Norwegian Sky Farewell Cruise Cancelled

Norwegian Sky Farewell Cruise Cancelled

Norwegian Cruise Line cancelled the farewell cruise of the Norwegian Sky, which was scheduled to depart from Greece on September 9, 2026.

According to a statement sent to booked guests, the decision is related to security concerns in the Middle East region.

The 19-night voyage was scheduled to transit the Suez Canal and the Red Sea before arriving in Muscat, Oman.

“After careful review, and with the safety and security of our guests and crew as our guiding priority, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this sailing,” the company added.

“Given the ongoing uncertainty in the region, we no longer have the level of confidence needed to deliver the experience you expect and deserve.”

Norwegian stated that the decision to cancel the cruise, though difficult, was guided by the safety and well-being of its guests and crew.

After departing from the port of Piraeus in Athens, the Norwegian Sky was scheduled to sail to Greece, Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia before arriving in Oman.

The itinerary included visits to Rhodes, Alexandria, Port Sokhna, Safaga, Sharm El Sheikh, Jeddah and Aqaba, as well as transits of the Suez Canal and the Red Sea.

Acquired by Cordelia Cruises in 2025, the Norwegian Sky is scheduled to be delivered to the India-based cruise line this October.

“We know this is not the news anyone was hoping to receive. Throughout this process, many of you have shown remarkable patience, flexibility, and understanding, and we are truly sorry that this voyage can no longer move forward as planned,” Norwegian added.

The company said that guests will receive a full monetary refund of the cruise fare paid to the original form of payment used at the time of booking.

Norwegian will also offer passengers a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) valued at 50 percent of the current voyage fare, which will be added to a 15 percent FCC issued earlier due to itinerary changes.

The company said that the new credit may be used toward any published Norwegian Cruise Line sailing through December 31, 2027.

Guests who purchased airfare through the company will have flights automatically cancelled and refunded.

For passengers with independent travel arrangements, Norwegian is offering up to $300 per person to cover airline change or cancellation fees that are not reimbursed by either the airlines or travel insurance providers.

Norwegian had already adjusted the itinerary of the cruise in July, cancelling visits to destinations in the Arabian Gulf.

Initially scheduled to end in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the cruise was also cut short from its original 21-night length.

Norwegian Reports 2026 Q1 Results

Norwegian Reports 2026 Q1 Results

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026 and provided guidance for the second quarter and full year 2026.

Highlights

• First quarter total revenue grew 10% to $2.3 billion. GAAP net income was $105 million, with EPS of $0.23.
• Delivered Adjusted EBITDA of $533 million in first quarter 2026, exceeding guidance, and representing an increase of 18% compared to 2025. Adjusted Net Income more than doubled to $108 million. Adjusted EPS increased $0.13 to $0.23.
• Company lowered full year 2026 guidance with Adjusted EPS expected to be $1.45 to $1.79.
• Company took delivery of Norwegian Luna, featuring an exceptional collection of venues and experiences, including its latest in house production ELTON: A Celebration of Elton John™.
• Announced Board refreshment with the appointment of five new independent directors effective March 31, 2026, further strengthening the Company’s governance and shareholder value focus.
• Executed targeted initiatives to enhance its SG&A profile, generating approximately $125 million of expected annualized run-rate savings.

“

We delivered strong first quarter results, and more importantly we have already begun taking decisive actions to strengthen execution and accountability across the company, which will enhance results over the longer term,” said John W. Chidsey, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

“During the quarter, we acted with urgency to simplify, optimize, and streamline the organization, including executing SG&A savings initiatives totaling $125 million in expected run rate savings. These are long-term structural actions that we believe will help offset near-term pressures and position the business for stronger performance over time. As we move through the year, we will continue to manage costs and focus on revenue growth to align resources with the high-growth, high value areas of the business. I remain confident and encouraged that we are building a leaner, more effective and nimble organization that positions NCLH for sustainable long-term value creation.”

