Explora III Arrives in Northern Europe During Maiden Season

Explora III Arrives in Northern Europe During Maiden Season

Explora Journeys’ newest ship, the Explora III, recently arrived in Northern Europe during its maiden season.

The vessel is now offering a series of cruises to the Baltic Sea, Scandinavia and the British Isles, having welcomed its first guests in early August.

The Explora III kicked off its schedule in the region a few weeks later, following a repositioning voyage that started in Lisbon, Portugal.

The 15-night itinerary included visits to destinations in Spain, England, France and Norway before ending in Copenhagen, Denmark.

For its debut in the region, the ship is now offering a Baltic cruise that sails to Estonia, Sweden and Latvia.

The eight-night itinerary includes stops in Tallinn, Riga, Visby and Ronne, plus an overnight call in Stockholm.

The ship will offer additional itineraries to Scandinavia, the British Isles and Iceland before repositioning to North America.

In late September, the Explora III will cross the Atlantic for the first time ahead of a fall season in Canada and New England.

The vessel will then reposition to the Caribbean in late October, offering itineraries departing from Miami, Puerto Rico and Barbados.

Built at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Sestri Ponente, Italy, the Explora III was delivered to Explora Journeys in late July.

As the third ship in a series that began with the Explora I in 2023, the 922-passenger vessel is the first in the company’s fleet to be powered by LNG.

The 70,000-ton vessel is also slightly larger than its predecessors, offering additional public areas and more suites.

Before arriving in Northern Europe, the ship offered itineraries in the Mediterranean, Iberia and the Atlantic.

Explora is now preparing to welcome the Explora IV and the Explora V to its fleet in 2027, with the Explora VI following suit in 2028.

Global Deployment Pattern Set to Continue

Global Deployment Pattern Set to Continue

The cruise industry’s 2026 global deployment pattern is forecast to continue based on port infrastructure and destination attractions.

For 2026, the Caribbean attracted nearly 41 percent of the global cruise passenger capacity, up from 39 percent in 2019, according to the 2026 Cruise Industry News Annual Report.

This year, the Caribbean will see an estimated total of about 17 million passengers, compared to 11 million in 2019.

The Caribbean capacity has been on a linear expansion curve over the past several decades.

The Mediterranean is the second largest sailing region with 15 percent of the industry capacity in 2026 and 6 million passengers up from 4 million passengers and the same market share in 2019.

The third largest deployment is found in the Asia-Pacific region with more than 4.4 million passengers sailing there for a market share just north of 11.4 percent, compared to 3.4 million passengers and a 12 percent market share in 2019.

Only the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Asia-Pacific command double digit market shares.

Next is Northern Europe with 9 percent, the West Coast (of the United States) 5 percent, Alaska 4.7 percent, Australia 2.6 percent, the Canary Islands 2 percent, down to world cruises at 0.1 percent.

The deployment pattern is driven by demand combined with infrastructure development.

The total estimated passenger number for 2026 is 40 million.

 

 

AIDA Ship to Enter Drydock with Passengers

AIDA Ship to Enter Drydock with Passengers

The AIDAmar is scheduled to enter drydock with passengers onboard as part of a special itinerary in Northern Europe.

According to the company’s website, the new 10-night itinerary allows guests to live a “shipyard experience,” with a visit to a facility in the Netherlands.

The unique cruise departs from the German port of Warnemünde on June 28, 2026, and visits destinations in the Baltic and the North Sea.

But the highlight is a 24-hour call to a shipyard in Rotterdam.

“This very special journey takes you not to the typical tourist terminals but directly into the vibrant, industrial heart of Europe’s largest seaport,” AIDA stated.

The company added that the visit to the historical shipyard in Rotterdam offers AIDA fans and seafaring enthusiasts a rare opportunity to accompany the AIDAmar during its drydock.

AIDA noted that passengers will enjoy a unique atmosphere onboard as the ship undergoes scheduled maintenance at the facility.

The Carnival brand also described the cruise as an “authentic maritime experience, far from the usual holiday routes.”

AIDA said it is currently studying the possibility of allowing guests to disembark the vessel during its drydock.

“As this is an active industrial site subject to strict security regulations, disembarking on foot across the shipyard grounds is strictly prohibited for safety reasons,” the company explained.

“Any possibilities for leaving the ship depend on the operational procedures on site and, if feasible, will only be carried out in an organized manner.”

