Explora Journeys and Fincantieri completes sea trials for Explora III

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 02 June 2026 02 June 2026

Explora III has successfully completed its sea trials in the Mediterranean, representing another important milestone in the continued expansion of Explora Journeys’ fleet. The successful sea trials validated the ship’s technical and operational performance ahead of her summer debut and marks the next chapter in the brand’s long-term vision to redefine luxury ocean travel.

Explora III is the first LNG-powered ship in the fleet, and it provides the flexibility to utilize renewable fuels such as bio-LNG and synthetic LNG, alongside continued innovation and energy efficiency.

With all six ships now in different phases of development – spanning operation, construction and future delivery – Explora Journeys has reached the halfway point of its planned six-ship fleet expansion, continuing to advance its long-term vision with responsible growth at its core.

“The completion of Explora III’s sea trials marks another proud milestone for Explora Journeys as we continue to bring our long-term fleet vision to life,” said Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys. “Explora III represents the next phase in our growth and reflects our continued commitment to thoughtful innovation, exceptional guest experiences and a conscious approach to luxury ocean travel. As the first LNG-powered ship in our fleet, she also marks an important step in our transition towards lower-emission technologies, supporting our pathway to net zero greenhouse gas emissions for our maritime operations by 2050. This summer, Explora Journeys will have three ships sailing - a significant milestone that reflects the strength of our vision and the remarkable momentum behind the brand.”

Following her successful sea trials, the ship has returned to Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard near Genoa for interior outfitting and final finishing touches. On track for her delivery, ahead of schedule, Explora III will begin her inaugural season with the Mediterranean Prelude Journey departing on July 24, 2026, arriving in Barcelona for her official naming ceremony on August 1, 2026. Two days later, her seven-night Maiden Journey will take her to Lisbon, marking the beginning of a refined Northern European season through culturally rich destinations and striking landscapes.

Across the remainder of her highly anticipated inaugural season, Explora III will journey through the fjords of Norway, Iceland and Greenland before crossing the Atlantic to explore the vibrant autumn landscapes of New England and Canada’s East Coast, with each itinerary designed to offer a distinctive perspective on luxury ocean travel.

Kelly Predmesky appointed Head of Sales for Mitsui Ocean Cruises' North America General Sales Agent

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 31 May 2026 31 May 2026

Mitsui Ocean Cruises has announced the appointment of Kelly Predmesky as head of sales for its general sales agent partner in North America, reinforcing the Japan-based luxury cruise line’s continued expansion and commitment to the U.S. and Canadian markets.

A respected travel industry leader with nearly 20 years of experience in luxury travel sales, strategic partnerships and key account management, Predmesky joins Mitsui Ocean Cruises following senior sales leadership roles with Swan Hellenic and Celestyal Cruises. Throughout her career, she has built a reputation for successfully launching and growing emerging cruise brands in North America through innovative sales strategies, deep advisor relationships and strong luxury trade partnerships.

“Kelly Predmesky’s appointment as Head of Sales for North America marks an exciting new chapter for Mitsui Ocean Cruises as we continue expanding our presence in the market,” said Anthony Kaufman, Head of Commercial Strategies, Mitsui Ocean Cruises. “She brings deep industry relationships, a strong understanding of the luxury travel advisor community and a passion for delivering meaningful travel experiences. As more North American travelers seek authentic travel journeys, her leadership will help introduce guests to a truly unique way to experience Japan – sailing aboard a Japanese cruise line that combines refined luxury, cultural connection and access to destinations rarely visited by international cruise lines.”

Predmesky most recently served as Director of Key and National Accounts for Swan Hellenic, where she led Virtuoso partnerships and helped drive significant growth across the North American market. During her tenure, she played a key role in expanding advisor engagement, increasing distribution and securing major industry partnerships and accolades.

Prior to that, she held leadership roles with Celestyal Cruises, where she was part of the inaugural North American sales team responsible for introducing the brand to the region and significantly growing territory sales and key account partnerships.

In her new role, Predmesky will oversee trade sales strategy and advisor partnerships throughout North America, helping expand awareness of Mitsui Ocean Cruises and its immersive Japanese cruise experiences.

“I’m incredibly excited to join Mitsui Ocean Cruises at such a pivotal moment for the brand,” said Kelly Predmesky. “Today’s luxury travelers are looking for deeper cultural connections and experiences that feel truly authentic. Mitsui Ocean Cruises offers something genuinely unique in the market with the opportunity to explore this sought-after destination aboard a Japanese cruise line alongside local guests. I look forward to working closely with the travel advisor community to introduce more North American travelers to this extraordinary way of experiencing Japan.”

Predmesky joins Albert Hartigan, who leads partner marketing in North America.

Fincantieri and Crystal cut steel for Crystal Grace

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 29 May 2026 29 May 2026

Crystal celebrated a defining milestone this week with the ceremonial steel cutting of Crystal Grace, the brand’s newest ocean ship, at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy. The moment marks the official start of construction and signals the next chapter in Crystal’s continued evolution.

Scheduled for delivery in May 2028, Crystal Grace represents a bold step forward for the brand, building on its legacy of exceptional service, spacious design and immersive, experience-led travel. The ship will introduce a refined vision of luxury at sea, thoughtfully designed to elevate every aspect of the guest journey, the company said in a statement.

