Explora Journeys Evolves Loyalty Program

Explora Journeys Evolves Loyalty Program

Following the launch of Explora Club in April 2025, Explora Journeys has announced the second phase of the brand`s exclusive loyalty program.

The company said that Explora Club Members can now enjoy benefits and privileges while on board and view their points balance and loyalty status via their My Explora Account on explorajourneys.com.

Every night sailed onboard, eligible onboard purchases and Destination Experience bookings now contribute to earning points, unlocking an expanding collection of exclusive privileges and benefits with every journey.

For those yet to join, Explora Journeys invites guests to enrol so they can begin enjoying privileges including bespoke onboard events, value savings, surprise gifts, and elevated services designed to make every journey uniquely personal, the company said in a statement.

The brand also said it is expanding its Explora Club Status Match to include guests of Oceania Cruises, bringing the program to a total of 11 brands.

This enhancement is a direct response to guest feedback, driven by strong demand for Oceania’s inclusion. Travellers holding status with any of the eligible programs can match to the equivalent Explora Club level by providing proof of status, unlocking curated benefits from their very first journey.

Explora Club offers a seamless and intuitive, five-level structure – Classic, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond – with each level unveiling a collection of benefits, from priority access and bespoke events to personalised gifts and exclusive savings.

Explora Club Member Benefits Include:

• Thoughtful touches such as birthday gifts (Silver onwards) and special turndown service surprises (Gold onwards).
• Exclusive savings and rewards, including member offers (Classic onwards), future journey savings (Silver onwards), Journey Experience Credit (Platinum onwards), and a complimentary journey for two (Diamond).
• Pre-journey privileges like early access to new journeys, a dedicated online members area (Classic onwards), priority assistance (Silver onwards), private transfers and suite upgrades (Diamond).
• Exclusive hosted events, from cocktail receptions with ship leadership (Silver onwards) to curated President Journeys and Chef’s Kitchen experiences (Diamond).
• Enhanced onboard services include complimentary laundry (Gold onwards), a bridge tour (Platinum onwards), and personal shopping advice (Diamond).

Explora I Makes Maiden Call to Barbados

Explora I Makes Maiden Call to Barbados

Explora 1 photo credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr Photographs)

Barbados welcomed Explora Journeys for its inaugural call to Bridgetown on Monday, Nov 27.

Captain Diego Michelozzi and his 630-member crew were welcomed by a delegation led by the CEO of Barbados Port Inc, David Jean-Marie; Chief Product Development Officer of BTMI, Marsha Alleyne; Director of Marketing, BTMI, Anderson King; Divisional Manager, Operations, Barbados Port Inc, Ian Stewart; members of Foster & Ince Cruises and Barbados Port Inc.

The vessel arrived in Barbados from Castries, St. Lucia and will be sailing to Roseau, Dominica. The Explora I will make seven calls this season to Barbados.

Belfast Closes a Record 2023 Cruise Season

Belfast Closes a Record 2023 Cruise Season

Belfast just closed its record 2023 cruise season with the arrival of Fred Olsen Cruise Line’s  Borealis on Friday, October 20.

During the 2023 cruise season, Belfast welcomed a total of 158 calls, according to Cruise Belfast. This marks an 8 percent increase compared to the pre-pandemic record set in 2019.

The cruise season saw 57 ships from 32 different cruise lines dock in the port, carrying 320,000 passengers and crew. Among them were 14 ships that made their maiden calls to Belfast.

In addition, this year also marked the arrival of the 2 millionth cruise visitor to Belfast Harbour since 1996 when the first cruise ship arrived in Belfast. The milestone passenger arrived onboard the Norwegian Dawn in May this year.

Due to increased passenger numbers, Cruise Belfast estimates that over £20m was injected into the local economy through passenger spending.

Michael Robinson, port director of Belfast Harbour said: “After a couple of disrupted years due to the pandemic it’s clear that cruise tourism in Belfast is now in very good health. We continue to receive a lot of positive feedback from passengers, crew and cruise line management on the quality of Northern Ireland’s tourism offering and the service the industry provides.

 “Bookings for the 2024 cruise season are currently strong, with similar levels to this year’s record season, which is great news for the city and the industry. We look forward to another busy year welcoming visitors from around the world.”