First Quarter 2026 Highlights

• Generated total revenue of $2.3 billion, a 10% increase compared to the first quarter of 2025, driven by increased Capacity Days. GAAP net income was $104.7 million compared to $(40.3) million in the prior year, with EPS of $0.23.
• Gross margin per Capacity Day increased 4.0% versus 2025 on an as reported basis and increased 2.6% on a Constant Currency basis. Net Yield decreased approximately 0.3% on an as reported basis and 1.0% on a Constant Currency basis, above our guidance of a decline of 1.6%.
• Gross Cruise Costs per Capacity Day was approximately $287, compared to $297 in the prior year. Adjusted Net Cruise Cost excluding Fuel per Capacity Day was approximately $169 on an as reported basis and $168 on a Constant Currency basis, and was down 0.2% on an as reported basis and 1.0% on a Constant Currency basis compared to $169 in 2025, better than guidance.
• Adjusted EBITDA increased 18% to $533 million, compared to $453 million in 2025, exceeding guidance of ~$515 million. Adjusted EPS increased 121% to $0.23, exceeding guidance of ~$0.16.

2026 Full Year Outlook

The Company is experiencing headwinds related to disruptions in the Middle East, including higher fuel expense and signs of softer demand as consumers reevaluate travel plans, particularly to Europe. As previously noted, the Company entered 2026 behind its targeted booking curve, and these headwinds have hindered the Company’s ability to accelerate bookings and close that gap. These external pressures come as the Company continues to enhance its revenue management system and improve execution, resulting in additional pressure on the business and a reduction in its full year guidance. A summary of the updated full year guidance is provided below:

• 2026 full year Net Yield on a Constant Currency basis is expected to be down approximately 3% to 5% versus 2025.
• 2026 Adjusted Net Cruise Cost excluding Fuel per Capacity Day is expected to be approximately flat on a Constant Currency basis versus 2025, reflecting better-than-previously-guided performance driven by workforce optimization and other SG&A savings.
• 2026 full year Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be approximately $2.48 billion to $2.64 billion.
• Adjusted Operational EBITDA Margin for the full year 2026 is expected to be 32.9% to 34.3%.
• Full year Adjusted Net Income is expected to be approximately $679 million to $838 million. Adjusted EPS is expected to be $1.45 to $1.79.

Q2 2026 Outlook

• Q2 2026 Net Yield on a Constant Currency basis is expected to decline approximately 3.6% versus 2025.
• Q2 2026 Adjusted Net Cruise Cost excluding Fuel per Capacity Day is expected to grow approximately 1.0% on a Constant Currency basis versus 2025.
• Q2 2026 Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be approximately $632 million and Adjusted Operational EBITDA Margin for the quarter is expected to be approximately 32.5%.

 

Booking Environment Update

The Company remains below its optimal booking range following certain execution missteps, exacerbated by softer demand related to heightened geopolitical uncertainty. Recent events related to the conflict in the Middle East have impacted bookings across all three brands, especially in Europe during the summer season. While the near-term environment remains challenging, the Company is taking targeted actions to better align commercial strategy, including marketing, with deployment and revenue management, with the benefits of these actions expected to materialize gradually over time.

Liquidity and Financial Position

The Company is committed to optimizing its balance sheet and reducing Net Leverage. As of March 31, 2026, the Company had total debt of $15.2 billion and Net Debt of $15.0 billion. Net Leverage ended the quarter at 5.3x.

As of March 31, 2026, liquidity was $1.6 billion including approximately $185.0 million of cash and cash equivalents and $1.4 billion of availability under our Revolving Loan Facility.

“During the quarter we delivered better-than-expected cost performance across the business,” said Mark A. Kempa, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “As we navigate a more uncertain macroeconomic and geopolitical environment, we are acting diligently to offset those pressures through targeted SG&A savings and broader efficiency initiatives. Based on the actions taken during the quarter, we now expect full year Adjusted Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel to be approximately flat to last year, which should help support margins as we continue to strengthen execution across the business.”

