Royal Caribbean Group Buys 50% of Sandals Resorts

Royal Caribbean Group Buys 50% of Sandals Resorts

Royal Caribbean Group and Sandals Resorts today announced the signing of an agreement to form a partnership in the all-inclusive resort space with a 50% investment from Royal Caribbean Group.

The companies said the joint venture will create new opportunities for continued resort growth while broadening the experiences across Royal Caribbean Group’s vacation platform.

The joint venture expands Royal Caribbean Group into an adjacent vacation category, growing its participation in the approximately $2 trillion global vacation market, and meets the growing global demand for Sandals and Beaches Resorts by accelerating their expansion. The partnership will include Sandals and Beaches’ collection of premier all-inclusive properties across the Caribbean, and the companies will explore opportunities to broaden distribution, deepen guest engagement, and make it easier for travellers to discover vacation experiences offered across both portfolios.

“For nearly 60 years, we’ve reimagined what a vacation can be, constantly expanding the ways we inspire our guests to explore, connect and create lifelong memories,” said Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “We have been building a vacation platform that brings joy to millions of people around the world and creates meaningful relationships that last with our guests. Our partnership with Sandals and Beaches Resorts is an important next step on that journey – bringing together two iconic leading vacation companies to further strengthen and grow one of the most admired resort portfolios in the world. The Stewart family has created powerful and beloved brands, and we are honoured to build on that legacy. Together, we see tremendous opportunity to expand the reach of Sandals and Beaches Resorts and continue turning the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations.”

“My father, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, founded Sandals Resorts with the belief that a company built in the Caribbean could stand on the world stage alongside the most respected names in hospitality. Today is proof of how far that vision can go,” said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts. “This partnership is the natural next step in building on that conviction. It gives us the ability to grow faster with a partner that shares our values of exceptional hospitality, long-term investment, and the power of enduring brands. Together, we will introduce more guests to Sandals and Beaches Resorts while creating even more extraordinary experiences for those who have made our resorts part of their lives for decades.” Stewart added, “As we continue to grow, we will remain true to what has always defined us: delivering authentic vacations that exceed expectations while creating opportunities for our team members, travel advisor partners and the communities we call home. The future has never been brighter, and I know this moment would make my father incredibly proud.”

The joint venture will be governed by a board under the shared leadership of Stewart and Liberty. Stewart will maintain a leadership role in guiding the company’s long-term strategic growth as Executive Chairman of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. Existing reservations, loyalty programs, resort operations and cruise operations will continue as usual, with the partnership bringing additional resources to support future opportunities.

Under the terms of the agreement, Royal Caribbean Group will acquire a 50% equity interest in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for approximately $3 billion, representing a forward EBITDA multiple of approximately 10x.  Royal Caribbean Group has secured committed debt financing from Morgan Stanley to fund the investment.  The transaction is expected to close in early 2027, subject to customary approvals and closing conditions, and is expected to be accretive to earnings next year.

NCL opens second ship berth at Great Stirrup Cay

For the first time last weekend, the pier at Norwegian Cruise Line's private island, Great Stirrup Cay, accommodated two ships simultaneously, NCL said on its Facebook account.  

Two ships docked at the pier at Great Stirrup Cay. Photo Credit: NCL

Like other features at Great Stirrup Cay (the Great Tides Waterpark, Great Life Lagoon resort pool and Vibe Shore Club), the pier is new. The pier temporarily opened in late 2025 with the capability of accommodating one ship, then closed April 1 to complete construction.

Before the pier opened, ships calling at Great Stirrup Cay tendered passengers ashore, making a day at the private island weather-dependent. If the sea was choppy, tender boats couldn't be used.

Also, NCL is able to further monetise the waterpark with two ships calling at the same time. The waterpark opened on Sept. 4.

GPH Launches Network-Wide Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program

GPH Launches Network-Wide Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program

Global Ports Holding (GPH) has announced the launch of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program across its network of 35 global cruise ports.

According to a press release, the symbol helps people with non-visible disabilities, conditions or chronic illnesses indicate that they may need additional time, understanding or support.

This follows the introduction of the Sunflower at Nassau Cruise Port last year, the first port within the GPH network to adopt the program.