Gerry Lennon, chief executive at Visit Belfast added: “Belfast as a gateway city to Northern Ireland, now takes its place among Europe’s most vibrant and captivating destinations, for leisure, business and cruise visitors.

“With the continued investment in the city’s infrastructure and iconic world-class attractions such as Titanic Belfast. Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, Titanic Distillery and Belfast’s cultural programming for 2024, we will ensure we have a range of new and exciting giant experiences to attract the growing cruise market. Cruise Tourism is a vital element of our tourism portfolio, and its impact is significant contributing to the visitor economy and bringing great vibrancy to the city region.”

 

Explora Journeys Celebrates Explora I’s Naming Ceremony

Explora Journeys Celebrates Explora I’s Naming Ceremony

MSC Group’s Explora Journeys today celebrated the naming ceremony of the Explora I in New York City, the company said in a prepared statement.

The event included the maritime tradition of cutting a ribbon to break a bottle of champagne on the ship’s bow, officially naming it and bringing good luck.

Taking place at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, the christening ceremony was conducted by Explora I’s Godmother, Dr Sylvia Earle, a renowned marine biologist and oceanographer.

According to Explora, the event was also attended by guests from around the world, international journalists, key travel partners of Explora Journeys and senior representatives from MSC Group, who enjoyed a gala dinner following the ceremonial launch and an evening of vibrant celebrations.

“In the world of luxury travel, the Explora I is a game-changer. We are offering journeys that redefine the very essence of luxurious ocean travel,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, Cruise Division, MSC Group.

“We are looking to attract a wider group of discerning travelers who have experienced the finest luxury land-based resorts but seek more value, more authenticity, and a deeper connection to the world. Explora Journeys is the answer by giving you a way to discover off the beaten track destinations by sea, all whilst enjoying some of the best real estate in the world,” he added, highlighting the further five ships that are joining the fleet in the next five years.

Explora 1 photo credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr Account)

“Today’s event is a significant milestone for Explora Journeys as our first ship, the Explora I, brings to life our vision to reshape luxury travel. We are proud to introduce a new era of discovery and luxurious travel and to showcase our first ship in the vibrant city of New York,” said Michael Ungerer, CEO, Explora Journeys.

“I am honored to be the Godmother for Explora I and look forward to a meaningful relationship between Mission Blue, Explora Journeys and the MSC Foundation towards making a very positive contribution to protect and restore the world’s seas and oceans,” Dr Sylvia Earle, Founder and Chairman, Mission Blue.

The Explora I, the first of six luxury ships constructed by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, began sailing in July this year with a series of journeys in Northern Europe before crossing the Atlantic to New York with visits to Iceland, Greenland and Canada.

The ship has 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses and residences, six restaurants, 12 indoor and outdoor bars and lounges, four swimming pools, extensive outdoor decks with private cabanas and nearly 1,000 square meters of wellness and fitness facilities.

Explora I Makes Maiden Call to Southampton

Explora I Makes Maiden Call to Southampton

The port of Southampton welcomed Explora Journeys’ Explora I for the ship’s maiden call at the start of its nine-night voyage around the UK.

A crest exchange took place onboard the ship to celebrate its first visit to the destination. Attendees included the ship’s master Captain Serena Melani; Rebekah Keeler of Associated British Ports Southampton; and Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys.

 “Southampton is one of the UK’s major ports and one of the most significant within Europe, and it was a great pleasure and honour to present our highly anticipated and brand-new ship, Explora I We continue to work meticulously and tirelessly to showcase our new product which fuses innovation and sophisticated design, and our commitment to excellence,” said Ungerer.

Keele added: “We were delighted to welcome Explora I to Southampton which reflects the continued growth of our partnership with the MSC Group. Working with partners who share in our drive for a sustainable future, such as Explora Journeys, will make the ambition a reality and we look forward to welcoming the ship when she has the opportunity to return.”

 For its current voyage, the Explora I sails from Southampton to South Queensferry for Edinburgh, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, Invergordon in the Scottish Highlands, Portree in the Isle of Skye, Greencastle in Northern Ireland, Liverpool and Greenock for Glasgow. 

The ship will then spend the fall in North America and then head to the Caribbean Sea for winter. The Explora I will return to Europe in the summer of 2024 for a series of Mediterranean sailings.