Outlook and Guidance

In addition to announcing the results for the first quarter of 2026, the Company also provided guidance for the second quarter and full year 2026, along with accompanying sensitivities, subject to changes in the broad macroeconomic environment. The Company does not provide certain estimated future results on a GAAP basis because the Company is unable to predict, with reasonable certainty, the future movement of foreign exchange rates or the future impact of certain gains and charges. These items are uncertain and will depend on several factors, including industry conditions, and could be material to the Company’s results computed in accordance with GAAP. The Company has not provided reconciliations between the Company’s 2026 guidance and the most directly comparable GAAP measures because it would be too difficult to prepare a reliable U.S. GAAP quantitative reconciliation without unreasonable effort.

TUI Cancels Second Leg of Middle East Repositioning Voyage

TUI Cancels Second Leg of Middle East Repositioning Voyage

TUI Cruises cancelled an additional sailing due to the conflicts in the Middle East, according to a statement shared by the company.

With its vessels still stuck in the Arabian Gulf, the company is now cancelling a repositioning voyage that was set to take place onboard the Mein Schiff 4 starting on April 11, 2026.

The 20-night cruise was scheduled to sail between Cape Town, South Africa, and Palma de Mallorca, Spain.

Before arriving in the Mediterranean, the itinerary included visits to Walvis Bay in Namibia, Praia in Cape Verde, Gran Canaria and Arrecife in the Canary Islands, as well as Tangier in Morocco and Barcelona in Spain.

TUI had already cancelled the first leg of Mein Schiff 4’s repositioning voyage, which was set to sail from the United Arab Emirates to South Africa in late March.

With the latest round of cancellations, all the cruises set to take place onboard the vessel from Feb. 28, 2026, to April 11, 2026, will no longer go ahead.

As previously reported by Cruise Industry News, the company also cancelled the repositioning cruise forthe Mein Schiff 5 and all sailings set to take place onboard the ship between Feb. 28, 2026, and March 29, 2026.

“The primary objective now remains the safety and well-being of the remaining crew onboard the Mein Schiff 4 and the Mein Schiff 5,” TUI stated.

“In addition, the TUI Cruises crisis management team is working continuously and in close coordination with the relevant authorities, the German Foreign Office, the relevant embassies, international security experts and the security teams of its two parent companies on an ongoing assessment of the situation,” the company added, mentioning the resumption of the vessels’ regular itineraries.

In related news, Celestyal Cruises today announced the cancellation of an additional cruise itinerary in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Currently docked in Dubai, the Celestyal Discovery was initially scheduled to launch its summer season in Greece on March 20, 2026.

TUI Cancels Additional Sailings for Middle East Ships

TUI Cancels Additional Sailings for Middle East Ships

TUI Cruises cancelled additional departures onboard two of its vessels due to the current conflicts in the Middle East.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday, the cancellations now include all sailings set to take place onboard the Mein Schiff 4 through March 23, 2026.

For the Mein Schiff 5, the cancellations include all the cruises scheduled to take place through March 29, 2026. TUI explained that the cancellations follow a travel and security advisory from Germany’s Foreign Office.

The company said that all affected passengers have been directly informed of the cancellations by its teams.

“Should further adjustments become necessary, we will promptly and proactively contact the booked guests,” TUI added.

“We are continuously assessing the situation and making decisions based on current official recommendations,” the statement added.

TUI noted that all guests and numerous crew members have now disembarked both the Mein Schiff 4 and the Mein Schiff 5 safely.

“The primary goal now remains to ensure the safety and well-being of the remaining crew onboard,” the company explained.

“Furthermore, our crisis team is working in close coordination with the relevant authorities, the Foreign Office, the responsible embassies, international security experts and the security teams of both parent companies on an ongoing assessment of the situation and derived scenarios,” TUI added.

The company also said it set up an information hotline for families of crew members that are still onboard the vessels in the Middle East.

The information service can be reached from Monday to Friday by phone at +800 5353 3333. TUI’s team is also available to answer questions and concerns via email at FamilyCrewHelpLine@seachefs.com.

The recent round of cancellations includes Mein Schiff 5’s repositioning voyage to Europe, which was set to depart from South Africa to Spain starting on March 29, 2026.

