Regent Seven Seas Grandeur - Video

This video was filmed of the Seven Seas Grandeur's first visit to the historic City of Liverpool

Seven Seas Grandeur is an Ultra-Luxary cruise ship operated. It's the third vessel in the Explorer Class, known for its all-inclusive experience and high staff-to-guest ratio. The ship debuted in November 2023 and features a reimagined Compass Rose restaurant, a state-of-the-art spa, and luxurious accommodations. 

Key Features:

• All-inclusive experience:

  Seven Seas Grandeur offers a luxurious, all-inclusive experience with gourmet dining, included excursions, and premium beverages. 
• Luxurious accommodations:

  The ship features spacious suites with private balconies, plush bedding, and high-end amenities. 
Culinary excellence:
It boasts multiple restaurants, including the reimagined Compass Rose, offering a variety of dining experiences. 
Wellness and spa:
The ship features a state-of-the-art spa with treatment rooms, thermal suites, and a relaxation area. 
Art and design:
The ship showcases a blend of art and bold décor, creating a sophisticated and striking ambience. 
Sister ship to Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Splendor:
It shares similarities in size and layout with its sister ships but with unique enhancements. 

Destinations:

Seven Seas Grandeur offers cruises in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Northern Europe.
In 2025 and 2026, the ship will visit various destinations, providing opportunities to explore these regions in style. 

MSC Cruises Named Official Main Partner of Tudor Pro Cycling

MSC Cruises Named Official Main Partner of Tudor Pro Cycling

MSC Cruises has partnered with Tudor Pro Cycling to become its official main partner through the 2027 season, including a debut at the 2025 Tour de France, which starts on July 5.

The partnership was unveiled today ahead of the Tour de France Official Team Presentation in Lille.

Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman at MSC Cruises, said: “We are proud to partner with the Tudor Pro Cycling team as the official main partner at the start of this exciting new chapter for the team as they are participating for the first time in the world’s biggest cycling event.”

“We look forward to supporting the team as they race across the world, introducing our brand to a new global audience that follows this exciting international sport. Team sports, such as this, reflect our commitment to delivering outstanding experiences driven by teamwork, excellence and passion,” added Vago.

Raphael Meyer, CEO of Tudor Pro Cycling: “We are honoured and excited to welcome MSC Cruises as our new main partner of Tudor Pro Cycling. Their support comes at a truly historic moment for our team, as we prepare to compete in our very first Tour de France.”

“This milestone marks a bold new chapter in our journey, and we are thrilled to have MSC Cruises on board with us. Together, we share a commitment to excellence, innovation, and pushing boundaries, values that will drive us forward both on and off the road,” added Meyer.

MSC Cruises said in a press release that the company will have visibility across the Tudor Pro Cycling team’s kit, with branding featured on rider jerseys as well as on team vehicles, including support cars and team buses.

Audiences will see the new branding for the first time at the 2025 Tour de France.

MSC Cruises added that the move is its first involvement in the world of professional cycling.

MSC said the partnership reflects a shared national heritage and a focus on high operational standards.

Explora Journeys Evolves Loyalty Program

Explora Journeys Evolves Loyalty Program

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Explora Club Member Benefits Include:

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

Viking Names Vesta in Croatia

Viking Names Vesta in Croatia

Viking named its newest ocean ship, the Viking Vesta, with a traditional ceremony in Split, Croatia, over the weekend. The vessel was recently delivered from Fincantieri to Viking.

Serving as ceremonial godmother of the Viking Vesta was the Norwegian journalist Lene Tangevald-Jensen, according to a press release.

The Viking Vesta will now continue her inaugural season sailing in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

“As we celebrate 10 years of ocean voyages in 2025, we are pleased to welcome the new Viking Vesta to our award-winning fleet of elegant sister ships,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking.

“We are also very grateful to Lene for serving as godmother. In addition to her personal and professional accomplishments, Lene embodies the values that are very important to me and to Viking—she is kind, honest, hardworking and, of course, curious. I am proud to count her as a friend and a valued member of the extended Viking family.”

In keeping with the naming tradition, during the ceremony, Lene used a Viking broad axe to cut a ribbon that allowed a bottle of Norwegian aquavit to break on the ship’s hull.

Guests also enjoyed performances by Sissel Kyrkjebø, one of the world’s leading crossover sopranos and godmother of the Viking Jupiter, and Norwegian violinist Tor Jaran Apold.

Norwegian Epic Completes 15 Years of Service

Norwegian Epic Completes 15 Years of Service

The Norwegian Epic recently completed 15 years of service after being delivered to Norwegian Cruise Line on June 17, 2010.