Meet The New Cruise Brands Entering Service in 2023

Meet The New Cruise Brands Entering Service in 2023

In another big year for start-up brands, at least five new cruise lines are set to launch service in 2023. With new builds and also secondhand vessels, the companies are set to offer different products, including luxury cruises, expedition voyages and more.

Explora Journeys
First ship: Explora I
Built: 2023
Capacity: 922 guests
Inaugural Cruise: July 17, 2023
Maiden Voyage Region: Northern Europe

After years of anticipation, Explora Journeys is making its debut in July. Marking MSC’s entry into the luxury market, the new brand is set to offer what it calls the “ocean state of mind.”

Adora Cruises
First ship: Unnamed Vista-Class Newbuild
Built: 2023
Capacity: 5,000 guests
Inaugural Cruise: TBA
Maiden Voyage Region: East Asia

Result of a joint venture between Carnival Corporation and China State Shipbuilding Corporation, Adora Cruises is the newest homegrown Chinese cruise brand.

Set to launch service later in the year, the startup cruise line has two new builds under construction in China and also acquired two former Costa Cruises vessels. Combining an international vision with local tastes, Adora plans to create the ideal cruise experience for Chinese guests, with year-round cruises departing from multiple homeports throughout China.

CFC
First ship: Renaissance
Built: 1993
Capacity: 1,258 guests
Inaugural Cruise: May 14, 2023
Maiden Voyage Region: Northern Europe

After acquiring Holland America’s former Maasdam in 2022, CFC aims to fill a gap in the French market by developing a customized premium product.

With all guest-facing staff fluent in French, the new cruise line intends to offer “a quality product” that focuses on the country’s identity and needs. Sailing from two different homeports in France, the Renaissance will debut in May, with a program of longer roundtrip cruises that visit destinations in Northern Europe, the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.

Exploris
First ship: Exploris One

Built: 1989
Capacity: 132 guests
Inaugural Cruise: December 23, 2023
Maiden Voyage Region: Antarctica

With Philippe Videau, one of Ponant’s founders, serving as the company’s president, Exploris aims to operate a fleet of small expedition vessels for the French market.

Acquired from Silversea Cruises, the brand’s first vessel is set to enter service in December, offering exploration French-speaking exploration cruises in South America and Antarctica. Renamed Exploris One, the former Silver Explorer is set to sail in the Amazon, the Atlantic Islands, Western Europe and the Arctic during its inaugural season, including 30 departures and 26 unique itineraries.

Crystal Cruises
First ships: Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity
Built: 1995 and 2003
Capacity: 606 and 740 guests
Inaugural Cruise: July 31, 2023
Maiden Voyage Region: Mediterranean

After being acquired by the A&K Travel Group in 2022, the Crystal Cruises brand name is returning later this year under new management. The new luxury operator plans to launch service in July by using two of Crystal’s former oceangoing vessels, the Crystal Serenity and the Crystal Symphony.

Explora Announces Winter 2024-25 Program for Explora I

Explora Announces Winter 2024-25 Program for Explora I

Explora Journeys today announced its itineraries for the autumn and winter 2024-25 season of Explora I, according to a press release.

Featuring 23 journeys and two grand journeys between September 2024 and April 2025, the itineraries will encompass 73 different destinations in 24 countries, the company said in a statement.

Eight of them will be a first for Explora Journeys, including Macapá, Alter-do-Chaõ and Manaus in the Amazon, and the Devil’s Island in French Guiana.

Sacha Rougier, Head of Itinerary Planning and Destination Experiences, at Explora Journeys, said: “Guests will have the chance to delve into an exhilarating celebration of diversity: From private tours of MoMA in New York City to thrilling boat expeditions up the Amazon; discovering new shades of blue on a hidden Caribbean island or being fully immersed in the biggest show on earth with our exclusive Explora Journeys carnival experience in Rio, where they’ll be granted insider access to join the vibrant performers.”

The voyages start in the far north of North America’s East Coast, then sail to the Caribbean and South America before crossing the Atlantic to Europe.

Highlights include an 8-night Journey to Trailing Whales and Falling Leaves, sailing from New York City on Oct. 8 2024 for Boston, Portland and Halifax, the mystical Whale Corridors and the Gulf of St Lawrence, and finishing in Quebec City.

The ship will offer journeys up the Amazon River and into the Brazilian rainforest, complete with torchlit kayak tours and forest trails to hidden tribal villages.  In Manaus, guests will witness the confluence of where the Rio Negro joins the Rio Solimoes and in Santarem where the Amazon meets the waters of the Tapajos.

