanger over-water swing ride, a ropes course, a water park, a playground, relaxation areas and complimentary grab-and-go dining.

Other highlighted features include the new All-Stars Sports Bar, which features an ocean-facing terrace and classic American fare while broadcasting popular sports.

MSC Opens New Cruise Terminal in Miami

MSC Opens New Cruise Terminal in Miami

MSC Cruises officially opened its new massive cruise terminal in PortMiami during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday.

The event was attended by key executives of the company and partners, in addition to local and national authorities from the United States and Italy.

Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division, took the stage during the ceremony to highlight the new facility and thank all partners involved in the project.

Also present were Rick Sasso, MSC Cruises’ chairman in the United States; Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and managing director of Fincantieri Group; Mariangela Zappia, Italian ambassador to the United States; On. Edoardo Rixi, Italian deputy minister of infrastructure and transport; J. Alex Kelly, Florida secretary of commerce; Heidi Webb, port director; and Daniella Levine Cara, mayor of Miami-Dade county.

According to the company, the new MSC Miami Cruise Terminal is the most technologically advanced and sets a global benchmark for cruise infrastructure.

The new facility is also the first in the industry to implement a complete biometric journey with digital identity verification, MSC said, to provide a seamless embarkation experience.

Designed by global design firm Arquitectonica and built by Fincantieri Infrastructure, the MSC Miami Cruise Terminal is able to process up to 36,000 passengers daily.

Three ships can dock simultaneously, with the facility occupying 492,678 square feet of area.

In his speech, Vago highlighted various aspects of the project, including its facade artwork and a new automatic baggage handling process designed in partnership with Leonardo.

“It’s a fully automated system that will load 27,000 pieces of luggage each day,” he said, noting the designers did a fantastic job with the project.

Vago also said that the new terminal focuses on passenger experience and sustainability.

“Our new terminal not only combines innovative design and technology but is also designed with energy efficiency and environment in mind,” he explained.

Among the green features of the facility is its shore power capability and a LEED Gold Certification.

The new terminal was developed to provide an experience where “every step is carefully streamlined for a stress-free embarkation,” the company added.

The facility will serve both MSC Cruises’ and Explora Journeys’ ships sailing from PortMiami, including MSC Cruises’ new flagship, the MSC World America.

Currently sailing to Florida after being delivered, the LNG-powered vessel will be named during a ceremony at the terminal on April 9, 2025.

The terminal also offers a six-level garage with over 2,400 parking spaces, which can be reserved in advance via the MSC for Me app or the MSC Cruises website.

There is a covered drop-off zone for buses, taxis and ride shares. All forms of arrival share a covered path straight to the terminal’s main entrance.

Guests who have opted into the biometric journey can simply scan their passport and look at the camera of one of the terminal’s 18 biometric face pods for validation.

The terminal uses 22 biometric E-gates to finalize the embarkation process before guests enter the gangway.

According to MSC, embarking will now be performed on the terminal side rather than on the vessel, allowing guests to start their holiday immediately.

Other highlights of the facility include a design that favors natural light and spacious waiting areas facing Biscayne Bay.

Guests of the MSC Yacht Club, the cruise line’s luxury “ship-within-a-ship” concept, also have exclusive access to a private lounge to enjoy drinks and snacks.

Guests will discover seven curated works of art commissioned through the Miami-Dade County Art in Public Places program.

The most striking piece is a first-of-its-kind 10,816-square-foot digitally projected installation that adorns the exterior of the terminal, using real-time NOAA oceanic data to create an ever-evolving display of tides, currents and weather patterns.

Additional exclusive artwork will enhance the MSC Yacht Club's private lounge.

MXP Chatbot: Accurate Answers Powered by Cruise-Specific Data

MXP Chatbot: Accurate Answers Powered by Cruise-Specific Data

MXP has introduced the MXP self-service chatbot, an AI-powered smart digital assistant designed to elevate the guest experience, streamline onboard operations and open opportunities to increase revenue.