The 150,000-ton vessel was built as a prototype vessel at the STX France Shipyard, currently known as the Chantiers de l’Atlantique, in St. Nazaire, France.

After leaving its building dock, the Norwegian Epic embarked on a series of pre-inaugural cruises before setting sail from Southampton, England, for a seven-night crossing to New York City.

Continuing its maiden season celebrations, the vessel was christened by entertainer Reba McEntire on July 2, 2010.

After additional celebrations in New York City and Miami, the Epic officially embarked on its inaugural season on July 10, 2010.

Sailing from PortMiami, the ship offered a series of alternating seven-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.

Ports of call included Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Costa Maya, Mexico; Nassau, Bahamas; and Roatán, Honduras.

In 2011, the Norwegian Epic repositioned back to Europe for its first summer season in the Mediterranean, before returning to Miami ahead of the 2011-12 winter season.

Earlier this year, the 4,200-guest ship underwent a significant refit at the Chantier Naval de Marseille in France.

As part of the project, the ship debuted new venues, including an expanded Vice Beach Club and a refreshed Kids’ Aqua Park.

Other changes include the addition of eight new staterooms, as well as the debut of a new hot tub and enhanced exterior decks.

After completing its renovation, the Norwegian Epic embarked on a summer season in the Mediterranean.

Sailing from Civitavecchia, a port near Italy’s capital city of Rome, the ship is offering nine- and ten-night cruises to destinations in Greece and Malta.

Ports of call being visited include Valletta, Heraklion, Santorini, Piraeus, Katakolon, Argostoli and Mykonos.

In November, the Norwegian Epic repositions to the Southern Caribbean for itineraries departing from San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Carnival Mirical in Liverpool

Carnival Miracle Arriving in the Historic port of  Liverpool on the 25th June 2025 at around 7:50am.

Click on the Above Image to Watch YouTube

Name	Carnival Miracle
Owner	Carnival Corporation & plc
Operator	Carnival Cruise Line
Port of registry	Panama City,  Panama
Builder	Kvaerner Masa-Yards Helsinki New Shipyard Helsinki, Finland
Cost	US $375 million
Yard number	503
Launched	June 5, 2003
Sponsored by	Jessica Lynch
Christened	February 27, 2004
Completed	2004
Maiden voyage	February 27, 2004 (Bahamas)
In service	2004–present
Homeport	Long Beach, CA
Identification	Call sign: H3VS IMO number: 9237357 MMSI number: 354277000
Status	In active service
Notes	[1]
General characteristics
Class & type	Spirit-class cruise ship
Tonnage	88,500 GT
Length	963 ft (294 m)
Beam	105.7 ft (32.2 m)
Draft	25.5 ft (7.8 m)
Decks	12 decks
Installed power	Six diesel engines 62,370 kW (combined)
Propulsion	Two ABB Azipods (17.6 MW each)
Speed	22 knots (41 km/h; 25 mph)
Capacity	2,124 passengers
Crew	930

Carnival Executives Detail Latest Ship Sales

Carnival Executives Detail Latest Ship Sales

Carnival Corporation has sold two ships this year, as the Seabourn Sojourn will be transferred to Mitsui Ocean Cruises next year, and the Costa Fortuna will sail for Margaritaville in late 2026.

“Over time, since ships get older, we will sell them to other parties,” said David Bernstein, CFO, speaking on the company’s second quarter earnings call.

“We do not feel that those parties come back to compete against us because they are generally in different marketplaces with different brands,” he continued.

Neither Bernstein nor Josh Weinstein, CEO, would comment on the sales prices of either ship, although Weinstein said it was “nicely over book value.”

“People came to us looking for ships and gave us prices that we thought were in the best long-term interest of the company,” Weinstein said.

He also explained that the Costa Fortuna's departure from the fleet does not impact Costa’s core program in Europe, as the Serena will take its place in the market.

Aroya Set For First Season in the Mediterranean

Aroya Cruises is ready to begin its inaugural season in the Eastern Mediterranean later this month.

The Aroya recently arrived at the company’s new homeport in Istanbul after embarking on a repositioning voyage from Jeddah.

The 3,400-guest ship is now set to undergo some routine maintenance before kicking off its inaugural cruise from the Galataport on June 28, 2025.

“We’re excited to be bringing Aroya to some of the Mediterranean’s most popular cruise destinations this summer,” said Dr. Joerg Rudolph, president of Aroya Cruises.

“Aroya Cruises first set sail just six months ago, and we’re incredibly proud of all we’ve achieved so far, with passenger numbers in the Red Sea exceeding expectations. We look forward to welcoming our valued guests aboard this season,” he added.

