World's largest cruise ship begins sea trials

Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas is on the move to sail the open ocean for the first time and reach its next construction milestone. Ahead of a highly anticipated debut in January 2024, the first-of-its-kind vacation left the Meyer Turku shipyard – where it’s under construction in Turku, Finland – to begin its multiday sea trials. On board are more than 450 specialists carrying out crucial, preliminary tests with Icon’s main engines, hull, lifeboats, thrusters and more in preparation for the new ship’s second round of sea trials later this year, where it will be pushed to its limits.

Fincantieri to build a second ship for Four Seasons Yachts

Fincantieri has signed a contract with Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings LTD, Joint Owner/Operator of Four Seasons Yachts, for the construction of the second ultra-luxury Four Seasons vessel. This second vessel’s order is worth more than 400 million euros, and the ship will be delivered in 2026.

The contract is subject to access to financing as per industry practice.

In 2022 Fincantieri acquired the order for the first ship of the class, which will be delivered in Q4 2025.

Larry Pimentel, President and CEO of Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings LTD, Joint Owner/Operator of Four Seasons Yachts: “The signing of our second vessel contract with Fincantieri is another milestone in the development of Four Seasons Yachts. Our partnership with Fincantieri and Four Seasons creates a powerful triumvirate of expertise that is committed to delivering a “category of one” luxury lifestyle yacht experience. I am proud of the talented team and collaboration behind this stunning enterprise project”.

Alejandro Reynal, President and CEO, Four Seasons: “With each Four Seasons experience we deliver, we have an unwavering commitment to excellence. In the case of Four Seasons Yachts, we are achieving this by collaborating with exceptional partners like Fincantieri and Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings who share our vision for a one-of-a-kind luxury yachting experience. We are proud to extend our partnership with Fincantieri on this next vessel and look forward to embarking on our first nautical journey together soon”.

Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer of Fincantieri: “The confirmation of trust from a prestigious brand like Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings who are responsible for marine and technical, and sales & marketing of Four Seasons Yachts, is a great satisfaction for us and a further proof of the validity of a unique entrepreneurial project destined to change the world of cruises in terms of design, technology and sustainability. Today’s result also bears witness to the start of the orders recovery for the sector, at the same time reinforcing Fincantieri’s leadership in the new extra-luxury segment based on haute hôtellerie”.

Hurtigruten Norway unveils its first zero-emission cruise ship

Weeks before its 130thanniversary, Hurtigruten Norway unveiled plans for its first zero-emission ship. Initially announced in March 2022, under project name Sea Zero, the first-of-its-kind initiative has revealed early concept plans for the world’s most energy-efficient cruise ship. Hurtigruten Norway presented the findings alongside its consortium of 12 maritime partners and research institute SINTEF, all joined in the pursuit of achieving emission-free marine travel. Tasked with developing energy-efficient and carbon-neutral technology solutions, the consortium shared key findings following its first year of research.

“When we initially announced the ‘Sea Zero’ project over a year ago, we were faced with the challenge of not knowing which technologies would be available to us in 2030. Our task was to pave the way for new innovations and enhance existing ones to align with our sustainability objectives. While some of these technologies have reached a relatively advanced stage, they still necessitate dedicated research and development to ensure successful implementation within the maritime context. On the other hand, certain technologies are still in early development and require fundamental research and thorough testing. Following a rigorous feasibility study, we have pinpointed the most promising technologies for our groundbreaking future cruise ships. We are committed to delivering a ship that surpasses all others in terms of energy efficiency and sustainability within just a few years,” said Hedda Felin, the CEO of Hurtigruten Norway.

In line with their focus on sustainable operations tailored to the Norwegian coast, Hurtigruten Norway plans for smaller, custom-built ships that leave a positive footprint with zero emissions to both sea and land. With the first ship ready in 2030, the company plans to transform its entire fleet into zero-emission vessels. Since only 0.1% of ships worldwide currently use zero-emission technology, Hurtigruten Norway’s project aims to drastically improve the greater cruise industry’s sustainability record and future of travel.