In addition to the visit to the shipyard in Rotterdam, the cruise will also sail to Visby, Stockholm and Karlskrona.

The theme cruise will cater to soccer fans as well, with a series of activities designed to celebrate the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Part of AIDA’s Sphinx class, the AIDAmar was built at the Meyer Werft Shipyard in Germany and entered service in 2012.

The 71,000-ton vessel is scheduled to undergo a major refurbishment in November 2026 as part of the AIDA Evolution refit program.

Costa Diadema Arrives in Northern Europe for Summer Season

Costa Diadema Arrives in Northern Europe for Summer Season

The Costa Diadema arrived in Northern Europe earlier this month to kick off a summer season in the region.

Having spent the past winter in South America, the Costa Cruises vessel started a series of seven-night cruises to the Norwegian Fjords on May 15, 2026.

Sailing from Kiel and Copenhagen, the weeklong cruises sail to destinations in Norway, Germany and Denmark.

Ports of call set to be visited as part of the deployment include Bergen, Stavanger, Flam, Alesund, Geiranger, Haugesund and Hellesylt.

The season runs through mid-September, when the Diadema is scheduled to reposition to the Western Mediterranean.

The ship initially offers short cruises to Italy, Spain and France before operating longer itineraries that also sail to destinations in Portugal, the United Kingdom and Morocco.

Following its fall schedule in the region, the 2014-built vessel embarks on a repositioning cruise back to South America in early November.

Before kicking off its summer season in Northern Europe, the ship also offered a trans-Atlantic crossing that departed from Santos, Brazil.

The 25-night repositioning voyage included visits to additional Brazilian destinations, along with ports in Cape Verde, Spain, Morocco, Portugal, France, England and Belgium.

Back in South America for the 2026-27 winter season, the Diadema is scheduled to offer cruises to Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay.

Following a series of short cruises from Santos and Itajaí in November, the 3,700-passenger ship kicks off regular cruises to Santos, Buenos Aires, Montevideo and Itajaí in December.

The seven-night itinerary, which allows guests to join the cruise in every port, will be offered through late March.

In addition to the Diadema, Costa is also deploying the Costa Serena in South America for the 2026-27 season, offering cruises from Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro.

Royal Caribbean Swaps Ships for 2027 Season in Southampton

Royal Caribbean Swaps Ships for 2027 Season in Southampton

Royal Caribbean International confirmed that the Freedom of the Seas will replace the Mariner of the Seas for the 2027 season out of Southampton.

As previously reported by Cruise Industry News, the Freedom was expected to serve the British market after having its deployment for the timeframe cancelled.

Originally set to offer itineraries from Miami during the summer of 2027, the 3,960-passenger vessel is slightly larger than the Mariner and entered service in 2006.

According to statements sent to booked guests, the Freedom will offer cruises departing from Southampton on the same dates as the Mariner.

Some of the original itineraries were reportedly adjusted, with selected ports of call being changed or dropped.

Sailing from its new homeport, the ship will offer a series of cruises to Northern and Western Europe between May and October 2027.

“As part of our ongoing itinerary planning process, which sometimes requires flexibility due to scheduling, port agreements or operational needs, the Mariner of the Seas will be redeployed for our summer 2027 season,” Royal Caribbean said in its statement.

“We know how much effort goes into planning your vacation and apologise for the inconvenience,” the company added.

Passengers are being offered three options, which include moving their reservations to other cruises in the company’s portfolio.

In this case, the company will waive the non-refundable deposit change fee, but guests will be responsible for any price difference.

Royal Caribbean will also allow passengers to cancel their reservations and receive a full refund of any portion of their cruise fare.

Guests who do not wish to cancel or reschedule will be automatically moved to a like-for-like stateroom onboard the Freedom of the Seas.

While Royal Caribbean did not confirm a new deployment for the Mariner of the Seas, the ship is now set to offer a trans-Atlantic crossing to the Mediterranean ahead of the summer of 2027.

The 17-night repositioning voyage sails from New Orleans on April 24, 2027, and features destinations in Morocco and Spain before ending in Barcelona. Ports of call set to be visited include Casablanca, Tangier and Málaga.

AIDA Announces Deployment for 2027-28 Winter Season

AIDA Announces Deployment for 2027-28 Winter Season

AIDA Cruises opened bookings for its 2027-28 winter season on Wednesday, the company announced in a press release.

The deployment includes over 300 cruises to a wide range of destinations, including the Canary Islands, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, South America, the Indian Ocean and South Africa.