Mehmet Kutman, chairman and CEO of Global Ports Holding, said: “At Global Ports Holding, we believe every guest should feel welcome at our ports. Accessibility and inclusion are an important part of the passenger experience we provide. Introducing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower across our entire global network is another meaningful step in making our ports more welcoming and accessible for everyone.”

As part of the program, teams across the network have received dedicated training to recognize the Sunflower symbol and better understand how to support guests with a wide range of non-visible disabilities and conditions.

The Sunflower is recognized in more than 95 countries and is used by organizations across the travel, tourism, transport, retail and public sectors worldwide.

Paul White, CEO of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, added: “Following a successful pilot of the Sunflower at Nassau Cruise Port, we are thrilled at the announcement of global launch across 35 ports.

“This is an outstanding achievement by GPH, who recognizes the benefits of inclusive travel and how the Sunflower supports that. They have committed to training teams, which is an essential part of the Sunflower’s success and ensures that every passenger feels seen, valued and heard.”

Carnival and Fincantieri Celebrate 30 Years of Partnership

Carnival and Fincantieri Celebrate 30 Years of Partnership

Carnival and Fincantieri recently celebrated three decades of collaboration between the two companies.

The partnership was highlighted during the steel-cutting ceremony for the new Carnival Destiny, which will be built at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone yard.

Carnival’s relationship with the shipbuilder started with the original Carnival Destiny, which was delivered in 1996.

“Carnival contacted us about a new ship design they had in mind, which they were calling ‘the ship of the future’,” said Maurizio Cergol, designer of the vessel.

“The Carnival Destiny certainly set a precedent at the time with its configuration, having its public spaces amidships, near the lifeboats.”

Cergol said that the design allowed for a larger number of balcony staterooms, creating a new standard for the industry.

“The market responded extremely positively to the possibility of taking cruises in a cabin where you could not only see the sea but also smell it, feel it and feel the breeze,” he continued.

Cergol said that the ship had an adequate, powerful name, as it tied together the fate of Fincantieri and Carnival.

For Fincantieri’s President Biaggio Mazzotta, the event marked both a beginning and an anniversary, highlighting the steel cutting of the new Carnival Destiny.

Introducing a new design to Carnival’s fleet, the new ship will be built at the Monfalcone shipyard, with delivery scheduled for mid-2029.

“With the cutting of the first metal sheet for this new vessel, this next-generation ship starts to take shape,” he said.

Mazzotta noted that the ship will be the largest in Carnival’s fleet, adding that the ceremony marked the “first spark” of a project that will accompany the shipyard for years to come.

“This is not a point of arrival but a point of departure,” he continued, noting that the project has a special meaning, taking place exactly 30 years after the delivery of the original Carnival Destiny.

“Thirty years is not just a milestone but a measure of trust that has been renewed order after order, ship after ship, in a business where decisions are made by looking at decades in the future,” Mazzotta added.

He also highlighted the human element of the collaboration between the companies, noting that “behind every hull and technological breakthrough there is the work of men and women, including designers, engineers, technicians and workers.”

“All the companies in our supply chain have made this partnership a shared heritage,” Mazzotta said, thanking all the involved parties.

“This collaboration tells the story of what Italy does best: combine tradition, innovation, craftsmanship and technology.”

Giorgio Gomiero, senior vice president of operations for Fincantieri, noted that shipbuilding is a complex business and that the partnership with Carnival allowed the yard to grow.

“Carnival was a challenge that allowed Fincantieri to reach where it is today. There were certainly a number of difficult moments,” he explained.

“Critical moments arise during the construction period,” Gomiero added, noting that the original Carnival Destiny was the largest cruise ship in the world when it debuted in 1996.

“It was the first passenger ship in the world to exceed 100,000 tons of gross tonnage. Now, in 2026, we are starting the construction of a vessel with a gross tonnage of 230,000 tons,” he continued.

“Each time there’s an evolution, not only for the shipowner, Carnival, but these projects also create the conditions to do better and raise the bar, allowing us to set new goals together.”

Having started his relationship with Carnival as Project Manager for the Carnival Breeze construction, SVP Shipyard Director Marco Lunardi said that collaboration between the cruise line and Fincantieri has allowed the yard to push boundaries.

“Carnival has been a driving force. I still remember the phrase ‘make it happen,’ which we were told time and time again when we faced challenges from the client,” he said.