Aneta Ivanovska, director of artificial intelligence at MXP, said: “With the MXP Chatbot, we’re making guest communication more efficient, personal and accessible. By enabling instant bookings and accurate, real-time support, it significantly enhances the guest experience while unlocking new opportunities to drive onboard revenue.”

The company said in a statement that, unlike chatbots that are limited to static Q&A logic, the MXP Chatbot delivers answers based on cruise data, and it allows guests to book restaurants, spa treatments and excursions timeously.

The chatbot is powered by advanced AI and state-of-the-art large language models and is available 24/7. It enables interactions in any language without requiring translation tools or localized content, the statement said.

The company added that the chatbot understands what guests are asking and responds accordingly, regardless of phrasing, topic, or language.

Cruise-specific data is structured separately for each cruise, exported in a format optimized for conversational use and is frequently updated.

This approach ensures highly relevant answers and significantly reduces the risk of hallucinations, a known issue with generative AI models and chatbots, MXP said.

The company added that its ability to move beyond simple dialogue sets the solution apart. Because it actively supports bookings for onboard services, it eliminates the need for guests to queue or wait for crew availability.

According to the statement, the chatbot is a scalable solution for cruise lines due to frequent data updates, which keep it up to date. Its knowledge base can also be expanded with additional data.

Cruise Orderbook Update: Two Ships Delivered in 40k Berth Year

Cruise Orderbook Update: Two Ships Delivered in 40k Berth Year

Two large cruise ships were recently delivered as the Norwegian Aqua and the MSC World America were handed over to Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises.

According to the latest edition of the cruise ship orderbook by Cruise Industry News, the vessels are part of a lineup of 15 ships that are scheduled to enter service for various brands this year.

The vessels will add roughly 40,000 berths to the cruise industry as part of a $12.1 billion investment.

After being built by Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard, the Aqua was delivered to Norwegian Cruise Line on Mar. 13, 2025.

According to CIN’s independent research, the 3,570-guest ship is one of 13 that will enter service for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings by 2036.

Set to be built by the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, the vessels will add over 40,000 berths to the company’s three brands.

The MSC World America was delivered to MSC Cruises by the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard on Mar. 27, 2025.

As the second ship in MSC’s World Class series, the 205,800-ton vessel will increase the company’s berth count by 5,400.

According to Cruise Industry News data, MSC is set to add roughly 20,000 berths to its fleet by 2028. The company’s orderbook includes two World Class vessels and a series of luxury vessels for Explora Journeys.

The Norwegian Aqua and the MSC World America follow the Mein Schiff Relax, which was delivered to TUI Cruises in February.

Other ships set to enter service in 2025 include the Asuka III, which is expected to be delivered to Japan-based Asuka Cruise in the coming weeks.

Royal Caribbean is also taking delivery of an additional Icon-class ship during the second quarter, as the Star of the Seas is being delivered by the Meyer Turku shipyard.

Additional vessels being delivered in the coming months include the new Star Princess, the Viking Vesta, the Celebrity Xcel, and the Disney Adventure.

 

NCLH and Royal Caribbean on Steepest Growth Curve to 2033

NCLH and Royal Caribbean on Steepest Growth Curve to 2033

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has set an aggressive growth course to 2033, increasing its estimated annual passenger capacity from about 2.8 million at the start of 2025 to more than 4.2 million by 2033, a 50 percent increase or approximately 5.5 percent each year, according to the 2025 Cruise Industry News Annual Report.

Royal Caribbean Group will grow its capacity from an estimated 8.5 million to 10.8 million guests, for a 27 percent increase over the 2025-2033 time period, or 3 percent per year.

MSC Cruises, including Explora Journeys, is closely behind Royal Caribbean’s growth curve, going from a 4.2 million passenger capacity at the start of the year to 5.2 million in 2033, and a 25 percent increase, or less than 3 percent per year.

Carnival Corporation will have the most modest growth over the period, based on its current orderbook, going from an annual passenger capacity of 12.6 million at the start of 2025 to 13.9 million in 2033, for a 10 percent increase, or about 1.1 percent per year.