“As we look to the future, we are focused on creating ships that feel both deeply rooted in Crystal’s heritage and unmistakably modern, where space, service and experience come together in a way that is both intuitive and extraordinary. Crystal Grace will do that for the brand, and we are so proud that this moment with our partners at Fincantieri brings that vision one step closer to reality," said Cristina Lewis, CEO of AKTG.

The steel cutting ceremony underscores Crystal’s continued partnership with Fincantieri, one of the world’s most respected shipbuilders and a long-time collaborator in bringing the brand’s vision to life through craftsmanship, precision and innovation.

Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of Merchant Ships Division at Fincantieri, stated, “The steel cutting of Crystal Grace is a moment of great pride for our team and a significant milestone in our relationship with Crystal and the Lefebvre family. Over the years, we have built a partnership grounded in trust, shared values and an unwavering commitment to excellence. We are honored to once again bring Crystal’s vision to life, shaping a vessel that reflects both the brand’s distinguished heritage and its exciting future.”

Once delivered, Crystal Grace will join the fleet as a next-generation ocean vessel, offering expansive suites, including the brand’s first-ever Owner’s suite; elevated culinary concepts with renowned partners such as Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, three-time Michelin-starred Massimiliano Alajmo and his brother Raffaele and restaurateur Riccardo Girardi; outstanding Broadway-style entertainment; one of the best staff to guest and space to guest ratios in the luxury segment and thoughtfully curated itineraries designed to connect guests more deeply to each destination. She will embark on her inaugural voyage on June 11, 2028, from Civitavecchia (Rome) for an eight-night voyage concluding in Fusina (Venice).

Holland America expands to year-round Europe cruising

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 28 May 2026 28 May 2026

Holland America Line is introducing year-round cruising in Europe, expanding its presence in the region with an extended 2027-2028 season sailing through winter. With Nieuw Statendam remaining in Europe year-round, the cruise line is offering more opportunities than ever to experience the region beyond traditional summer travel.

The expanded season includes a dozen cruises aboard Nieuw Statendam across the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, significantly increasing Holland America Line’s offseason presence in the region. The new itineraries add more than 70 additional port days year-over-year, giving guests more time in port along with extended stays and fewer crowds. The deployment also includes two additional voyages aboard Zuiderdam, further expanding options for guests exploring Europe during the winter season.

“Europe continues to be one of the most sought-after destinations for our guests, and as a cruise line with Dutch roots, it’s a region we know incredibly well,” said Paul Grigsby, vice president of deployment and itinerary planning for Holland America Line. “Expanding to year-round Europe allows us to showcase a completely different side of the destination – one that is quieter, more immersive and deeply seasonal. From the festive charm of Christmas markets to a cooler and more relaxed Mediterranean region, winter offers a more authentic way to experience Europe.”

The expanded season is anchored by a lineup of winter and early spring itineraries that showcase Europe at a different pace, with access to seasonal experiences, regional traditions and a greater mix of destinations across the region. From Christmas market cruises in Northern Europe to an expanded Mediterranean program with more overnights and late-night stays, the deployment offers deeper, more immersive ways to explore throughout the year.

Christmas Market cruises bring Europe’s holiday traditions to life

Nieuw Statendam’s holiday sailings are designed to immerse guests in Europe at one of its most atmospheric times of year, when city squares glow with lights, markets fill with local artisans and the pace of travel invites deeper exploration. With overnights and extended stays built into each itinerary, guests have the time to experience the traditions, cuisine and rhythms that define the season.

A 13-day Baltic and Scandinavian Christmas Markets: Stockholm cruise sails roundtrip from Rotterdam or Dover, calling at Kiel, the gateway to Hamburg’s well-known Christmas markets, as well as Tallinn and Copenhagen. Overnight stays in Helsinki and Stockholm give guests time to explore festive city centers after dark, when markets and cultural traditions are in full swing. The Helsinki call also offers access to Lapland in the Arctic Circle, referred to by many as the home of Santa Claus.

A second 15-day holiday sailing spans the Christmas season, featuring overnights in Hamburg and Copenhagen. The itinerary also includes a call to Aarhus and scenic cruising of the Elbe River, along with exploration of southern Norway, with calls to Oslo, Kristiansand, Bergen and Stavanger.

Mediterranean voyages offer a more relaxed way to explore

Beyond the holiday season, Nieuw Statendam’s winter and early spring sailings shift south to the Mediterranean, where guests can experience the region at a slower pace. With mild temperatures and a rich mix of seasonal experiences, destinations feel local and approachable, offering a fresh perspective on some of Europe’s most-visited cities.

The itineraries span the Western and Eastern Mediterranean as well as the Canary Islands, connecting cultural capitals and coastal towns across Spain, France, Italy and Greece. Voyages include ports such as Valencia, Marseille and Livorno, and Naples for access to Pompeii. Farther east, sailings explore destinations including Mykonos, Rhodes and Kusadasi, along with overnight calls in sought-after destinations allowing for more time ashore.

With a mix of seven- to 14-day voyages, guests can choose shorter, region-focused sailings or combine itineraries for a more expansive journey. Longer Collectors’ Voyages span up to 24 days and can also be sailed back-to-back, allowing guests to experience a broader mix of the region. Sailings highlight the Mediterranean in a season when the pace is slower, the atmosphere is more intimate and each destination offers a more authentic connection.