“Yet this served as the incentive to push beyond those limits, and through ingenuity, flexibility and even imagination, we found solutions that allowed us to make the product we created a model of excellence,” Lunardi added.

Luigi Matarazzo, general manager of the shipyard’s merchant ships division, said that the relationship between the two companies is based on mutual trust.

He highlighted that Fincantieri built 65 ships for Carnival in the past 30 years, with a further eight currently in the pipeline.

“We’ll reach 73 but my hope is to reach 100 ships, which will further strengthen the strong bond we have,” Matarazzo added.

TUI Cruises Launches Special Monopoly Edition

TUI Cruises Launches Special Monopoly Edition

TUI Cruises has launched an exclusive Mein Schiff Monopoly edition, the company said in a statement.

The game allows players to discover bars and restaurants, experience a range of leisure activities and immerse themselves in the world of Mein Schiff cruises in a playful way.

Players can look forward to buying their favorite spots aboard the TUI ships, such as the TUI Bar or the pool deck.

Furthermore, the cards players draw feature onboard activities and daily programs, guaranteeing exciting rounds lots of fun, and what the company said was areal vacation atmosphere with family or friends.

The special edition is available for  €49.90 in TUI’s online store.

Royal Caribbean Remaining Quiet on Next Ship Class

Royal Caribbean Remaining Quiet on Next Ship Class

Royal Caribbean is remaining quiet on its next ship class of ships, which will be known as the Discovery class.

The company ordered two Discovery-class vessels for 2029 and 2032 deliveries from Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France on Thursday, with an option for more.

“From the business perspective, we are really excited with the innovation, creativity, and the kind of product that we’ve now created with Discovery. It really is going to be a game changer,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International.

“Just as Icon was introduced, and kind of changed the game, Discovery is going to do exactly the same thing. We are really looking forward to sharing more details about Discovery with the marketplace, but we’re not planning on saying much about it today or in the next couple of months,” Bayley added.

He also refuted widespread social media coverage, most of which has rumored the new class of ships to be somewhat smaller.

“The many of the assumptions that are currently out there in social media, etcetera, in terms of size, capacity, etcetera, etcetera. Are probably, it’s fair to say, inaccurate.”

Celebrity Unveils $250 Million Solstice-Class Upgrades

Celebrity Unveils $250 Million Solstice-Class Upgrades

Celebrity Cruises is investing more than $250 million to modernise its Solstice-class vessels, starting with Celebrity Solstice in March 2026.

The company said guests can look forward to eight new experiences, including four new-to-sea spaces, and many redesigned favourites.

Innovations include reinvented outdoor escapes with enhanced views, new restaurants and entertainment designed to create moments of connection with loved ones, as well as a redesigned stay with all-new stateroom categories and ship-wide stateroom upgrades.

“Our Solstice Series ships represent the best of classic cruising, and now we’re elevating this vacation experience even further by adding brand new experiences and enhancements at every turn,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. “Guests will enjoy more ways to explore and restore, all while staying true to what made our guests fall in love with these ships in the first place.”

Highlights:

• Boulevard Lounge – Good times and glamorous vibes will take centre stage at this brand-new, intimate entertainment venue. With always-on programming, from interactive daytime activities like new game shows and trivia to elevated evenings of candlelit concerts and duelling pianos, this cabaret-inspired lounge offers a dramatic new take on showtime.
• Boulevard Bar – Just steps away from the lounge, guests can pull up a seat for handcrafted cocktails before or after the show—or both.
• Celebrity Barcade – Guests should bring their A-game to this new, elevated sports bar, the perfect place to both watch and play games. Guests can catch their favourite sports teams from multiple screens positioned so well they’ll never miss a pass, or challenge their friends to a round of billiards, darts, or their favourite retro board game.
• Trattoria Rossa – Step into an Italian hideaway that blends opulence with modern design to experience a restaurant that bursts with charm from every corner. The perfect setting to reignite date night, guests will have a front row seat to the action with authentic tableside preparations of dishes inspired by Italian classics, including fresh pasta made from scratch daily.
• Fine Cut Steakhouse – The Forbes Travel Guide-rated, Edge Series favourite steakhouse will bring upscale dining with service that’s elevated to an art form. There’s something for everyone at Fine Cut Steakhouse, which offers 30-day dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, the elevated service Celebrity is known for, and elegance at every turn.