Journey into Wild and Wonderful Amazonia will depart Bridgetown, Barbados, on November 22 2024, and sail to French Guiana’s Devil’s Island before heading to Macapá, Alter-do-Chaõ and Manaus in Brazil.

A Journey to the Meeting Waters on the Almighty Amazon will set off on November 29 2024 and travel up the Amazon to Macapá and Bequia before returning to Bridgetown.

A Journey of Tantalising Transatlantic Adventures sails on April 3 2025 from Bridgetown on a 14-night transatlantic crossing. Guests can enjoy leisurely days at sea before exploring Cape Verde, the 10-island Creole-Portuguese archipelago.  EXPLORA I will stop to take in the natural attractions of the Canary Islands, followed by Madeira, before arriving in Lisbon, Portugal on April 18, 2025.

The ship’s grand journeys, A Grand Journey to Amazonia & Tropical Isles (28 nights) and A Grand Transatlantic Odyssey in the Atlantic (32 nights), give guests the opportunity to visit the Caribbean, the Amazon and the vastness of the ocean beyond.

 

Preview: The 2023 Cruise Industry

Preview: The 2023 Cruise Industry

With the COVID-19 pandemic now in the past, Cruise Industry News looked into the trends and the highlights that are set to headline the cruise industry in 2023.

New Ships

According to Cruise Industry News’ Orderbook data, lots of new builds are set to hit the market in 2023.

The vessels will expand the fleet of 20 operators, including major brands such as Carnival and MSC Cruises, as well as niche cruise lines including American Cruise Line and Swan Hellenic.

Virgin will be the brand adding the most ships, with the Resilient Lady and the Brilliant Lady scheduled to enter service during the year.

Start-Ups

More start-ups are entering the market in 2023 while other new brands are also expanding their fleet.

New brands launching services include Compagnie Française de Croisières and Exploris, as well as Explora Journeys and Adora Cruises.

After debuting in 2022, other start-up operators – including Ambassador and Emerald – are set to add ships to their fleets over the next 12 months.

Additional brands that could debut in 2023 include Foresee Cruises, who acquired the former Sea Princess for a local operation in China.

New Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises is making a return in 2023, under new management and ownership.

The brand, along with two former ships, the Serenity and the Symphony, was bought by the A&K Group after the collapse of the luxury cruise line in early 2022.

With details still to be confirmed, the new luxury cruise line plans to launch operations early in the year.

First China-Built Large Ship

The first large cruise ship built in China is going to enter service in late 2023. Currently, in the final stages of construction in Shanghai, the still-unnamed vessel is set to offer year-round cruising in Asia for Adora Cruises.

With a design similar to the one used by Carnival’s Vista-Class ships, the 135,000-ton ship will have a capacity for 5,000 guests, as well as custom-designed features and public areas.

A joint venture between China State Shipbuilding Corporation and Carnival Corporation, the brand also has a sister ship currently under construction at the same shipyard.

Explora Journeys

The MSC Group is debuting a new cruise line in 2023 with Explora Journeys. As part of its expansion, the new brand will offer a luxury experience, with a fleet of purpose-built ships.

Scheduled to enter service in July, the Explora I is the first of the new mid-sized vessels.

The 922-guest ship will debut in Northern Europe, before offering itineraries in North America, the Caribbean, South America and the West Coast.

Japan Reopening

One of the most important markets in Asia, Japan is set to welcome international cruising back in early 2023.

Cruise Lines returning to the country include Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Silversea, which are set to offer full seasons in the region starting in March.

Secondhand Market

With several ships looking for new operators, the secondhand market is set to continue warm in 2023.

Vessels like Fred. Olsen’s Braemar, the Astoria, the Pacific Venus and the Birka Stockholm are currently on the market. Meanwhile, Carnival Corporation said it would sell three more ships, including two Costa ships, on this year-end and fourth-quarter earnings call in December.

Other ships potently looking for new owners include the Seajets fleet, which currently includes five ships and remains laid up in Greece, and the former AIDAvita, which remains laid up in Estonia.

Vessels formerly operated by Genting, such as the Explorer Dream, are also present in limbo.