As part of its inaugural season in the region, the Aroya will offer a series of six- and seven-night cruises in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Extending through September, the season includes two itineraries to ports in Turkey, Greece and Egypt, such as Kas, Bodrum, Marmaris, Athens, Mykonos, Rhodes, Alexandria and Souda Bay.

According to Aroya, the product blends iconic destinations with its Arabian-inspired onboard experience.

“The move to the Mediterranean marks a strategic next chapter for Aroya Cruises as it expands its itineraries and brings a taste of Arabian culture and hospitality to Europe,” the company stated in a press release.

Aroya also celebrated the successful completion of its maiden season in the Red Sea, which started in December 2024.

Sailing from Jeddah, the company welcomed more than 70,000 guests onboard for sailings that visited Egypt, Jordan and the Saudi Red Sea private island of Jabal AlSabaya for Saba Beach.

Originally in service for Dream Cruises, the Aroya was acquired by the company in late 2023 and underwent a year-long refurbishment before launching service for its new owners.

Cruise Industry Mourns Loss of Captain Geir-Arne Thue-Nilsen

Cruise Industry Mourns Loss of Captain Geir-Arne Thue-Nilsen

The cruise industry is mourning the loss of Seabourn’s former Captain Geir-Arne Thue-Nilsen.

His wife, Juvy Thue-Nilsen, announced the news via social media on June 22, 2025.

“With deep sorrow, I share that Geir Arne has passed away peacefully. He is remembered for his kind and gentle heart, his deep love for the sea and animals, and his passion for racing,” Juvy said in the post.

“He had a warm sense of humour, and as a captain, he was both knowledgeable and deeply committed — always looking after his crew with their well-being in mind.”

A friend of the Captain, Eric Goldring, responded to the news in a post that said: “My dear, dear friend and former Seabourn Captain Geir Arne Thue-Nilsen passed away yesterday.”

“He was a captain’s captain, a beloved mentor for those wanting a seaman’s life, a teacher, the kindest of human beings, and a renaissance man without knowing it. He taught me how it should be on a ship, not by lecture, but by example. We sailed from Turkey to the British Isles to Antarctica and more. I hope I continue to do him proud.”

Carnival Partners With DXC Technology

Carnival Partners With DXC Technology

DXC Technology and Carnival Cruise Line today announced a multi-year agreement to power the cruise line’s technology infrastructure.

This partnership will support Carnival’s guest experience across its global fleet, as well as its portside and shoreside operations.

DXC will deliver IT services designed to enhance operational efficiency, improve employee productivity and help ensure a seamless and connected experience for guests.

“At Carnival, we’re committed to delivering memorable vacations for our guests, and technology plays a vital role in ensuring they have the best onboard experience,” said Sean Kenny, senior vice president and chief information officer at Carnival.

“The DXC team demonstrates exceptional technical expertise, responsiveness and a clear commitment to delivering on our long-term vision.”

“With them as our trusted partner, we’re investing in technology that strengthens the foundation of our operations to provide a great experience for our guests across our 29 ships globally and supporting our dedicated team members both shipboard and shoreside,” added Kenny.

“This collaboration with Carnival Cruise Line represents a significant milestone for DXC as we continue to expand our footprint in the hospitality and travel sectors,” said Chris Drumgoole, president of global infrastructure services at DXC Technology.

“Our goal is clear: deliver complete customer operational confidence by minimising technology disruptions. By managing their complex IT operations and providing modern solutions, we’re proud to help Carnival do what they do best, ensuring every guest enjoys their cruise vacation,” added Drumgoole.

Through the partnership, DXC will manage Carnival’s core IT infrastructure across all operational environments, including shipboard systems, shoreside offices and port facilities.

Using an employee-centric delivery model, DXC will ensure that the tools and services provided are tailored to support Carnival’s workforce needs and provide a consistent guest experience.

Services will include workplace support, IT service management, infrastructure operations and security risk management.

MSC World Asia to Feature Industry’s Longest Dry Slide

MSC World Asia to Feature Industry’s Longest Dry Slide

The new MSC World Asia will feature the largest dry slide onboard a cruise ship, MSC Cruises said in a press release.

According to the company, the Tree of Life @ The Spiral will serve as a signature architectural feature of the vessel, which will be the third in the company’s World class series.

In line with the ship’s Asian-inspired interiors, the slide was designed after the trees of Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay.

As the industry’s longest dry slide, the feature will be 81.3 meters long, offering a thrilling ride that lets guests glide between 12 decks in seconds.