Sailing between Cape Town and Palma de Mallorca, the 19-night cruise was set to visit destinations in Namibia, Cape Verde, the Canary Islands and the United Kingdom.

The Mein Schiff 5 is now expected to resume service in late April, ahead of a summer season in the Eastern Mediterranean.

With its Dubai – South Africa cruise previously cancelled, the Mein Schiff 4 is scheduled to welcome guests back in Cape Town for a repositioning voyage to Europe on April 11, 2026.

AIDA Confident Amid Geopolitical Challenges as Demand Grows

AIDA Confident Amid Geopolitical Challenges as Demand Grows

AIDA Cruises is seeing strong demand for cruises and a high share of premium bookings and remains positive despite ongoing geopolitical challenges, the company said in a statement.

Current figures show that just over three million German ocean cruise passengers traveled in 2025, growing by nine percent compared to the previous year.

“Cruising in Germany is driving growth in the tourism market. In 2025, AIDA generated profitable growth with unchanged capacity and record-level occupancy,” said AIDA president Felix Eichhorn.

“With around 1.5 million guests in 2025, AIDA is the clear market leader in the German cruise market. This success is driven by strong demand and long-term bookings.”

For summer 2026, AIDA said it seeing an above-average level of advance bookings, a trend which Eichhorn said continues steadily.

“. The disproportionately high number of high-quality, long-term premium bookings also shows that guests place particular value on quality,” he said.

Trips departing from German ports that can operate year-round, such as Hamburg, Kiel, and Warnemünde, as well as routes to Northern Europe remain especially popular, AIDA noted.

Cruises to the United Kingdom, the Baltic states, and classic Northern Europe routes including Norway, Denmark, and Sweden are also said to be experiencing strong demand.

Multi-generational travel is currently in particularly high demand at AIDA.

A YouGov study commissioned by the company found that 66 percent of Germans have already vacationed with multiple generations of their family.

Around 20 percent of respondents believe cruises are especially suitable for multi-generational travel.

The company is also offering 20 Northern Europe cruises this year where shore power is used during port stays at every port.

The first short cruise starts on March 12 from Kiel and takes AIDAbella via Kristiansand, Oslo, and Copenhagen before returning to Kiel.

“In 2023, we had just over 60 shore power connections; last year, that number already exceeded 400. Thanks to the opening of additional facilities in Europe, we expect a further increase to 600 port calls this year. Nevertheless, further expansion of shore power infrastructure in Europe remains necessary,” said Eichhorn.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MSC Cruises working with airlines

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

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

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

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

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

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

MSC Euribia Sails Around Africa Ahead of Season in the Middle East

MSC Euribia Sails Around Africa Ahead of Season in the Middle East

The MSC Euribia is currently sailing to the Middle East ahead of its winter season in the United Arab Emirates and the Arabian Gulf.

With its repositioning cruises cancelled due to security concerns in the Red Sea, the LNG-powered ship is currently sailing around Africa.

The long voyage started in Northern Europe in mid-October and included a technical call to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

The MSC Euribia is now expected to arrive in South Africa’s Durban later this month before embarking on the final leg of the repositioning sailing.

As part of its second season in the region, the 2023-built vessel is set to welcome guests in Dubai on Nov. 8, 2025.

The MSC Euribia is then scheduled to offer a series of weeklong cruises in the region that include visits to destinations in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain. In addition to Dubai, the itineraries sail to Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas and Khalifa Bin Salman.

The deployment runs through early April, when the 4,888-guest ship is set to start a repositioning voyage back to Europe.

With original plans also cancelled due to security concerns, the vessel is expected to sail around Africa once again before kicking off a summer deployment in the Northern Fjords.

With the Red Sea still off-limits for cruise ship operations, cruise lines took different approaches to their planned seasons in the Middle East.

Two brands, Costa and AIDA, decided to cancel all of their sailings in the region earlier this year, redeploying their vessels to Northern Europe and the Mediterranean.