Hurtigruten Norway’s future ships will be electric and equipped with batteries that charge in port. Combining 60-megawatt battery solutions with wind technology, the vessel is expected to feature numerous firsts and improved solutions that do not exist on cruise ships today, including retractable sails with solar panels, artificial intelligence maneuvering, contra-rotating propellers, and multiple retractable thrusters. Additional technologies include air lubrication, advanced hull coating, and proactive hull cleaning.

Battery levels will be displayed on the ship’s external sides, while the bridge, where the Captain and crew steer the ship, is expected to reduce significantly in size following enhanced A.I. maneuvering, mimicking that of an airplane cockpit. Hurtigruten Norway has operated along the Norwegian coast for 130 years and has superior knowledge of the 34 ports it stops at daily. The cruise line will thus use A.I. to collect data that learns the most efficient docking and undocking methods for each port, improving in-port operations in bad or challenging weather.

The three retractable, autonomous wing rigs will comprise 1500m² (16,146 ft²) of solar panels and a total wind surface of 750m² (8,073ft²), reaching a maximum height of 50m (164 ft) when fully extended.

Hurtigruten Norway strives for superior guest comfort and spectacular views on board its first zero-emission ship. A streamlined shape will result in less air resistance, reduce energy use, and increase passenger comfort. In addition to ample outdoor space, enlarged surface areas with dedicated windows will allow for unparalleled views of what is often described as ‘the world’s most beautiful coastline.’

“We are developing the concept for a very innovative cruise design and researching to find the optimal design methods suitable for zero-emission ships. The streamlined shape, with its innovative hull and propulsion solutions, not only reduces energy demand but also increases passenger comfort. In the process, we are developing new design tools and exploring new technologies for energy efficiency,” said Henrik Burvang, Research and Innovation Manager at VARD, the design and shipbuilding company behind the concept visuals.

Guests will play a key role in minimizing energy consumption through an interactive mobile app, where they can operate ultra-modern cabin ventilation, as well as measure their own water and energy consumption.

Sea Zero has now entered a two-year phase in which the proposed technologies will be tried, tested, and developed further in pursuit of the final zero-emission ship. The current research and development phase focuses on battery production, propulsion technology, hull design, and sustainable practices that reduce energy use to an absolute minimum. Developing new technologies for onboard hotel operations, which can consume up to 50% of the ship’s total energy use, will be crucial to the project’s success. The goal is a 50% energy reduction compared to Hurtigruten Norway’s current ships.

While Hurtigruten Norway is working towards its first zero-emission ship, the company is currently undertaking one of the most extensive environmental upgrades in European maritime history with its existing fleet. Two of the seven ships have been upgraded to battery-hybrid-powered ships, with a third to be upgraded this fall. The five other vessels are being outfitted with various technologies that will cut CO² emissions by 25% and NOx (nitrogen oxides) by 80%. In 2019, sister company Hurtigruten Expeditions introduced the world’s first battery-hybrid-powered ship, MS Roald Amundsen; the Expeditions arm now has three battery-hybrid ships out of its seven-ship fleet.

The new zero-emission ship is modeled at 135 meters (443 feet) long, with 270 cabins that hold 500 guests and 99 crew. Just as Hurtigruten Norway has been transporting cargo along the Norwegian coast for 130 years, the new ship will also have a significant cargo hold and transport cars.

Costa Serena resumes outbound cruises dedicated to South Korea and Taiwan

Costa Cruises announces that Costa Serena returned to service in Asia. After two cruises between Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, Costa Serena departed today from the port of Busan, in South Korea, heading to Nagasaki and Yatsushiro, in Japan. It is the first outbound cruise to resume in South Korea after the end of cruise travel restrictions.

"With the departure of Costa Serena from Busan, we celebrate a historic event for cruises in Asia. We are, in fact, the first company to resume outbound cruises dedicated to South Korea, and soon also to Taiwan, after the pause due to travel restrictions caused by the pandemic. It’s a very important moment for the recovery of the cruise industry in Asia. We achieved this significant result thanks to our historic presence in Asia and established relationship with local partners and institutions," said Mario Zanetti, President of Costa Cruises.