Among the highlights of the season are the itineraries to tropical destinations, including the Caribbean and Central America.

According to AIDA, three ships will sail in the region: the AIDAbella, the AIDAluna and, for the first time, the AIDAprima.

The vessels will offer a series of 14- to 21-night island-hopping cruises departing from ports like La Romana in the Dominican Republic and Bridgetown in Barbados.

Other highlights include the “big winter breaks” onboard the AIDAmar, which offers round-trip cruises to warmer destinations from Hamburg, Germany.

The ship’s lineup includes a 48-day itinerary to Brazil and South America, in addition to a 21-day journey to the Azores and Morocco.

Also sailing from Germany, the AIDAnova is set to offer a series of winter sailings departing from Hamburg that visit ports in Scandinavia, Denmark and major ports in Western Europe.

The Canary Islands are set for a strong season, with the AIDAsol, the AIDAstella and the AIDAcosma offering itineraries that sail to Madeira Island.

The AIDAblu will offer a mix of itineraries that sail to both the Indian Ocean and South Africa, visiting destinations in Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar and La Réunion, in addition to Cape Town, East London, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Walvis Bay, Namibia.

According to the company’s press release, guests who book sailings of the new season by April 30, 2027, will receive discounts of up to 975 euros per person.

Additional benefits include free choice of cabin, a Rail&Fly ticket valid throughout Germany for travel by train and two bottles of mineral water onboard daily.

Of note, AIDA did not announce plans to offer itineraries in the Middle East and the Arabian Gulf in 2027-28.

Earlier this year, the company decided to cancel all of its sailings in the region scheduled for 2025-26 due to security concerns.

MSC Meraviglia to Sail from Southampton in 2027

MSC Meraviglia to Sail from Southampton in 2027

The MSC Meraviglia will sail from Southampton for the 2027 season, MSC Cruises announced in a press release.

According to the company, the 2017-built ship will arrive at the British port on May 18, 2027, kicking off a six-month deployment.

“We want to give our customers new experiences, so it’s wonderful that the MSC Meraviglia is sailing from the United Kingdom in Summer 2027,” said Antonio Paradiso, vice president of international sales at MSC Cruises.

Replacing the MSC Virtuosa, the Meraviglia will offer a series of six- to 14-night cruises to destinations in Northern Europe and the Norwegian Fjords.

The season also includes longer itineraries to the Mediterranean, which will feature visits to additional destinations, such as Ibiza in Spain, Tangier in Morocco and Gibraltar in the United Kingdom.

While the Meraviglia takes over the itineraries from Southampton, the MSC Virtuosa is set to operate a full season in the Western Mediterranean.

Paradiso said that the changes to the company’s deployment in the region follow guests’ feedback, noting that the two ships are part of the same class.

“We’re seeing strong demand from UK customers for Mediterranean cruises, so having the MSC Virtuosa there for Summer 2027 is a natural fit for us,” he added.

“We also offer great value Fly & Cruise prices with flights from many regional airports, so customers can relax knowing that flights, transfers and the cruise fare are all included in the price,” he continued.

Paradiso also highlighted the 2026-27 winter season in the United Kingdom, which will see the MSC Preziosa replacing the MSC Poesia.

“I’m delighted to have the MSC Preziosa back in the UK doing the longest season ever from Southampton,” he said.

The 2013-built ship is set to offer a series of seven-night cruises to England, France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands between October 2026 and April 2027.

Bookings for the new 2027 itineraries onboard the MSC Meraviglia and the MSC Virtuosa are set to open on Oct. 14, 2025.

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.

MSC Euribia Makes Maiden Call to Southampton

MSC Euribia Makes Maiden Call to Southampton

The port of Southampton has welcomed the first call of MSC Euribia to the UK to start her winter sailings around Northern Europe.

The Friday arrival was celebrated by a traditional exchange of crests between the ship’s master Captain Christopher Pugh, who studied at the Warsash Maritime Academy in Southampton, and local authorities.

The ship will offer options to sail to Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and France until April 2024.

Antonio Paradiso, Managing Director – UK & Ireland, MSC Cruises, said: “The arrival of MSC Euribia in the UK is an exciting moment, welcoming another ship in our fleet to the port of Southampton. After seeing the success of no-fly cruises on MSC Virtuosa, our newest flagship will give British travellers another chance to explore a variety of destinations through the convenience of a cruise.”