Celestyal Cruises recently confirmed its season in the Middle East, revealing plans to bring its ships to the region via the Red Sea. The vessels will sail with guests to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, before deadheading to the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

TUI Cruises is operating repositioning cruises to the Arabian Gulf via Africa, with ships sailing around the continent with guests onboard.

 

AIDA Cruises Cancels 2025-26 Season in the Middle East

AIDA Cruises Cancels 2025-26 Season in the Middle East

AIDA Cruises is cancelling its 2025-26 season in the Middle East due to security concerns in the region.

It impacts sailings set to take place on the AIDAprima between October 3, 2025, and March 25, 2026.

In a statement sent to booked guests, the company noted that the vessel will now sail in Northern Europe and the Atlantic Islands during this timeframe.

“With this decision, the company wants to provide its guests with reliable clarity about their vacation trips in the coming winter season as early as possible. At the same time, the safety of guests and crew is our top priority,” AIDA reportedly said.

In addition, cruise lines are said to be concerned about transit time around Africa if they cannot transit the Suez Canal.

The company also noted that the safety of its guests and crew is a top priority, adding that the “situation in the Middle East cannot currently be reliably assessed for the foreseeable future.”

The new itineraries will sail from Kiel and Hamburg, visiting destinations in the North and Baltic Seas, as well as the Canary Islands.

Bookings for the new AIDAprima sailings will open on July 30, 2025, cruisetricks.de reported.

Affected guests are being offered rebooking alternatives, in addition to a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) valued at ten per cent of the fare paid for the cancelled cruises.

AIDA had been offering itineraries in the Middle East for nearly two decades.

Excluding the pandemic years, the company’s 2025-26 season will be the first without a ship sailing from UAE ports.

AIDA first introduced itineraries in the region during the winter of 2006-07, with the AIDAcara offering weeklong cruises from Dubai.

Other ships that sailed in the region over the years include the AIDAdiva, the AIDAblu, the AIDAstella, the AIDAprima and the AIDAnova.

With the AIDAprima repositioning to Northern Europe and the Canaries, AIDA also cancelled some sailings that were scheduled to take place onboard the AIDAbella in early 2026.

Virgin Voyages Repositioning Update: Ship Heading Around Africa

Virgin Voyages Repositioning Update: Ship Heading Around Africa

Virgin Voyages is making deployment changes for the upcoming repositioning voyage for the Resilient Lady. The vessel will now sail from Australia to Europe, heading around Africa, and not transiting through the Middle East.

“We remain concerned about potential escalations in this part of the world over the next 12 months and the risk that this presents for safe passage through the region. As a result, we have been left with no choice but to make changes to Resilient Lady’s repositioning voyage taking place on March 27,” the company said.

“In place of her former repositioning voyages, the award-winning Resilient Lady will now be departing from Sydney, embarking on an iconic, once-in-a-lifetime sailing around the coast of Africa with a brand new route stopping in Eden and Fremantle (Perth) in Australia, Port Louis (Mauritius Islands), Durban and Cape Town (South Africa), Walvis Bay (Namibia), Praia (Cape Verde), Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Spain), Casablanca (Morocco), Barcelona (Spain), Valletta (Malta), as well as Santorini and Piraeus (Athens) in Greece — all with extended time at sea,” the company said.

“All passengers on these former three legs of the repositioning voyages will have guaranteed spots on these sailings at no additional cost and a price protection commitment in place. If these dates are not convenient, they can receive a Future Voyage Credit based on their paid balance or a full refund. We know that based on our conversations with passengers and travel partners, they understand the complex geopolitical challenges that have arisen making this change necessary. In addition to this, we are committed to remaining a good partner to our First Mates (travel advisors) and will be protecting their commissions.

“With the very likely continuation of this escalated regional conflict top-of-mind, and in an effort to minimize further disruptions to our passengers’ future vacation plans, Virgin Voyages is now conducting a full review of other geographically similar repositioning voyages and linked sailings. We will provide an update in the coming weeks on any further changes we will need to make.”

