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MSC Cruises unveils record number of U.S. ships and homeports for Winter 2025/2026 season

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 31 May 2024 31 May 2024

MSC Cruises has unveiled an expanded slate of itineraries, aimed at offering a wider variety of vacation options for guests departing from the line’s four U.S. homeports. The company’s Winter 2025/2026 season includes seven ships with sailings from Miami, Port Canaveral, New York City, and Galveston, all of which are available for immediate booking.

The season’s highlights include:

– MSC Grandiosa’s debut in the U.S. from Port Canaveral
– MSC Cruises’ highly anticipated inaugural season sailing from Galveston
– MSC World America’s first winter season sailing from Miami, following her debut as the line’s newest flagship in April 2025
– Most itineraries call at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises’ private island in The Bahamas, allowing guests to experience numerous enhancements taking shape as part of a comprehensive upgrade currently underway

MSC Grandiosa’s arrival in Port Canaveral will mark the first time MSC Cruises has deployed one of its Meraviglia-Plus Class ships in the U.S., providing a fresh experience for North American guests. MSC Grandiosa will offer alternating 7-night itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean alongside an enhanced selection of 3- and 4-night cruises aboard MSC Seashore sailing to Nassau and Ocean Cay.

The season will also mark MSC Cruises’ first sailings from the Port of Galveston, where guests will embark on the family-friendly MSC Seascape, blending elegance and excitement with 11 dining venues, 19 bars, an aft infinity pool, state-of-the-art kids and teens club, and MSC Cruises’ luxury “ship-within-a-ship” experience, the MSC Yacht Club.

Launching in April of 2025, MSC World America will redefine cruising for guests sailing from PortMiami, boasting seven unique districts catering to their interests and desires, along with the all-new Cliffhanger, the first-ever over-water swing ride at sea. During the Winter 2025/2026 season, guests can enjoy alternating 7-night itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean onboard the new World Class ship.

Itineraries calling at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve will give guests the opportunity to discover new enhancements to the island including excursion centers, a snorkel and dive center, new food and beverage options, and an expanded Ocean House bar and restaurant for MSC Yacht Club guests. Opened in 2019, Ocean Cay is a thriving marine reserve where guests can connect with their natural surroundings and learn about the importance of preserving the oceans and coral reefs.

Rubén A. Rodríguez, President, MSC Cruises USA, said: “The Winter 2025-2026 season will mark our largest presence in the U.S. to date, with seven ships sailing from U.S. homeports. We are delighted to provide our guests more choices than ever before when it comes to embarkation ports, ships, itineraries and destinations, making it easy to find the perfect cruise. We look forward to introducing MSC Grandiosa to Port Canaveral, launching MSC Seascape from Galveston and offering a new world of cruising aboard MSC World America for our guests embarking in Miami. Combining world-class entertainment, dining and amenities onboard with the fantastic updates coming to Ocean Cay makes for an incredibly exciting future, which is perfect for everyone from first-time cruisers to our most devoted fans.”

Photo: Atrium of the MSC Grandiosa

Mitsui Ocean Cruises announces inaugural sailings

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 22 May 2024 22 May 2024

MOL Cruises, Ltd., which operates under the brand name Mitsui Ocean Cruises, recently revealed the debut itineraries for its new ship Mitsui Ocean Fuji, sailing roundtrip from Tokyo, Yokohama and other main ports from December 1, 2024 through January 8, 2025. Celebrating wellbeing originated in Japan, the six inaugural cruises of Mitsui Ocean Fuji will launch a completely new and innovative onboard guest experience while visiting desired ports of call like Beppu, Shingu, Kochi, Takamatsu, Kagoshima, Jeju and Busan, Korea.

On sale in early July, cruises range in length from 5 to 12 days and feature a festive, 11-night New Year’s Cruise, highlighted by a special new year's party, entertainment, and celebrations. This roundtrip journey from Yokohama calls in Jeju and Busan (Korea), Nagasaki, Beppu, and Hiroshima.

Tsunemichi Mukai, President of Mitsui Ocean Cruises, remarked: “With Mitsui Ocean Fuji showcasing our unique new product and featuring exciting new itineraries and ports of call, the inaugural season is not to be missed. We invite you to be the first to sail and experience our beautiful new ship that captures the essence of Japan, the diversity of its deep culture, the praise of delicious cuisine and the beauty of its natural landscapes, people and destinations. With great anticipation, we look forward to welcoming our first guests to enjoy this special season with family, friends and our wonderful crew.”

Mitsui Ocean Fuji is currently operating as Seabourn Odyssey.

The debut itineraries:

– December 1-7: Yokohama – Beppu – Busan – Shimonoseki - Tokyo
– December 8-13: Yokohama – Shingu – Kochi – Busan - Yokohama
– December 14-18: Nagoya – Busan – Takamatsu - Nagoya
– December 19-23: Kobe – Busan – Matsuyama - Kobe
– December 23-29: Kobe – Hakata – Busan – Kagoshima - Yokohama
– December 29 – January 8: Yokohama – Jeju – Busan – Nagasaki – Beppu – Hiroshima - Yokohama

“The launch of this new cruise brand and ship is a very proud moment for the Mitsui O.S.K. Lines’ Group,” Mukai added. “It puts us on the map as a growing player in the cruise industry. We will bring prosperity to Japan and happiness and joy to people from all around the world while contributing to the port communities all around Japan.”