The Tree of Life @ The Spiral will be part of the ship’s World Promenade, an open-air area that will also feature bars, restaurants and other entertainment spaces.

Other new features coming to the area include a new Pan-Asian specialty restaurant, as well as an expanded dessert shop.

As the third ship in MSC’s World Class series, the MSC World Asia is set to enter service in December 2026.

Following the MSC World Europa and the MSC World America, the LNG-powered vessel is currently under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France.

As with the previous ships in the class, the new ship will pay homage to a region visited by MSC’s ships, featuring a series of subtle design elements that reflect Asia’s culture, art and landscapes.

For its maiden season, the MSC World America is scheduled to offer seven-night cruises around the Western Mediterranean.

Sailing from multiple homeports, the weeklong itineraries will be offered through the 2026-27 winter season and feature visits to destinations in Italy, Spain, France and Malta, such as Genoa, Barcelona and Valletta.

The 205,700-ton ship will continue to sail in the region during the 2027 summer, offering similar itineraries to countries in Southern Europe.

AIDA Cruises Donates to the Nurse Club Foundation

AIDA Cruises Donates to the Nurse Club Foundation

AIDA Cruises has given 5,000 euros to the Nurse Club Foundation, which focuses on creating unforgettable moments for people with special needs, such as families in palliative situations.

The company said in a press release that many of the families have faced difficult times where life revolved around illness and worries.

Various projects of the foundation offer them escape routes from everyday life.

“At AIDA Cruises, we live diversity and inclusion. Promoting social initiatives is an important concern for us, especially when it comes to enabling participation for all,” said Alexander Ewig, AIDA’s SVP of marketing and sales, at the donation handover.

The Nurse Club Foundation's long-term goal is to create a completely accessible beach section in Warnemünde so that tourists with disabilities can enjoy their vacation on the Baltic Sea.

“Rostock should show that inclusion is possible, and at the highest level,” said Julian Sturm-Schneider, one of the founders of the non-profit foundation.

AIDA said that with its support, the foundation can further advance its vision and realise new projects.

The company added that it has adapted for many years to the requirements of people with individual and health-related impairments.

Since May 2022, an accessibility expert council established under the patronage of Kristina Vogel has advised the company to make vacations on AIDA ships even more accessible.

Carnival Cruise Line to Launch New Loyalty Program in 2026

Carnival Cruise Line to Launch New Loyalty Program in 2026

Carnival Legend arriving in Liverpool, photo credit Spacejunkie2 Flickr account.

Carnival Cruise Line announced today it will launch its new loyalty program, adding new features, new ways to earn status, new reward categories and a new name: Carnival Rewards.

The new program will take effect in June 2026, providing guests plenty of time to learn about the changes while they continue to earn status in the current Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) program that will be their entry point into the new program, the company said in a press release.

Carnival Rewards is introducing a dual-earning structure where guests accumulate both Carnival Rewards points that can be redeemed on Carnival purchases and status-qualifying stars that will determine a guest’s tier status.

Instead of focusing solely on the number of nights guests sail, which is the model Carnival currently follows under its VIFP program, Carnival Rewards will offer more opportunities to earn rewards and achieve higher status levels based on spend, including cruise fare and onboard activities, the company said.

The new program will be closely tied to everyday spending on the co-branded credit card with Barclays – the Carnival Rewards Mastercard – allowing cardmembers to earn points and status even faster.

“The evolution of our loyalty program to Carnival Rewards represents our commitment to creating more meaningful recognition for our valued guests. Our current VIFP program has served us well for many years, and while we’ve enjoyed truly extraordinary growth in our loyal customer base, it has become challenging to deliver the exceptional experience our Diamond and Platinum members deserve,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “

By introducing a points-based system, we’re enabling greater flexibility so guests can personalise their rewards in ways that matter most to them. This transition honours our past while building a future where loyalty is recognised through both cruising frequency and overall engagement with the Carnival experience, bringing Carnival Rewards into the top tier of travel loyalty programs that provide our guests with ways to earn status and points through their everyday spending on the Carnival Rewards Mastercard.

Guests will earn Carnival Reward points as well as status-qualifying stars on every eligible Carnival purchase, including cruise fares and onboard purchases. The dual structure gives guests more control over their rewards and status.

• Points can be redeemed for almost anything Carnival offers, including onboard activities, spa treatments, speciality dining and even toward a future cruise.
• Stars introduce a new way to unlock higher status among the four tiers: Red, Gold, Platinum and Diamond. Status is earned over two years and retained for the following two years.