Expedition Market

The expedition market will welcome five new vessels in 2023 as vessels are set to enter service for various brands, including Swan Hellenic, Scenic and Oceanwide according to the orderbook.

Seabourn is also continuing its expansion into the niche with the addition of the Seabourn Pursuit, its second purpose-built exploration ship.

Concluding SunStone’s Infinity class of ships, the Ocean Albatros is also scheduled to debut during the year.

Disney Expansion

Disney Cruise Line is growing its operations in 2023. With the new Disney Wish sailing its first full year, the brand is set to add a new homeport in North America and also debut in Australia and New Zealand.

Starting in November, the brand is set to expand to Port Everglades, offering four- and five-night cruises onboard the Disney Dream.

A few days before that, however, Disney is also arriving in Australia and New Zealand for the first time, with the Disney Wonder offering a local program that includes itineraries sailing from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland.

In 2023, Disney is also expected to reveal its plans for the former Global Dream, which was acquired by the brand last November.

 

Explora Journeys Reveal Maiden Itinerary from Southampton.

Explora Journeys has revealed details of the maiden voyage for its first of six ships, Explora I, which will set sail in July next year.

The brand will make its debut with a 15-night inaugural journey to northern Europe, with calls to 12 ports.

 

Explora I will leave Southampton on 17 July 2023 on its first voyage, entitled A Maiden Journey into Epic Fjords and the Arctic Circle.
 
The ship will call at Zeebrugge before proceeding to Norway, where it will visit Geiranger, Trondheim, Molde, Leknes, Bronnoysund, Flam, Bergen and Stavanger. It then sails to Denmark, with visits to Skagen and Copenhagen.

 

Michael Ungerer, the chief executive, said: “Our vision and purpose from day one has been to create a travel and ocean experience like no other, and we are thrilled that our ground-breaking new class of ship, Explora I, will introduce guests during her maiden journey to some of the most breath-taking destinations in northern Europe while enjoying the finest luxury hospitality at sea.”

13 Cruise Ships Were Ordered During the Pandemic

13 Cruise Ships Were Ordered During the Pandemic

While secondhand sales dominated the cruise industry headlines over the past few months, the shipbuilding business has also been busy during the pandemic.

In addition to the vessels that were already set to be built in 2020, a total of 13 extra ships were also ordered in March 2020.

Here’s the complete list:

SH Diana
Cruise Line: Swen Hellenic
Order Date: October 2020
Shipyard: Helsinki Shipyard (Finland)
Capacity: 192 guests
Tonnage: 12,500
Expected Delivery: Q1 2023

Swan Hellenic was among the first cruise lines to order a cruise ship after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In October 2020, the new cruise line signed a contract with the Helsinki Shipyard for the construction of a new 192-guest expedition vessel. Slightly larger than its sister ships SH Minerva and SH Vega, the SH Diana is set to enter service in 2023.

Asuka Newbuild
Cruise Line: Asuka Cruises
Order Date: March 2021
Shipyard: Meyer Werft (Germany)
Capacity: 744 guests
Tonnage: 51,950
Expected Delivery: 2025

After being partially sold to an investment company before the pandemic, Asuka Cruises revealed plans to add a new build to its fleet.

Set to debut in 2025, the new LNG-powered ship was announced in March 2021 and will have the capacity for 744 guests in double occupancy.

MV Narrative
Cruise Line: Storylines
Order Date: March 2021
Shipyard: Brodosplit (Croatia)
Capacity: 1,250 guests
Tonnage: 62,000
Expected Delivery: Q4 2024 

In March 2021, Storylines confirmed an order for a 62,000-ton residential ship. To be built in Croatia by the Brodosplit shipyard, the MV Narrative is set to enter service in late 2024.

According to its operator, the LNG-powered ship will feature private residences, in addition to features that include a microbrewery, a hydroponic garden and an art studio.

Njord
Cruise Line: Ocean Residences
Order Date: July 2021
Shipyard: Meyer Werft (Germany)
Capacity: 600 guests
Tonnage: 84,800
Expected Delivery: 2025

As part of its plans to operate a private residential vessel, Ocean Residences signed a ship construction contract with Meyer Werft in July 2021.

With a 2025 target delivery, the Njord is set to be built at the German shipyard and will feature a total of 117 individual residences.