 

In addition, Sunset Park transforms the top deck of Celebrity Solstice, where guests can enjoy unparalleled views from this half-acre outdoor oasis. Plus, with elevated cuisine, refreshing cocktails, lawn games, open-air concerts, and more, a day at the park never looked so good.

Celebrity noted all staterooms will be refreshed, and four new categories will be added: the Panoramic Infinite Veranda Suite, Deluxe Panoramic Oceanview Suite, Panoramic Ocean View Suite and Deluxe Panoramic Ocean View.

Bow-to-stern enhancements also include a design refresh for more venues: Café Al Bacio, Cellar Masters, World Class Bar, Martini Bar, Pool Bar, Passport Bar, Blu—exclusive to AquaClass guests, and Luminae—exclusive to guests of The Retreat, the Fitness Centre, and Camp at Sea.

Marella Cruises to build two new cruise ships

UK cruise ship operator moves into newbuilding for the first time as part of company’s refleeting

Fincantieri and TUI AG have signed a memorandum of agreement for the design and construction of two new cruise ships for the Marella Cruises brand. This agreement represents a major step for Marella Cruises, which is venturing into newbuilding for the first time and has chosen Fincantieri as its strategic partner for this transformation.

A statement said the ships would be designed specifically for the English market and have a focus on environmental sustainability. They will redefine premium cruising through refined design, high-quality materials and spacious accommodations.

The two vessels will be delivered in 2030 and 2032.

Fincantieri chief executive and managing director Pierroberto Folgiero commented, “We are proud to welcome Marella Cruises as a new customer and to support its vision as it enters the newbuild segment. The project will bring together our expertise in ship design, innovation and sustainability to deliver vessels that meet the evolving expectations of modern cruise passengers."

Fincantieri has built a solid and successful relationship with TUI Cruises, the joint venture between TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Cruises. In February, the Group delivered the cruise ship Mein Schiff Relax, the first of two InTUItion-class concept cruise ships which is dual-fuel powered, while the second unit, Mein Schiff Flow, is under construction at the Monfalcone shipyard, with delivery scheduled for 2026.

Marella Cruises said in a statement, “The UK cruise market, in which Marella holds a leading position, continues to prove an attractive investment proposition and is expected to grow by 9% per annum until 2030. The project is anticipated to enhance Marella’s competitive position in the UK market, ensuring a long-term cruise product proposition.”

Zuiderdam Embarks on Holland America’s Grand World Voyage

Zuiderdam Embarks on Holland America’s Grand World Voyage

The Zuiderdam is sailing from Port Everglades on Saturday for Holland America Line’s 2025 Grand World Voyage.

According to Holland America Line, the 124-night itinerary is highlighted by bucket-list destinations, including Machu Picchu, Easter Island and the Great Barrier Reef. The full itinerary includes ports in 34 different countries.

The cruise also features six overnight stays across the globe, including extended visits to Tahiti, Sydney, Cape Town and Barcelona.

After departing from Port Everglades, the Zuiderdam heads south for visits to destinations in the Caribbean before crossing the Panama Canal.

The 2,000-guest ship then heads to South America and the South Pacific, visiting destinations in Ecuador, Peru, Chile and French Polynesia.

Ports of call set to be visited during this segment include Manta, Easter Island, Callao, Moorea, and Raiatea.

The cruise continues with visits to additional island destinations in Polynesia and Melanesia, such as Tonga and New Caledonia, before arriving in Australia.

In late February, the Zuiderdam arrives in Southeast Asia for calls in Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and more.

On its way back to the United States, the itinerary includes destinations in the Indian Ocean, such as the Maldives, the Seychelles and Mauritius.

The ship will also visit South Africa, Cape Verde, Namibia, and the Canaries before entering the Mediterranean.

After sailing to destinations in the United Kingdom, Spain, Malta, Egypt, Italy, Portugal and Morocco, the Zuiderdam finally crosses the Atlantic Ocean.

The vessel will return to Fort Lauderdale on May 9, 2025, after a visit to San Juan in Puerto Rico.