Virgin’s Resilient Lady Sets Sail to Australia

Virgin’s Resilient Lady Sets Sail to Australia

Virgin Voyage’s Resilient Lady recently started its three-part repositioning voyage to Australia and New Zealand.

Ahead of the company’s inaugural season in the region, the 2022-built vessel kicked off the first part of its journey on Oct. 22, in Piraeus, Greece.

Sailing to Dubai, UAE, the 14-night cruise marks Virgin’s Middle East debut and also includes visits to ports in Egypt and Greece.

Continuing on its way to Australia, the Resilient Lady then starts a 15-night cruise to Singapore on Nov. 5.

Bringing Virgin Voyages to India and Southeast Asia for the first time, the one-way itinerary features different ports of call in the region, such as Mumbai, Colombo, Phuket and Klang.

The final leg of the repositioning cruise starts in Singapore, on Nov. 20. Sailing to Sydney, the 15-night itinerary features a visit to Bali, in Indonesia, in addition to three ports of call in Australia: Darwin, Yorkeys Knob and Airlie Beach.

Starting on Dec. 5, the Resilient Lady is set to offer a series of two- to 15-night cruises to Australia and New Zealand.

Departing from Melbourne, Auckland and Sydney, the itineraries feature visits to ports in Tasmania, Queensland and New Zealand, such as Hobart, Burnie and Airlie Beach.

On Jan. 12, for instance, the 110,000-ton vessel sets sail from Auckland on an 11-night cruise to Melbourne.

In addition to three full days at sea, the complete itinerary features visits to Sydney, Tauranga, Napier, Wellington and Picton.

Built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, the Resilient Lady entered service in May 2022. Following the Scarlet Lady and the Valiant Lady, the 2,770-guest ship became the third vessel in Virgin’s Ladyship series.

Among the ship’s facilities is a selection of various included dining venues and The Manor – a two-story 1970s-style nightclub inspired by Virgin’s heritage in the music business.

Liberty: ‘Incredible Effort’ for Rhapsody to Help Americans In Israel

Liberty: ‘Incredible Effort’ for Rhapsody to Help Americans In Israel

Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, said it has been an incredible effort for the Rhapsody of the Seas to help evacuate Americans from Israel.

“I wanted to share with you that overnight [Sunday into Monday], Rhapsody of the Seas began partnering with the U.S. Department of State to help safely evacuate Americans from Israel,” he said, in a letter sent out internally on Monday morning at Miami-based Royal Caribbean.

“As you know, the ship had been sailing in the region and then canceled its sailings when the conflict emerged last weekend,” Liberty continued.

“Now, with enhanced safety precautions in place, our ship is providing free passage, including accommodation and food, for Americans in the region wishing to leave and find safer ground,” he said.

“This has truly been an incredible effort as our teams worked tirelessly over the past week to make this mission possible. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to all involved and especially to the ship’s officers and crew for their unwavering support of this call to serve others in the midst of unimaginable tragedy.”

MSC Euribia to Debut in the Middle East in 2024-25

MSC Euribia to Debut in the Middle East in 2024-25

The MSC Euribia is set to debut in the Middle East next year. Currently the newest ship in the MSC Cruises fleet, the LNG-powered vessel will offer a series of cruises in the region during the 2024-25 season.

Recently announced by MSC Cruises, the ship’s winter program features departures from three different ports in the Arabian Gulf: Abu Dhabi and Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates; and Doha, in Qatar.

Extending between late November 2024 and early April 2025, the schedule includes two different itineraries that sail to destinations in UAE, Qatar and Bahrein.

Replacing the MSC Virtuosa, which is scheduled to sail in the Middle East in 2023-24, the Euribia will also offer repositioning cruises that link Europe to the region.

The program will also mark the ship’s first operation outside Northern Europe. After debuting in June 2023, the Meraviglia-Class ship is scheduled to continue to offer a year-round program in the region throughout late 2024.

The deployment includes week-long itineraries to the Norwegian Fjords during the summer, in addition to seven-night cruises to Belgium, England, France, the Netherlands and Germany during the winter.