 

As part of the transition to Carnival Rewards’ launch on June 1, 2026, members’ existing status will carry over and serve as a new entry point into the program for two years through May 31, 2028.

Diamond members will retain their status for six years through May 31, 2032. This ensures that all current loyalty statuses are honoured while giving members time to familiarise themselves with the enhanced rewards. Guests will continue earning VIFP status as usual until the new program launches. In addition, upon launch of the Carnival Rewards program, current cardmembers, as well as any new cardmembers between now and the launch of the updates, will have the balance of their Fun Points converted to Carnival Rewards points in their Carnival Rewards account.

Westerdam Embarks on Cruise to Alaska and Arctic Circle

Westerdam Embarks on Cruise to Alaska and Arctic Circle

The Westerdam set sail from Seattle earlier this month for the second annual edition of Holland America Line’s “Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice” itinerary.

Cruising round-trip from the Pacific Northwest, the 28-night voyage will sail all the way to the Bering Strait while visiting 14 destinations in Alaska and Canada.

Described by the company as its most exclusive itinerary in the region, the month-long cruise sails to unique destinations, such as Nome and Dutch Harbor.

Other highlights of the itinerary include an overnight visit to Anchorage, as well as stops in Valdez and Kodiak.

Before returning to Seattle, the Westerdam is also scheduled to visit Haines, Juneau, Sitka, Wrangell, Ketchikan and Prince Rupert.

The voyage features scenic cruising as well, sailing across the Inside Passage, the Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm Fjord and Glacier Bay National Park.

A similar summer solstice itinerary to the Arctic Circle is set to be offered by the Noordam in early June 2026.

Part of Holland America’s six-ship season in Alaska, the Westerdam is set to offer seven-night cruises from Seattle after completing its summer solstice voyage.

Offering the company’s “Alaska Explorer” itinerary, the vessel sails from its homeport every Sunday for cruises that visit Victoria, Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau and Tracy Arm Fjord.

The 2004-built ship also offers a unique month-long cruise that combines visits to destinations in Alaska and Hawaii.

Offered in partnership with the History Channel, the “Legendary Glaciers & Volcanoes” cruise is scheduled to sail round-trip from Seattle on August 31, 2025.

The 28-night cruise features four destinations in Hawaii, including Honolulu, where the ship is set to spend two days docked.

Other ports of call set to be visited include Vancouver, Dutch Harbour and Kodiak, as well as Valdez and Anchorage.

In addition to the Westerdam, other Holland America Line ships sailing in Alaska in 2025 include the Eurodam, the Koningsdam, the Nieuw Amsterdam, the Noordam and the Zaandam.

Everllence and Plastic Fischer Fight Against Plastic Waste

Everllence and Plastic Fischer Fight Against Plastic Waste

Everllence has signed a three-year sponsorship agreement with social enterprise Plastic Fischer, which will see the clearing of rivers near Everllence locations in India of plastic waste.

Plastic Fischer is a Cologne-based startup that combats ocean plastic pollution while creating jobs in emerging countries. As part of the partnership, regular joint-collection campaigns with employees will take place at Everllence locations in India.

Everllence said in a press release that the partnership will enable Plastic Fischer to collect and recycle between 450 and 500 tons of plastic over the next three years.

A total of seven floating barriers will be installed in Vadodara and Bangalore to capture plastic from the river. The startup will also use the funding to open two material-recovery facilities to sort and recycle the collected materials.

In the first year, these measures are expected to create 20 local jobs.

Uwe Lauber, CEO of Everllence, said: “Protecting oceans and waterways is especially important to us. Plastic Fischer has been carrying out impressive work in this field for many years, and we are proud and happy to support their mission.”

Karsten Hirsch, CEO and founder of Plastic Fischer, said: “We are very pleased to take our next big step with Everllence and expand into two new locations at once.”

“This long-term support will help us build infrastructure and drive sustainable change on-site. We are proud to have earned Everllence’s trust to build a flagship project with a strong local impact together,” Hirsch added.

Michael Melzer, head of experience communications and responsible for donations and sponsorships at Everllence, said: “What convinced us about Plastic Fischer, in addition to our shared commitment to protecting waterways, was its local approach.”

“Together, not only can we fight plastic waste, but we can also make a contribution to local economic development around our Indian sites. Furthermore, our employees in Bangalore and Vadodara can volunteer in the cleanups; it’s a great cooperation,” added Melzer.

Plastic Fischer uses barriers called TrashBooms to capture plastic directly in rivers.

Non-recyclable waste is processed in cement plants, serving as a more environmentally friendly alternative to landfill or incineration, as it produces no residues like ash and simultaneously replaces fossil fuels.