Ilma, the second ship from Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, completes sea trials

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 21 May 2024 21 May 2024

Ilma, the second luxury superyacht from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, has successfully completed sea trials, reaching one of the last main construction milestones ahead of its September debut. Sea trials are a series of comprehensive system tests performed while the yacht is sailing on open waters, signifying an exciting transition from the final stages of assembly. These trials were conducted in close collaboration among senior officers, engineers, and specialists from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, DNV, and the equipment manufacturers.

Ilma is now in the countdown to launch and will undergo final preparations before its maiden voyage from Monte Carlo to Rome on September 2, 2024. "When Ilma welcomes guests just three months from now, it promises superior comfort and optimal performance at sea. The successful completion of sea trails ensures that the new yacht delivers at the highest standards, as demonstrated by its capabilities through a series of checks on parameters such as seakeeping, noise, vibration, and wind comfort, guaranteeing exceptional guest experiences," the company said in a statement.

Ilma, named after the Maltese word for “water,” will measure 790 feet (241 meters) and accommodate up to 448 guests across its 224 contemporary suites. Each spacious suite will feature floor-to-ceiling windows and a private terrace offering sweeping sea views, connecting travelers with the shores they are sailing. Ilma will join inaugural yacht Evima in sailing to iconic yachting destinations and hidden gems throughout the Mediterranean and Caribbean. In the summer of 2025, Ilma will explore the North and Baltic Seas of Northern Europe, offering guests the opportunity to discover dynamic cities like Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Reykjavík, and more, marking the collection’s inaugural itineraries in the region.

Barbara Muckermann lands at Kempinski Hotels as Group CEO

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 21 May 2024 21 May 2024

Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group Kempinski Hotels announces today the appointment of Barbara Muckermann as Chief Executive Officer. Muckermann previously was responsible for leading Silversea Cruises (part of Royal Caribbean Group), the world’s largest ultra-luxury and expedition cruise line. She joins the iconic global luxury hospitality brand with 82 hotels in 36 countries at an exciting time, as Kempinski prepares for impressive growth in new regions worldwide and more spectacular properties on the horizon.

Kempinski is proud of its 127-year tradition and the associated high standard of quality which the group has introduced into new upwardly-mobile markets. The group intends to add another 34 hotels and residences to its portfolio in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa in the coming years and to further secure Kempinski’s legendary global position and standing.

“I could not be more thrilled to be joining Kempinski Hotels as CEO during such a pivotal time for the brand”, says Muckermann on her appointment. “I am delighted to play an integral role in this incredibly iconic brand’s next chapter while honouring its rich history, and very much look forward to working in tandem with amazing colleagues globally to continue to make the Kempinski name synonymous with individual luxury.”

“Barbara has always been at the forefront of luxury, and her proven ability to elevate the guest experience while simultaneously maximising profitability for leading travel brands made her the ideal choice to lead Kempinski Hotels,” said René Nijhof, Chairman of the Board of Directors Kempinski Hotels S.A. “Her dynamic, forward-thinking approach will be vital as we continue to usher in a new era of luxury for our brand. As Barbara takes the helm, she will be the first woman in the company’s 127 years of history to lead this iconic brand.”

During her more than 25 years of hospitality experience, she has successfully expanded sales and profitability as well as significantly upgraded the guest and customer experience for leading global brands in luxury and travel including Loro Piana, MSC Cruises and NCL.

A German native, having lived in Italy, France and the USA, Muckermann is fluent in five languages and is a Doctor in Political Sciences and Economics and holds a joint MBA from Columbia and London Business School.

MSC Cruises to bring second ship, MSC Grandiosa to Port Canaveral

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 20 May 2024 20 May 2024

MSC Cruises is expanding its presence at Port Canaveral with a second ship, bringing more 7-night sailings and more short cruises to The Bahamas. Last week the company announced that MSC Grandiosa will begin sailing from the Central Florida port in December of 2025, alongside the guest-favorite MSC Seashore.

Bringing a second ship to Port Canaveral will give MSC Cruises’ guests a much wider selection of cruises. MSC Grandiosa will offer alternating 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. Meanwhile, MSC Seashore will sail 3- and 4-night cruises to Nassau and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the line’s private island in The Bahamas.

Rubén A. Rodríguez, President, MSC Cruises USA, said: “The Winter 2025-2026 season will mark our largest presence in the U.S. to date, and our expansion at Port Canaveral is a big part of that. Ever since we started sailing from Port Canaveral in 2021, our guests have told us they love how convenient that makes it to experience MSC Cruises’ unique international flavor. We know people sailing from Central Florida want options, and we’re delighted to offer them two of our most modern and glamorous ships with itineraries that will appeal to everyone from first-time to seasoned cruisers.”