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Windstar completes full transformation of Wind Star

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 22 April 2026 22 April 2026

When Windstar Cruises’ 148-guest Wind Star debuted 40 years ago, it helped pioneer a new kind of cruising, with real working sails, an intimate scale, and an experience that felt more like a private yacht than a traditional cruise. Now, Windstar has completed a full transformation of the original sailing yacht, marking a major milestone in the brand’s groundbreaking Setting Sails initiative.

Spanning multiple years and ships, the Setting Sails refurbishment project is reimagining Windstar’s Wind Class fleet, while preserving the soul of these beloved vessels. It reflects the brand’s commitment to thoughtful, yacht-inspired design and guest comfort. As of April 2026, Wind Star becomes the first in the Wind Class fleet to complete both phases of the refurbishment program already introduced across her sister yachts.

“This transformation is about honoring where we started while sailing confidently into what’s next,” said Stijn Creupelandt, chief operating officer of Windstar Cruises. “As our original sailing yacht, Wind Star has always held a special place in our fleet. With these significant updates, we’ve honored what guests love most while elevating every aspect of the experience. Now, she’s ready to deliver that experience in entirely new ways, in some of the world’s most iconic destinations.”

What’s new aboard Wind Star?

The completion of Phase 2 marks the final stage of a comprehensive redesign of Wind Star, bringing a more refined, modern feel to the onboard experience and enhancing how guests dine, relax, and connect.

At the heart of the update is a reimagining of the yacht’s dining venues. Amphora, the signature restaurant, has been fully redesigned with new flooring, wall finishes, and ceiling treatments, along with custom banquette seating and updated furnishings. At Veranda, a refreshed interior is paired with a completely reimagined buffet layout to create a more seamless and relaxed dining experience.

Stateroom updates elevate comfort with new upholstered headboards, integrated lighting, and convenient bedside charging, building on Phase 1 enhancements, such as upgraded technology, Starlink connectivity, new TVs with on-demand content, and a redesigned Owner’s Suite.

Earlier upgrades also transformed the yacht’s most visible spaces, including the lobby, Compass Rose Lounge, Yacht Club Café, and pool deck, along with a fully refreshed World Spa by Windstar and an upgraded fitness center. Across the yacht, finishing touches such as commissioned artwork created in partnership with Miami-based Fountainhead Art to enhanced lighting, state-of-the-art audio systems, new teak decking, and refined design details. These elements bring the transformation together, reinforcing Windstar’s signature “home at sea” feel.

Where to sail aboard Wind Star

– Mediterranean (Spring 2026): Wind Star’s first voyage following her transformation is a 10-night sailing from Lisbon to Barcelona (April 7–17). She continues with additional sailings from Barcelona through May and June, offering guests a richly layered look at the Mediterranean’s culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty.

– Greek Isles (Summer–Fall 2026): From June through October, Wind Star operates 7-night roundtrip voyages from Athens (Piraeus). These sailings capture the essence of Windstar’s yacht-style experience, docking steps from the heart of each destination and allowing more time to explore.

– Tahiti (2027): In a significant expansion for the brand, Wind Star will join Star Breeze in French Polynesia, offering year-round sailings in Tahiti. She will operate the beloved 7-day Dreams of Tahiti itinerary, giving guests more opportunities than ever to experience the region with Windstar. This expansion further positions Windstar as the market leader in Tahiti, complemented by air-inclusive packages and newly released 2028 sailings.

What’s next for Windstar’s Wind Class fleet?

The reimagination of Wind Star is a landmark development in a broader evolution of Windstar’s iconic Wind Class sailing fleet. The 342-guest Wind Surf is scheduled to complete Phase 2 in December 2026, followed by Wind Spirit in March 2027, ensuring the entire sailing fleet reflects the brand’s modern yacht aesthetic while preserving its timeless character.

Fincantieri floats out Norwegian Aura

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 22 April 2026 22 April 2026

Norwegian Cruise Line together with its longtime shipbuilding partner Fincantieri S.p.A, recently celebrated the float out of Norwegian Aura, marking a construction milestone for the cruise company’s largest and most illuminating vessel to date.

The float out, which took place at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, marks the first time Norwegian Aura touched water, signifying the completion of the ship’s external hull construction. Following this milestone, the ship’s interior development will continue progressing to the next phase ahead of her debut in the spring of 2027. To commemorate the occasion and honor maritime tradition, two ceremonial coins were welded into Norwegian Aura’s hull during a traditional coin ceremony, symbolizing good fortune and safe passage for the ship, her crew and future guests.