In addition to its Grand World Voyage onboard the Zuiderdam, Holland America is set to offer a second world cruise in 2025.

Sailing onboard the Volendam, the Pole to Pole Grand Voyage departs from Port Everglades on Jan. 25, 2025.

Cruise Lines 2024 Q3 Breakdown: By the Numbers

Cruise Lines 2024 Q3 Breakdown: By the Numbers

La Ponant and AIDA Cosmos both enjoying good passenger numbers, photo credit Spacejunkie2 Flickr

Cruise Industry News takes a look at the financial performance of the “big three” cruise corporations following the third quarter of 2024.

Traditionally, the third quarter has been the key part of the year for cruise operators, as it spans the summer months with more family travel and more deployment into higher-yielding markets such as Alaska and Europe.

Carnival Corporation, the world’s biggest cruise company, delivered the best net income performance with $1.8 billion, up from $1.1 billion in the third quarter a year prior.

The company also outpaced the gains year-over-year from Royal Caribbean Group and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

Net income per passenger day was $61.96 for Carnival, Royal Caribbean Group had $75.14 of net income per passenger day, while Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings came in at $72.82

Of note, fuel cost was up for both Carnival and Royal Caribbean, but down for Norwegian, which continues to make deployment changes to published cruises for fuel efficiency.

Follow the link below to see all the numbers from the 3 leading Cruise companies:

https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2024/11/cruise-lines-2024-q3-breakdown-by-the-numbers/

First Panamax Containership Sprints Across Arctic Reaching China In Just Three Weeks

Container ship Flying Fish 1 is close to fully loaded. (Source: Courtesy of Peter Faas)

(gCaptain) – The first Arctic transit of a large container ship has gone off without a hitch. The 294 meter-long Panamax vessel Flying Fish 1, travelled from St. Petersburg in the Baltic Sea to China in just over three weeks, shaving around two weeks off a standard voyage via the Suez Canal. 

It is set to arrive at its destination in Shanghai early on September 26. The vessel is operated by EZ Safetrans Logistics out of Hong Kong. 

The proposition of regular summer season box shipping across Russia’s Northern Sea Route seemed impossible to most just a decade ago. This year the Arctic Ocean will see close to 20 transit voyages, all connecting Russian and Chinese ports via the Arctic shortcut.

Capable of carrying 4,890 twenty-foot equivalent containers it sets a new standard for Arctic container shipping. Prior to this summer only smaller box carriers holding around 1,500-2,000 gave the Arctic shortcut a try. Over the past three months several larger feeder vessels have established a seasonal liner service between ports and China and Arkhangelsk and St. Petersburg.

Flying Fish 1 departed from St. Petersburg on September 3 and entered the Northern Sea Route at the top of Novaya Zemlya a week later. Shortly thereafter it crossed paths with another Chinese container ship, the first encounter of two large box carriers high in the Arctic. The nighttime rendezvous occurred just 850 nautical miles from the North Pole, with no sea ice in sight.

The vessel was able to maintain a speed of 16 knots across the entire length of the route, indicative of how Arctic ice conditions have dramatically changed over just the last two decades. Flying Fish 1 continued through the Laptev and East Siberian Sea, avoiding some late-summer ice near Wrangel Island. 

It exited from the route and passed through the Bering Strait near Alaska on September 17, without requiring any icebreaker assistance, just six days after entering the Russian Arctic.

Once complete, its journey from the Baltic Sea to Shanghai will measure approximately 8,000 nautical miles, around 4,000 nautical miles shorter than the traditional route via the Suez Canal. The current detour for most vessels around South Africa due to instability in the Red Sea adds another 4,000 miles to the standard route to Asia. 

For now, shipping services between Europe and Asia via the North remain limited to a 3-4 months summer window, but as sea ice retreats earlier in summer and returns later in winter, more operators will surely look to the Arctic for new opportunities.

Thank you to g-Captain for this article for more visit https://gcaptain.com/

Norwegian Removes Bonaire From Two Viva Itineraries

Norwegian Removes Bonaire From Two Viva Itineraries

Norwegian Cruise Line is removing scheduled visits to Kralendijk in Bonaire from two of Norwegian Viva’s upcoming cruises.

According to a statement sent to booked guests, the sailings scheduled to depart on Feb. 16 and Feb. 23, 2025, will no longer visit the port of call.