MSC Euribia is the second ship in MSC Cruises’ fleet to be powered by liquefied natural gas, the company said.

Steve Masters, Harbour Master, Port of Southampton, added: “We are very pleased to welcome MSC Cruises’ newest flagship vessel to Southampton as her home port and look forward to working with the MSC team during their winter sailings in Northern Europe. Having launched our Ready for Tomorrow Sustainability Strategy earlier this year, it is great that MSC Cruises shares our sustainability values by powering their new fleet with liquefied natural gas reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

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.

Norwegian Getaway Kicks Off Summer Program in the Mediterranean

Norwegian Getaway Kicks Off Summer Program in the Mediterranean

Completing Norwegian Cruise Line’s 2023 lineup in Europe, the Norwegian Getaway is kicking off its summer program in the region today.

Sailing in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, the 2014-built vessel is set to offer a series of nine- to 16-night itineraries departing from different ports.

The first cruise of the season, for instance, sails from Lisbon, Portugal, to Civitavecchia, a port near Italy’s capital city Rome.

Cruising in the Western Mediterranean, the nine-night itinerary includes visits to a total of seven destinations in Spain, France and Italy, such as Málaga, Ibiza, Barcelona, Villefranche and Livorno.

Continuing its season, the ship offers an Eastern Mediterranean itinerary on June 24. Also sailing one-way, the nine-night voyage sails from Civitavecchia to Italy’s Trieste after visits to ports in Italy, Sicily, Greece and Croatia.

Between late July and October, the Norwegian Getaway is also set to offer itineraries in Northern and Western Europe.

On September 15, for instance, the 4,000-guest ship offers a 16-night cruise to the British Islands and Iceland.

Sailing roundtrip from England’s Southampton, the itinerary also features visits to Western European destinations, including France’s Le Havre, Germany’s Hamburg and Belgium’s Zeebrugge.

Following additional itineraries in the region, the Getaway is set to return to North America on November 4. On that day, the ship wraps up a 13-night transatlantic crossing that sails between Southampton and New York City.

In addition to the Norwegian Getaway, eight Norwegian Cruise Line ships are set to operate in Europe in 2023.

The local program stretches through December and features the company’s two newest vessels – the 2022-built Norwegian Prima and the 2023-built Norwegian Viva.

Other vessels sailing in Europe this year include the Norwegian Breakaway, the Norwegian Epic, the Norwegian Dawn, the Norwegian Star, the Norwegian Jade and the Norwegian Gem.

Next Viking Cruises Newbuild to Carry Name Viking Vela

Next Viking Cruises Newbuild to Carry Name Viking Vela

Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, the next Viking Cruises ocean vessel will be named Viking Vela.

According to the company’s website, the ship is set to debut in 2024 and will be slightly larger than its predecessors.

Eleventh in a series of vessels that was started with the Viking Star in 2015, the Viking Vela will be ten meters longer, as well as two meters wider than its sister ships.

With the extra space, the new build will also carry more passengers: 998 versus 930.

The Viking Cruises website has already published the deployment of the ship as well.

After entering service in 2024, the Viking Vela is scheduled to spend its inaugural season in Northern Europe, offering itineraries to Scandinavia, the British Isles, Iceland, the Norwegian Fjords and more.

According to Viking, the new Vela will offer all-balcony accommodations and is ideally sized to reach destinations where the larger ships cannot dock. The company’s website also highlights the vessel’s “understated elegance and modern Scandinavian design.”

In addition to a large fleet of identical mid-sized luxury ships, the cruise line also operates two purpose-built expedition ships, the Viking Octantis and the Viking Polaris.

Another ocean vessel, the Zhao Shang Yi Dun, is also in service for the company in Asia. Part of a joint venture with China Merchants, the ship was formerly named Viking Sun and is now serving the Chinese domestic market.

Continuing its fleet expansion, Viking Cruises is set to take delivery of five additional oceangoing vessels through 2027.

MSC Cruises’ First Newbuilds Completes 20 Years in Service

MSC Cruises’ First Newbuilds Completes 20 Years in Service

MSC Cruises’ first new build is completing 20 years in service in 2023 as the MSC Lirica was delivered to the company on March 24, 2003.

Built-in France by the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard, the 65,000-ton ship originally debuted in the Mediterranean.

Before kicking off its inaugural program in the region, the Lirica also became the first ship to be christened by Sophia Loren.