In early 2024, the 4,888-guest is also scheduled to offer a 21-night itinerary to Western Europe and the Canary Islands interpreting in various ports in Northern Europe.

Built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard, MSC Euribia is currently one of the largest cruise ships in the MSC Cruises fleet.

At 177,100 gross tons, the vessel offers a series of public areas and features, including 21 bars, ten restaurants, five pool decks and more.

In related news, MSC Cruises also confirmed its return to the Red Sea for the 2024-2025 winter. Replacing the MSC Orchestra, the MSC Musica is set to debut in the region, offering a series of seven-night cruises that sail to Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.

MSC Opens 2024-25 Cruise Deployment for Sale

MSC Opens 2024-25 Cruise Deployment for Sale

MSC Virtuosa in Flam Norway to view the inside images of MSC Virtuosa click the link (Flickr) or Image

MSC Cruises today opened sales for a range of its winter 2024-25 season sailings. The line will soon provide details for its winter 2024-25 sailing programs in South America, Southern Africa and the Far East but today unveiled the voyages now available to book, according to a press release.

Highlights include six ships serving the Caribbean Sea and MSC Cruises’ flagship MSC Euribia operating for the first time in the Middle East.

Details are:

NORTH AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

The MSC Meraviglia will operate from New York with seven- to 11-night itineraries to Port Canaveral for Orlando, Nassau in the Bahamas and MSC Cruises’ private island Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

The MSC Seascape will sail every Saturday from Miami with either 7-night cruises to the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Ocean Cay or to Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Mexico and Ocean Cay.

The MSC Seaside every Sunday will offer 7-night voyages from Miami, alternating between the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic or Mexico, Honduras or Belize, and the Bahamas.

The MSC Divina will also be based in Miami and offer an array of three- to 10-night itineraries, all including calls to Ocean Cay.  Longer sailings will take guests to Jamaica, Aruba, Curaçao, Dominican Republic and the Bahamas.

The MSC Seashore will homeport in Port Canaveral for three- to four-night mini cruises to the Bahamas, including calls at Ocean Cay, and also sail seven-night voyages with additional stops in Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico.

The MSC Virtuosa will homeport in Fort-de-France, Martinique and embark on back-to-back 7-night itineraries including Guadeloupe, the Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Antigua & Barbuda, Saint Vincent & The Grenadines, Barbados, Grenada, and Saint Lucia.

ARABIAN GULF

The line’s newest flagship the MSC Euribia will make her debut in the region from Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). It will offer seven-night sailings to two other UAE destinations, Abu Dhabi and Sir Bani Yas Island, plus Doha, Qatar and Manama in Bahrain.

MEDITERRANEAN SEA

The MSC World Europa will sail every Sunday from Genoa for a seven-night voyage with calls at Civitavecchia for Rome, Messina in Sicily, Valletta, Malta; Barcelona, Spain and Marseille, France

NORTHERN EUROPE

The MSC Preziosa will operate seven-night voyages every Sunday from Hamburg, Germany with calls at Zeebrugge for Bruges and Brussels in Belgium; Rotterdam in the Netherlands; Le Havre for Paris and Southampton for London. Additionally, one 21-night long cruise from Southampton will visit the Canary Islands, Madeira and Morocco.

RED SEA

The MSC Musica will offer seven-night sailings from Safaga, Egypt to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Aqaba for Petra in Jordan, Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt and Sokhna Port for the country’s capital Cairo before returning to Safaga for an opportunity to visit Luxor.

TUI’s Winter Program Includes Two Ships in the Caribbean, Return to Asia

TUI’s Winter Program Includes Two Ships in the Caribbean, Return to Asia

Mein Shiff 3 entering the River Mersey Liverpool, photo credit Spacejunkie2 (flickr)

With its entire seven-ship fleet in service, TUI Cruises has a global footprint for the winter 2022-2023 cruise season.

While most of the fleet is set to offer traditional fly-cruises in the Caribbean and the Canaries, the brand will also offer itineraries in other parts of the world, such as Northern Europe and the Middle East.