“We are committed to providing the best vacations at sea and have been working tirelessly to continue elevating the quality of the overall guest experience while positively impacting society and the environment,” Norwegian Cruise Line said.

“As we continue to optimize itineraries for enhanced port and shore excursion availability for the ultimate vacation experience, fuel optimization as a part of our commitment to the environment and sustainability efforts, as well as global maritime regulations, we have adjusted our original itinerary,” the company added in its statement.

Sailing roundtrip from San Juan, Puerto Rico, the itinerary of the affected voyages sail to the Southern and Eastern Caribbean.

“We recognize the importance that destinations play in our guests’ vacation decision-making process and assure you that these modifications were made with an optimal guest experience top-of-mind,” Norwegian continued.

The company added that, while the visit to Bonaire has been dropped, the revised itinerary now includes extended visits to La Romana, Dominican Republic; Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curacao; Castries, St. Lucia; and Basseterre, St. Kitts.

According to the statement, shore excursions booked through Norwegian for Kralendijk, Bonaire, will be automatically cancelled.

A full monetary refund of the fare paid will be returned to the form of payment used at the time of reservation.

Norwegian also is said to be adjusting shore excursions in other ports of call to coincide with the new times in port.

Spending the winter in the region, the Norwegian Viva is scheduled to offer a series of week-long cruises to the Southern and Eastern Caribbean between mid-December and mid-April.

Sailing from Puerto Rico, the schedule of the 2023-built ship also features visits to Tortola, St. Maarten, Barbados, St. Thomas and more.

Disney Cruise Line to Build Four More New Ships

Disney Cruise Line to Build Four More New Ships

Disney Dream berthed in Historic Liverpool photo credit Spacejunkie2-Flickr images.

Disney said it would build another four new cruise ships between 2027 and 2031, joining its current fleet of five and four on order, and bringing its fleet count to 13 ships.

The news came during the Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase and the company said that the ship names, designs, and itineraries were still in development.

A formal announcement is expected shortly.

The Disney Magic and Wonder, the line’s two initial newbuilds, joined the fleet in 1998 and 1999, respectively, and were built at Fincantieri in Italy.

Subsequent ships were all built at Meyer Werft in Germany, and the company’s upcoming orderbook is being handled by the German yard.

The line’s most recent new cruise ship, the 2,500-guest Disney Wish, launched service in 2022. The Disney Treasure is next, sailing later this year.

Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas to Undergo $100 Million Upgrade

Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas to Undergo $100 Million Upgrade

The Allure of the Seas is set for a $100 million upgrade in April 2025, Royal Caribbean International announced in a press release.

The refurbishment, which is part of the company’s Royal Amplified refit program, will see the creation of new venues and features onboard.

For a complete picture of the drydock market, see the 2024 Drydock and Refurb Report by Cruise Industry News.

According to Royal Caribbean, after the update, the Allure of the Seas will offer more than 35 ways to dine and drink, as well as new bars, a new water park and upgraded pool decks.

The 2010-built vessel will also see the creation of new suites, as well as Royal Caribbean’s signature Ultimate Abyss slide.

The refurbishment will be completed ahead of the ship’s summer program in the Western Mediterranean, the company added.

Between April and October 2025, the newly amplified ship is scheduled to offer seven-night cruises to Spain, Italy and France.

“From the new Icon and Utopia of the Seas to now the more than $100 million transformation of Allure of the Seas, we’ve upped the ante threefold on the different ways vacationers can get away and make memories with Royal Caribbean,” said Jay Schneider, Chief Product Innovation Officer, Royal Caribbean International.

“Allure will be reimagined with the best of Royal Caribbean and what travellers love. Between new favourites, like the Pesky Parrot tiki bar, and experiences that unlock core memories time and time again, from an incredible pool deck to an unmatched combination of thrills and ways to chill, Allure will have even more of everything that makes it standout favourite,” he added.

First introduced in 2018, the Royal Amplified program included significant refurbishments onboard Voyager-, Freedom- and Oasis-class ships.

Allure’s sister ship, the Oasis of the Seas, was one of the vessels that underwent an “amplification” in 2019.

After debuting its new features in Europe, the Allure of the Seas is set to return to the United States in November 2025 for a series of six- to eight-night cruises to the Caribbean departing from Fort Lauderdale.