From June to October 2023, Costa Serena will be operating a program of charter cruises in Asia, in cooperation with local travel partners. The total number of cruises is 35. Eight cruises, in June and October 2023, will be dedicated to the South Korean market; from July to October 2023 another 27 cruises are planned for the Taiwan market.

The itineraries, lasting from 4 to 7 nights, include some of the most beautiful destinations in East Asia, particularly Japan, such as Otaru, Muroran, Hakodate, Aomori, Fukuoka, Sasebo, Nagasaki, Yatsushiro, Kagoshima, Naha, Ishigaki and Miyakojima. Departures are scheduled from the ports of Busan, Sokcho and Pohang in South Korea, as well as from Keelung and Kaohsiung in Taiwan.

Costa Serena is an Italian-flagged ship built by Fincantieri and entered service in 2007. It has a tonnage of 114,000 gross tons and can accommodate up to 3,780 guests. On board the Costa Serena, guests will be able to enjoy a wide range of Italian-style gastronomic and entertainment experiences, enriched with a local touch, as well as visit the beautiful destinations included in the itineraries.

Princess Cruises names second Sphere-class ship Star Princess

Princess Cruises today revealed the name of its second Sphere-class cruise ship – Star Princess, which will sail an inaugural season of Mediterranean voyages when she debuts in August 2025.

Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, Star Princess joins Sun Princess as the largest ships ever built for Princess at 175,500 tons and carrying 4,300 guests. The new ship is built on a platform that is distinctly different and unique to Princess, designed to simultaneously embrace the Princess heritage while celebrating the romance of the sea by offering more dynamic, outward views.

While 20 percent larger than any of the line’s existing ships, Star Princess design retains the more intimate settings Princess is known for, with a number of new and incredibly ground-breaking spaces such as:

– The Dome, a transformational entertainment venue inspired by the terraces of Santorini;
– the next-level Piazza featuring a glass sphere
– the “see it to believe it” Princess Arena, a configurable, technologically-advanced main theater that allows Princess to produce a variety of innovative entertainment concepts; and
– a 3-deck dining room positioned aft of the ship to deliver wake views.

This second Sphere-class ship will also offer a number of spectacular features with an array of new food and beverage concepts; an expanded casino; a two-story Lotus Spa; and entertainment headlined by Cirque Éloize.

Guests also will love the expanded accommodations options with luxurious staterooms and suites, including the new Reserve and Signature Collections.

Star Princess also will showcase the exclusive Princess Medallion service that extends Princess’ leadership position in delivering exceptional personalized experiences.

The new ship will be the second in the Princess fleet to be powered by LNG fuel technology and also is being built with the most advanced sustainable innovations available.

Star Princess debuts August 4, 2025, sailing a nine-day Inaugural Italy & Greece roundtrip voyage from Rome (Civitavecchia), featuring the destinations of Corfu, Kotor, Mykonos, Santorini and Naples (for Capri and Pompeii), followed by a variety of 9- and 10-day cruises sailing from Rome, Athens or Trieste (Venice) that visit idyllic coastal ports. Star Princess cruises go on sale with the larger Europe 2025 program release on June 1, 2023.

“There’s much to be admired about Star Princess - her sleek, eye-catching design, spacious interiors, and of course, the remarkable views of the sea and sky, just like the features found on Sun Princess that have prompted cruise lovers to snap up inaugural year bookings,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. “We’ve carefully designed these ships to feel familiar to our guests yet significantly advanced with lots of exceptional new and expanded experiences to embrace and explore.”

Princess’ first Star Princess ship initially launched in 1988 as Sitmar Fair Majesty. With the merger of Sitmar Cruises into Princess, she then entered service as Star Princess in 1989, and was christened by legendary actress and humanitarian Audrey Hepburn. The second Star Princess launched in 2002, as the third Grand-class vessel playing an instrumental role in the evolution of the brand with popular offerings like Anytime Dining, the dining program in the industry at the time to give guests freedom to dine where, when and with whom they wish.

Further details about Star Princess including dining, entertainment, onboard amenities and future itineraries will be shared in the coming months.