And while Carnival Corporation remains the largest company with a market share of 31.8 percent, based on its existing brands and fleets, the single largest brand by 2033 will be Royal Caribbean International with a market share of 18 percent and 24.6 per cent for the group as a whole.

MSC will have a market share of 11.8 percent and NCLH 9.7 percent.

The 2025 Cruise Industry News Annual Report is available in digital and printed formats. Order today by clicking here.

 

13 New Cruise Ships to Enter Service in 2026

13 New Cruise Ships to Enter Service in 2026

According to the latest edition of the cruise ship orderbook by Cruise Industry News, 13 cruise ships will enter service in 2026.

As part of a strong year for the shipbuilding business, 13 vessels are set to be delivered to 12 cruise lines, including Viking, which is set to welcome two luxury vessels from Fincantieri.

[Download a PDF of the orderbook here]

The year will be particularly strong in the luxury segment, with seven upscale vessels set to enter service.

In addition to Viking, other brands taking delivery of high-end newbuilds include Emerald Cruises, Explora Journeys, Atlas Ocean Voyages and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Marking Orient Express’s official debut, the OE Corinthian is also set to enter service in 2026, kicking off the company’s first-ever cruise program.

The industry is welcoming several large ships next year as well, including the Legend of the Seas.

Currently being built for Royal Caribbean International at the Meyer Turku in Finland, the 250,000-ton vessel will be the second in the company’s Icon-class series.

Norwegian Cruise Line and TUI Cruises are also welcoming large vessels to their fleets with the debuts of the Norwegian Luna and the Mein Schiff Flow.

Continuing its record-breaking World class, MSC Cruises is set to take delivery of the MSC World Asia from the Chantiers de l’Atlantique.

Other ships entering service include the Adora Flora City, which will become the largest cruise ship ever built in China, and the Magellan Discovery, which was designed to offer expedition cruises in Antarctica.

According to CIN’s independent research, the new ships will add roughly 38,000 berths to the industry in 2026.

With an average size of 112,377 tons and an average cost of $805,066,667, the newbuilds will cost over $12 billion.

The World to Undergo Major Refit During Six-Week Drydock

The World to Undergo Major Refit During Six-Week Drydock

The company announced in a press release that the World Residences at Sea is set to undergo a major upgrade.

The refurbishment will take place during a six-week drydock at the Navantia Shipyard in Cadiz, Spain.

According to the ship’s operator, the project aims to bring an array of transformative enhancements to the vessel, including environmental, technical and hotel upgrades.

“This extraordinary 40-day, $30+ million outlay in the ship demonstrates residents’ commitment to keeping The World at the forefront of luxury living and represents the next chapter in that journey,” said Jessica Hoppe, president and CEO of The World.

The ship was also recently awarded a “Statement of Extended Life” from Det Norske Veritas (DNV).

“Our resident owners continue to invest in the ship, ensuring that it not only evolves with their needs but also stays ahead of global innovations. Our recent Statement of Extended Life from DNV is a testament to the exceedingly high standards that we set, how hard our deck and engine teams work to meet those standards, and the support that we receive from the resident community,” she added.

As part of its regular schedule, The World is said to enter a planned drydock every three years to conduct routine technology and maintenance upgrades, as well as updates to public spaces based on current design and lifestyle trends.

The DNV statement is a result of the company's commitment to maintenance.

After the completion of a comprehensive study and extensive evaluation, DNV recognized its commitment to maximizing the sustainable lifespan of the vessel.

“Most notably, The World’s physical condition is that of a ship that is just 5.6 years old, far younger than her chronological age—providing confidence in her long-term quality, efficiency, and environmental responsibility,” the company stated.

The 2025 drydock will focus on energy efficiency and sustainability, ensuring that the World continues to meet and exceed global climate targets.

Among the updates is the installation of shore power, also known as cold ironing, a High Voltage Shore Connection (HVSC) system.

The ship’s bulbous bow will be replaced as part of a decarbonization project.

Originally optimized for a speed of 19 knots, the new design will reduce hull resistance by up to 10 percent and significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions.

The World will also debut a reimagined pool deck, a refreshed spa and more.