P&O Arcadia Arrives into Liverpool

P&O Arcadia Arriving in Liverpool

Marella Sending Discovery 2 to Med and Canaries for Winter 2024-25

Marella Sending Discovery 2 to Med and Canaries for Winter 2024-25

Starting November 7, Marella Cruises will homeport the Marella Discovery 2 in Malaga, Spain for a series of winter sailings before heading to Tenerife and Gran Canaria in December 2024.

The ship was previously slated to sail in Asia.

These itineraries go on sale on May 23.

Chris Hackney, managing director of Cruise for TUI UK & I said: “We are delighted to offer these itineraries out of two of our well-established homeports for this winter. We know guests love the beautiful Canaries and Madeira and as Marella Cruises is part of TUI, we can offer incredible experiences ashore with our destination teams as well as a great onboard experience too. All of these itineraries offer cruise and stay options too, with great flying options across various UK airports.”

 “We do appreciate how disappointing it was to those customers who were impacted by the cancellation of our Asia program on Marella Discovery 2, but we are confident with the breadth of the program we have to offer something different to our customers.”

 From Malaga, Spain, Marella will offer two itineraries:

• Spanish Flavours, departing from November 7, 2024, with visits to Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona, Valencia, Cartegena, Gibraltar and porting in Malaga.
• Sights and Delights, departing from November 14, 2024, visiting Malaga, Lisbon, Portugal, Cadiz, Casablanca, Cartagena, Motril and Malaga, Spain.

 

From Tenerife, the Marella Discovery 2 will also offer two new itineraries:

• Winter Escape, departing November 28, 2024, with visits to Malaga, Gibraltar, Cadiz, Gran Canaria and Tenerife.
• Sail into Spring, departing on March 24,  2025, visiting Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Cartagena, Malta and Limassol, Cyprus.

 

Norwegian Cruise Line to Host 2024 Investor Day

Norwegian Cruise Line to Host 2024 Investor Day

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings announced that it will host its 2024 Investor Day on May 20 at the New York Stock Exchange, NYC.

According to a press release, the event will feature presentations and a Q&A session with Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer, as well as other members of the company’s senior leadership team.

Attendance at the live event is by invitation only and will be broadcast online, available to all interested parties. A replay of the webcast and related slide presentations will remain accessible on NCL’s website for an additional 30 days.

MSC Cruises Introduces Summer 2024 ‘Stay & Cruise’ Program

MSC Cruises Introduces Summer 2024 ‘Stay & Cruise’ Program

MSC Cruises announced its new summer 2024 “Stay & Cruise” program, offering guests the chance to extend their seven-night sailing into a nine or 10-night voyage, according to a statement. 

 The add-on packages are available for sailings on 11 MSC ships at five destinations; Athens, Venice, Rome, Miami and New York.

Travellers can add two nights’ accommodation with breakfast before or after their seven-night voyage at a 4-star hotel in Athens, Venice and Rome or a 3-star hotel in Miami, plus the option for two or three nights at a 4-star hotel in New York.

All “Stay & Cruise” packages offer a half-day excursion to explore the city’s attractions.

 Ground transfers from airports to hotels are included for guests staying before the cruise and from the hotel to the ship.  Additionally, for guests staying after the cruise, transfers from the ship to the hotel and from the hotel to the airport are also included.

 The offer applies to the MSC Divina, MSC Fantasia, MSC Musica, MSC Seaside and MSC Seaview from Civitavecchia for an extended stay in Rome before or after a cruise.

 The add-on package to explore Venice is available pre- or post-cruise onboard the MSC Armonia, MSC Lirica and MSC Sinfonia from Marghera-Venice. Additionally, guests sailing on the MSC Opera, departing from the port of Piraeus, can extend their vacation in Athens.

 The program is available for Caribbean itineraries on the MSC Seascape departing from Miami with an additional two-day stay in the city.

 Guests sailing onboard the MSC Meraviglia can also extend their trip pre-cruise in New York before the ship sets sail.

An add-on package for Istanbul will also be available soon for MSC Cruises’ winter 2024-25 ‘Stay & Cruise’ program.