“Norwegian Aura's float out is a proud and meaningful moment for our entire team,” said Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “She builds on the legacy of our award-winning Prima Class while taking our commitment to thoughtfully designed guest‑first experiences even further. Created in close partnership with Fincantieri, the ship is purposefully constructed to deliver an elevated, multi‑generational vacation experience, with expansive outdoor spaces like Ocean Heights, that bring families and friends together for fun-filled days. With her flexible, open‑air design, Norwegian Aura is exceptionally well suited for Caribbean itineraries, offering the perfect balance of high‑energy fun, relaxation and an effortless escape for guests of all ages.”

When she enters service, Norwegian Aura will set a new benchmark for NCL. Nearly 1,130 feet long and approximately 170,000 gross tons, the ship is 10% larger than her predecessors, Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna. It will feature over 1,970 well-appointed staterooms accommodating approximately 3,880 guests at double occupancy.

At the heart of Norwegian Aura’s onboard experience will be Ocean Heights, an all-new open-air activities complex designed as a true multi-generational hub. Guests can enjoy the most slides of any NCL ship, including Eclipse Racers, the Company’s first dueling waterslides; Aura Free Fall, a drop-in body waterslide that plunges guests down exhilarating twists and turns; and The Wave, a pendulum-style raft slide designed to accommodate up to four guests. Nearby, guests will discover the 82-foot Aura Ropes Course, a 25-foot rock-climbing wall and Aura Midway, which offers easygoing fun with carnival-style games. At night, the activity zone will transform into a visual spectacle with immersive lighting and LED projections for a more relaxed, social atmosphere.

Norwegian Aura will introduce an expanded pool deck more than 20% larger than her predecessors, with additional seating, an extra hot tub, open lounge areas and a nearby Kids’ Aqua Park, creating more space for families to relax and play together. Adults seeking a quieter escape can retreat to the ever-popular Vibe Beach Club, the exclusive adults-only outdoor lounge. An enhanced Ocean Boulevard, extended by 11%, will wrap around the ship’s hull on deck eight with new hot tubs, seating and social spaces. Debuting family‑friendly hubs ensure flexible ways for guests of every generation to enjoy time together or apart with Adventure Alley for kids aged six to 10, Little Explorer’s Cove for the youngest sailors and a dedicated purpose‑built Teen Hangout.

“Norwegian Aura’s float out marks a highly symbolic and operationally significant milestone in our shared journey with Norwegian Cruise Line,” said Luigi Matarazzo, general manager of Fincantieri’s Merchant Ships Division. “This vessel reflects the strength of a long-standing partnership and our ability to turn design vision and innovation into tangible solutions, helping to redefine onboard experience for future generations of guests.”

Norwegian Aura will set sail on her maiden voyage on May 21, 2027, with a seven-day Mediterranean voyage departing from Trieste, Italy and calling to iconic ports in Italy and Malta, before embarking on a 14-day transatlantic crossing to the United States. Beginning June 10, 2027, she will homeport in Miami and offer a variety of seven-day voyages to the Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean with visits to the Company’s resort-style island destinations Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas and Harvest Caye in Belize through March 2028.

When Norwegian Aura calls to Great Stirrup Cay for the first time in June 2027, guests will step ashore to a fully enhanced and more accessible private island experience, supported by a new multi-ship pier, a welcome plaza, and a tram service that makes moving from ship-to-shore and around the island easier than ever. Highlights available on Great Stirrup Cay include the Great Life Lagoon, a resort-style pool area with two swim-up bars, cabanas and lounge chairs, alongside the nearby Splash Harbor, offering aquatic fun for kids. It also features the adults-only Vibe Shore Club, a private beachfront retreat with premium seating and cabanas; and the Great Tides Waterpark, a nearly six-acre attraction featuring 19 waterslides, cliffside jumps, a kids’ splash zone and an immersive river experience – ensuring a seamless, flexible island day for guests of all ages, from arrival to departure.

Meyer Turku’s new MERiON program guides the maritime industry amid upheavals

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 21 April 2026 21 April 2026

Meyer Turku is launching a five-year MERiON lead program, co-funded by Business Finland, which focuses on strengthening the shipbuilding industry through ecological, digital and geopolitical changes. The program brings together the existing maritime network as well as new business sectors to develop solutions for cruise ships and floating infrastructure.

For the second time, the Finnish shipyard Meyer Turku has been selected for Business Finland’s leading company funding program, which challenges companies to increase their research, development, and innovation (RDI) investments in Finland. Meyer Turku’s MERiON – Future‑Ready Cruise Ships and Floating Infrastructure program will be implemented between 2026 and 2030.

MERiON continues Meyer Turku’s long-term RDI efforts following the previous NEcOLEAP program. The long-term objective of the new program is to ensure that Turku remains at the forefront of modern and technologically advanced shipbuilding also in the decades to come.