Emerald Sakara
Cruise Line: Emerald (Scenic Group)
Order Date: September 2021
Shipyard: Halong (Vietnam)
Capacity: 100 guests
Tonnage: 10,000
Expected Delivery: Q1 2023

Emerald Cruises ordered a second cruise ship for its fleet in September 2021. The new Emerald Sakara is set to be delivered in 2023 and will have the capacity of 100 guests.

A sister to the 2021-built Emerald Azzurra, the super yacht is being built by the Halong shipyard in Vietnam.

Unnamed Expedition Ship 
Cruise Line: TBD
Order Date: January 2022
Shipyard: Brodosplit (Croatia)
Capacity: 152 guests
Tonnage: TBD
Expected Delivery: 2025

The Brodosplit shipyard announced an order for the construction of a new polar expedition ship in January 2022. Brodosplit and DIV Group have since filed for reorganization in Croatia.

The 152-guest vessel is set to enter service in 2025 and did not have its buyer revealed at the time of the order.

American Eagle and American Glory 
Cruise Line: American Cruise Lines
Order Date: January 2022
Shipyard: Chesapeake (United States)
Capacity: 109 guests each
Tonnage: 3,000 each
Expected Delivery: 2023

In January 2022, American Cruise Lines revealed plans to build a new series of U.S.-flagged coastal cruise ships.

Named Project Blue, the class will include a total of 12 vessels - of which the first two are already in construction at the Chesapeake shipyard.

Ilma and Luminara
Cruise Line: Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Order Date: March 2022
Shipyard: Chantiers de l’Atlantique (France)
Capacity: 456 guests each
Tonnage: 37,000 each
Expected Delivery: 2024 and 2025

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection ordered two additional cruise ships in March 2022, the Ilma and the Luminara. Following the Evrima, which is set to enter service soon, the vessels will be built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France.

Designed as mega yachts, the 37,000-ton ships are set to be delivered in 2024 and 2025, respectively.

Explora V and Explora IV
Cruise Line: Explora Journeys
Order Date: July 2022
Shipyard: Fincantieri (Italy)
Capacity: 922 guests each
Tonnage: 70,000 each
Expected Delivery: 2027 and 2028 

Explora Journeys added two ships to its orderbook in July 2022. The new vessels will be built at the Fincantieri shipyard, using the same platform as the 2023-built Explora I.

Increasing the fleet of the MSC Cruises’ luxury brand to six ships, the 922-guest vessels will be powered by LNG and hydrogen.

Unnamed Ultra-Luxury Ship
Cruise Line: "International Customer" 
Order Date: July 2022
Shipyard: Fincantieri (Italy)
Capacity: TBD
Tonnage: TBD
Expected Delivery: “End of 2025”

In July 2022, Fincantieri announced it was awarded with a construction contract for a new ultra-luxury vessel.

According to the Italian shipyard, the new build will be delivered to an “international customer” by the end of 2025.

SES to Offer Global Connectivity Services Onboard the Explora I

SES to Offer Global Connectivity Services Onboard the Explora I

According to a press release, SES has partnered with Explora Journeys and will provide global connectivity services onboard the Explora I when it enters service in 2023.

SES's mPOWERED connectivity service will offer low latency and the highest available throughput aboard, contributing to Explora's vision of creating an "Ocean State of Mind”, according to SES.

Guests on the Explora I will have free, high-speed, and uninterrupted Wi-Fi access regardless of their location, and they will be able to stream their preferred content or share their cruise experience from any part of the ship.

Crew welfare and training, employee performance, motivation, and retention will all benefit from improved connectivity onboard through this partnership.

“Today’s guests simply expect seamless and uninterrupted connectivity comparable to on land as they want to share their experiences and stay online as much as possible. We are pleased to be able to offer this connectivity experience to our guests onboard Explora I thanks to SES’s services,” said Michael Ungerer, chief executive officer, Explora Journeys, MSC’s new luxury brand.

“Connectivity is one of the most important enablers for such travel experiences from both a guest and crew point of view. Our O3b mPOWER ultra-fast, low-latency connectivity is empowering a new experience that will revolutionise the ultra-luxury expedition maritime segment,” added Simon Maher, vice president of global sales and cruise maritime services, SES.

Meet 5 New Cruise Brands

While the major corporations continue to dominate the cruise market, there are several new brands entering service over the next few years. With their new products and ships, they’re adding a fresh perspective to the business. Cruise Industry News has looked at the plans of five of the new cruise lines.