Fincantieri: ‘Covering All Brands’ with Eye on Future Fuels

Fincantieri: ‘Covering All Brands’ with Eye on Future Fuels

Coming off a big newbuild order from Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Daniele Fanara, director of new building and after-sales at Fincantieri, is positive about the future.

“We are serving all segments of the market, from small luxury vessels to mega-size vessels to upper premium,” said Fanara, speaking to Cruise Industry News. “This covers all the brands in the cruise industry.”

Fanara said Fincantieri was very proud to be working with a variety of operators and being able to serve each of them in a tailored customized way.

“We have cross-fertilization with our technology, including the capacity to design the vessel,” he added.

NCLH Order

The new Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings order for eight ships includes orders for all three company brands, with new classes of ships for each of them. Norwegian, Oceania and Regent will all get new bigger ships, with orders for the Norwegian brand stretching to 2036.

“We are proud of the trust that Norwegian gave us to develop such an important program,” said Fanara.

Looking at future technologies, Fanara said the ships were being developed.

“Our attention is focused on three main fuels,” he said. “One is LNG, one is methanol, and one is hydrogen. Hydrogen is the most innovative one. We are developing new ideas on how and when we can implement hydrogen onboard the vessels.”

New ships for Oceania and Regent are being developed to be methanol-ready.

“Today there is no real answer on the fuel of the future,” Fanara continued. “It’s a matter of availability. What’s important from our side is that we are always studying the latest technology available. We are also exploring CO2 capture technology.”

Fanara said among the alternative fuels, LNG was notable in the fact it was being used today.

“Ships are sailing on LNG. The other technology is in a different phase of development. We need to monitor them so we are ready to implement them if necessary,” he explained.

Questions are coming in from cruise lines on alternative fuel practicalities, Fanara said, but with the most questions on hydrogen.

“It is the most innovative, it is the most unknown.”

Industry

Fanara called the cruise industry resilient.

“Soon after Covid, the speed at which the industry recovered and came back to strong booking and revenue levels is incredible,” he said.

Fanara expects other orders to follow, citing market demand and the value gap between cruise- and land-based vacations.

Shipbuilding Costs

Costs are up to build ships.

“A greener vessel is for sure more expensive to build,” Fanara noted. “But is the value of this additional cost worth it for the industry?

“The owners can say the ships are more expensive. We had Covid, we had wars and the result of this has been inflation. If you mix inflation and the technology transition, the result is not less expensive ships.”

Norwegian Viva to Undergo Enhancements During Crossing; Venues Closed

Norwegian Viva to Undergo Enhancements During Crossing; Venues Closed

According to a letter sent to booked guests, the Norwegian Viva will be undergoing significant enhancements during its upcoming trans-Atlantic crossing.

Set to depart from Puerto Rico on April 7, 2024, the 19-night repositioning cruise is scheduled to end in Lisbon, Portugal.

According to Norwegian Cruise Line, several spaces onboard will be closed as the upgrades take place during the voyage.

“As part of our commitment to continuously offer extraordinary vacation experiences for our guests around the world, and to uphold a consistent world-class product across our fleet, Norwegian Viva will be undergoing some enhancements during your cruise,” the company said in a prepared statement.

“The Speedway Bar will be converted into an all-new Entourage, offering teenagers aged 13 to 17 a dedicated area for them to meet and engage with others their age. Additionally, we will be making some upgrades to the Galaxy Pavilion, the virtual reality complex,” Norwegian continued.

“To complete these enhancements, The Bull’s Eye, Tee Time (mini-golf), The Stadium, The Wave and a section of the Galaxy Pavilion will be closed during your voyage. However, if we are able to reopen these venues during this voyage, we will communicate accordingly,” the company added.

Norwegian Cruise Line also highlighted Norwegian Viva’s remaining entertainment and activities offerings.

“Rest assured, there will still be plenty of activities available to entertain you during your days at sea, including the Speedway, The Drop, The Rush and the Aqua Park,” the company explained.

“We sincerely apologize for this unexpected event and want to assure you that our dedicated team is committed to ensuring you have an unforgettable vacation experience.”

Built by the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, the Norwegian Viva entered service for Norwegian Cruise Line in August 2023.

The Prima-class vessel is currently wrapping up its first winter program in the Caribbean ahead of a second summer season in the Mediterranean.