Another highlight of the season is the return to Asia, with voyages visiting both the Far East and Southeast Asia onboard the Mein Schiff 5.

Cruise Industry News looked into the company’s entire program or the upcoming winter season. Here’s the breakdown:

Caribbean

Mein Schiff 1
Capacity (at 100% Occupancy): 2,900 guests
Built: 2018
Homeports: La Romana (Dominican Republic) and Montego Bay (Jamaica)
Length: 14 nights
Itineraries: Caribbean and Central America visiting Jamaica, Mexico, Belize, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama and Colombia
Sailing Season: October 28 to March 31

Mein Schiff 2
Capacity (at 100% Occupancy): 2,900 guests
Built: 2019
Homeports: La Romana (Dominican Republic) and Bridgetown (Barbados)
Length: 14 nights
Itineraries: Eastern and Southern Caribbean with visits to St. Maarten, Tortola, St. John’s, Martinique, St. Vincent and more
Sailing Season: November 4 to April 7

Canaries, Madeira and Azores

Mein Schiff 4
Capacity (at 100% Occupancy): 2,500 guests
Built: 2015
Homeport: Gran Canaria (Spain)
Length: Seven nights
Itineraries: Canary Islands, Madeira and Morocco visiting La Gomera, Tenerife, Arrecife, Funchal, Agadir and more
Sailing Season: October 30 to March 26

Mein Schiff Herz
Capacity (at 100% Occupancy): 1,850 guests
Built: 1997
Homeport: Tenerife (Spain)
Length: Seven nights
Itineraries: Azores and Cape Verde, in addition to Canaries and Madeira
Sailing Season: November 10 to April 6

Northern Europe and Roundtrip Cruises from Germany

Mein Schiff 3
Capacity (at 100% Occupancy): 2,500 guests
Built: 2014
Homeport: Bremerhaven (Germany)
Length: Four to 35 nights
Itineraries: 26- to 35-night cruises to the Canary Islands, Cape Verde, the Azores and the Caribbean sailing roundtrip from Germany, in addition to four- to 14-night itineraries in Northern Europe
Sailing Season: November 1 to April 23

Southeast Asia and the Far East

Mein Schiff 5
Capacity (at 100% Occupancy): 2,500 guests
Built: 2016
Homeports: Singapore and Hong Kong
Length: 14 nights
Itineraries: Southeast Asia visiting Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam in December, January and February, in addition to Far East cruises to China, Japan, Taiwan and South Korea in March and April
Sailing Season: December 7 to April 26

Middle East

Mein Schiff 6
Capacity (at 100% Occupancy): 2,534 guests
Built: 2017
Homeport: Dubai (United Arab Emirates)
Length: Seven nights
Itineraries: United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Oman including overnight stays in Dubai and visits to Sir Bani Yas, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Khasab and more
Sailing Season: October 29 to March 18

New MSC World Europa Christened in Doha, Qatar

New MSC World Europa Christened in Doha, Qatar

MSC Cruises’ newest ship, the MSC World Europa, was christened on Sunday night in Doha, Qatar.

Together with partners Qatar Airways, the celebrations were said to be part of MSC’s overall commitment to Qatar, reinforcing its commitment to supporting the growth of international tourism there as well as the broader Middle East region, where MSC Cruises is the brand leader.

MSC World Europa is the most innovative and environmentally advanced cruise ship in the MSC Cruises fleet. On top of ground-breaking advances in terms of the reduction of Greenhouse gases.

A long-standing maritime tradition, the official naming ceremony of the ship took place in presence of the Master of the Vessel, Captain Marco Massa and distinguished guests from around the world.

Hosted by comedian, producer and entrepreneur, Hamad Al Amari, event guests from around the world were treated to experiences from local artists, a cutting-edge video-mapping projection onto the ship’s hull, a huge drone show and a grand finale performance by international singer-songwriter Matteo Bocelli, presenting his solo work for the first time ever in Doha. His new album is due in early 2023 via Capitol Records.

The night culminated in a firework display against the stunning Doha skyline, and a gourmet gala dinner in the ship’s elegant restaurants.