Swan Hellenic
First ship: SH Minerva
Built: 2021
Capacity: 152
Inaugural Cruise: December 29, 2021
Region and Itinerary: Antarctica and South Shetland Islands

Swan Hellenic is returning to the market after a four-year hiatus with new management at the helm. The new cruise line is about to launch service in Antarctica and will be operating in the expedition cruising niche.

It aims to offer “cultural expedition cruising” to remote parts of the globe with its three new purpose-built expedition ships. Sailing areas include the polar regions, where the first ship Minerva will debut on Dec. 29.

According to the company, the vessel and its sister ships were designed with “state-of-the-art features” meant to provide “guests with an elegant, intimate and personal onboard experience delivered by 120 warm, friendly and knowledgeable staff.”

The SH Vega will follow the Minerva, entering service next April, while a third – yet unnamed – vessel will debut in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Ambassador Cruise Line

First ship: Ambiance
Built: 1991
Capacity: 1,590
Inaugural Cruise: April 6, 2022
Region and Itinerary: Northern Europe

Ambassador Cruise Line claims to be the first new British cruise line since 2010. The brand launched in 2021, announcing its plans to offer a “premium-value, authentic cruise experience, sailing for the British market from its homeport of London Tilbury.”

With a program of no-fly itineraries, Ambassador is focusing on the over-50s market looking for a traditional cruising product.

Ambassador’s first ship, the 1,590-guest Ambiance, was built in 1991 and is currently undergoing a major refurbishment in Croatia. Among the vessel’s main features are five restaurants, nine lounges, a swimming pool and a spa.

After the refit, the Ambiance is set to debut on Apr. 6, with an inaugural short-break cruise to Hamburg, before embarking on a mixed itinerary program with sailings to the Norwegian Fjords and the British Isles planned throughout spring.

Margaritaville at Sea
First ship: Margaritaville Paradise
Built: 1991
Capacity: 1,308
Inaugural Cruise: April 30, 2022
Region and Itinerary: Short cruises to Freeport, Bahamas

After doing a deal with Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, the Margaritaville Resorts & Hotels group will operate a new cruise brand in 2022.

Called Margaritaville at Sea, the company will operate the Margaritaville Paradise on short Bahamas getaways beginning Apr. 30.

Currently sailing as the Grand Classica, the 1991-built vessel is expected to undergo an extensive refit at Grand Bahama before entering service for the new brand.

Margaritaville at Sea will sail from the Port of Palm Beach and is set to offer two-night cruises to Freeport in Grand Bahama Island. The product will provide guests with Margaritaville’s authentic culture, entertainment and food, the company said.

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
First ship: Evrima
Built: 2022
Capacity: 298
Inaugural Cruise: May 6, 2022
Region and Itinerary: Western Europe and Mediterranean

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is launching its luxury mega yacht service in 2022. The brand is planning an upscale boutique product, focusing on dining and wellness features, onboard its purpose-built first ship Evrima.

The vessel – set to enter service in 2022 – will offer 10 different dining experiences. Those range from steaks and seafood to fully customized lunches and dinners. Other features on the ship include spa treatments and a marina-style platform with sundecks ensuring direct access to water.

The Evrima also has some of the nicest accommodations at sea, including duplex suites and a 160-square-meter Owner’s Suite with its own private terrace and whirlpool.

The ship’s first cruise is scheduled for May 6 and departs from Lisbon, Portugal. The 11-night itinerary visits seven ports in the region – including Tangier in Morocco – before it arrives in Barcelona, Spain.

Explora Journeys
First ship: Explora I
Built: 2023
Capacity: 922
Inaugural Cruise: May 31, 2023
Region and Itinerary: Europe - Western and Eastern Mediterranean

When it launches service in 2023, Explora Journeys will mark MSC Group’s debut in the luxury market. The new brand will sail global itineraries on mid-sized purpose-built vessels and currently has four ships on order.

According to MSC, Explora Journeys will offer the “highest level of service and amenities,” while utilizing the latest technology to provide “journeys of discovery” through destinations “on and off the beaten path.”

The brand’s first ship Explora I’s first cruise is scheduled to depart on May 31, 2023. For its debut season, the 922-guest vessel is offering a program in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe before crossing the Atlantic for a series of itineraries in North America, the Caribbean and South America.