Later the godmother of all of the company’s newbuilds, the Italian actress named the vessel during a special ceremony in the Italian port of Naples.

In addition to the Mediterranean, the MSC Lirica also spent its first years in service sailing in the Caribbean – with U.S.-based cruises departing from Fort Lauderdale – and Northern Europe.

The vessel then debuted in South America in 2009 and in the Middle East, becoming the first MSC ship to sail a complete season in 2010.

In 2016, in another first for MSC Cruises, the MSC Lirica was repositioned to Asia for a series of year-round cruises out of China.

Upon returning to Europe in 2018, the 2,160-guest ship resumed its operations in the Eastern Mediterranean and sailed additional seasons in the Middle East.

As part of a €275-million refit plan called the Renaissance Program, the Lirica was enlarged and modernized in 2015.

After being cut in half at a drydock in Italy, the ship received a new 24-meter-long mid-section that allowed the addition of 194 extra cabins, a new lounge, a kid’s water park and more.

In addition to its new features, the MSC Lirica offers a two-deck theatre, a casino, a complete spa, four different restaurants, two swimming pools and more.

Norwegian Announces 2023 Meet the Winemakers Series

Norwegian Announces 2023 Meet the Winemakers Series

Norwegian Cruise Line announced a new Meet the Winemaker series. This program features winemakers and culinary experts sharing their expertise with a group of guests onboard the cruise line’s ships, according to a press release.

“We Meet the Winemaker series is back and better than ever,” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line.

“Every year we aim to elevate this exclusive experience and I believe we’ve done just that as we enter the program’s seventh year with an impressive guest lineup. These unique sailings offer a rare opportunity to get one-on-one exposure to esteemed winemakers and their collection of wines, all while visiting multiple destinations and enjoying an unforgettable vacation aboard our innovative fleet.”

The Meet the Winemaker series gives wine enthusiasts and foodies a chance to engage with winemakers and other connoisseurs through seminars and activities. The program includes wine tastings, wine-paired dinners, interactive culinary demonstrations and meet-and-greets onboard the ships. Guests can also buy wines that are only available by visiting the wineries.

This year’s series includes special guest Emma Walker, who is a Master Blender at Johnnie Walker and leads the Johnnie Walker Whisky Specialist team based in Menstrie, Scotland. She will join guests onboard the Norwegian Prima on September 17, 2023, sailing in Northern Europe for the company’s first-ever Johnnie Walker cruise.

Additionally, Chef Ashley Breneman, executive chef at Certified Angus Beef, will join returning winemaker Antonio Hidalgo onboard the Norwegian Encore on July 9, 2023, sailing to Alaska.

Miguel Torres, a pioneer of planting Cabernet Sauvignon in Spain, will make his debut onboard the Norwegian Encores during its April 9, 2023, Eastern Caribbean voyage.

Hosts include celebrity chef Aaron Sanchez, Salvatore Ferragamo, Michael Mondavi of the Michael Mondavi Family Estate and “The Drinks Business” Master Winemaker of the Year 2023 recipient Gérard Bertrand, among other famous names.

2023 Meet the Winemaker series lineup includes the following:

• April 2, 2023 – The Norwegian Bliss, Mexican Riviera with celebrity chef and TV personality Aaron Sanchez
• April 9, 2023 – The Norwegian Encore, Eastern Caribbean with winemaker Miguel Torres
• April 22, 202 – The Norwegian Bliss, Alaska with winemaker Salvatore Ferragamo of The Il Borro estate in Tuscany, Italy, producing world-class wines
• June 10, 2023 – The Norwegian Bliss, Alaska with Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite Wine Dinner Hosted by Special Guest: Diane Flamand
• July 9, 2023 – The Norwegian Encore, Alaska with Antonio Hidalgo of the Bodegas Hidalgo La Gitana, and Chef Ashley Breneman 
• Sept. 17, 2023 – The Norwegian Prima, Northern Europe with Master Blender, Emma Walker of  Johnnie Walker
• Oct. 22, 2023 – The Norwegian Escape, Bermuda with Michael Mondavi of the Michael Mondavi Family Estate
• Oct. 28, 2023 – The Norwegian Joy, Western Caribbean with Gérard Bertrand, “The Drinks Business” Master Winemaker of the Year 2023 recipient
• Oct. 29, 2023 – The Norwegian Escape, Bermuda with Randy Ullom from the Kendall-Jackson family

 

 

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.