“The maritime industry is of strategic importance to Finland, and strong RDI activities enable us to maintain our leading position in international markets. Through MERiON, we can respond even better to our customers’ changing needs, strengthen our ecosystem, and create new business opportunities for the entire Finnish maritime cluster,” says Tom Degerman, Chief Commercial Officer at Meyer Turku.

MERiON themes and research areas

MERiON projects are divided into three main clusters: 1) future operations, 2) future structures and materials, and 3) future maritime technologies.

The goal is to develop cruise ship concepts for the coming decades and to study floating structures that can be integrated into ships’ operating environments, allowing certain functions to be transferred from cruise ships to floating infrastructure.

“In MERiON, we develop technologies that respond both to increasingly stringent environmental requirements and to the needs of a rapidly changing business environment. Our research will focus particularly on circular economy solutions, digitalisation, structural design, clean energy solutions, and net zero materials,” Degerman explains.

Ecosystem collaboration at the core of the program

The MERiON program is carried out in close collaboration with companies, universities, and research institutes. The aim of this cooperation is to strengthen the capabilities and global competitiveness of the entire ecosystem. Over the lifetime of the program, MERiON will increase the combined RDI investments of Meyer Turku and its ecosystem partners by up to EUR 85 million.

“Meyer Turku already has a strong and well-functioning partner network, but MERiON enables us to expand the ecosystem into new technology and competence areas,” Degerman adds.

The MERiON program is managed by the GT Lab, Meyer Turku’s open innovation unit.

Holland America Line launches largest fleet update in the line's 153-year history

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 16 April 2026 16 April 2026

Building on strong momentum and record performance, Holland America Line this week announced Holland America Evolution, a bold multiyear investment to thoughtfully reimagine six ships. Representing the most ambitious guest experience update in the company's 153-year history, Evolution will deliver a comprehensive bow-to-stern revitalization while bringing the best of its Pinnacle-class ships across most of the fleet.

The multiyear renovation will take place ship by ship, delivering substantial transformation focused on expanding onboard choice, adding restaurant and bar options, and refreshing and reinventing key guest spaces – including new stateroom and suite categories – while maintaining the spacious design and intimate ship feel guests value most.

“Our guests have been very clear about what they love about our ships and what they want to see more of, and Holland America Evolution is our answer to that,” said Beth Bodensteiner, president, Holland America Line. “This investment allows us to introduce experiences and venues that are new to the fleet, add Pinnacle Class favorites like Grand Dutch Café, and create new stateroom categories designed for the way people travel today, all while preserving the perfectly sized ship experience that defines Holland America.”

Signature-class and Vista-class renovations

Evolution will span the four Holland America Vista-class ships – Oosterdam, Zuiderdam, Westerdam and Noordam – and the two Signature-class ships, Nieuw Amsterdam and Eurodam. The company will invest over $500 million across these ships for enhancements to guest spaces and additional staterooms and suites that will add capacity and provide more choice for guests.

The cruise line is working closely with longtime shipbuilding partner Fincantieri, which built all 11 ships in the company’s fleet. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to quality and precision as each ship’s enhancements take shape.

Oosterdam debuts first chapter of Holland America Evolution

Oosterdam will be the first ship to undergo renovations, debuting in the fall of 2027. Ahead of additional details to be announced, Holland America is offering a first look at several guest-focused enhancements on the ship. These include the addition of the Grand Dutch Café, a longtime guest favorite previously available only on Pinnacle-class ships, along with new stateroom offerings, including purpose-built Solo Verandahs and expansive panoramic suites. Together, the updates reflect a focused investment in comfort, choice and experience shaped directly by guest feedback.

New and expanded staterooms and suites

As part of Holland America Evolution, accommodations will be expanded and reimagined to offer more guest choice and flexibility. The project will include a significant increase in stateroom inventory for Oosterdam, adding 76 staterooms while also preserving the “room at the rail” guests love. New and enhanced accommodations debuting on Oosterdam include:
– NEW: Solo Verandahs: Thirty purpose-built staterooms created specifically for solo travelers. Each features a private balcony, dedicated workspace and full Holland America Line amenities, responding to strong and growing guest demand.
– NEW: Bridgeview Suites: Two new suites offering sweeping 180-degree ocean views through panoramic windows, with 900 square feet of space, a wraparound balcony and separate living and sleeping areas designed to maximize comfort and ocean views. Located at the forward part of the ship, these suites emulate the perspective that can be seen from the ship’s bridge, inspiring the name “Bridgeview.”
– Reimagined Pinnacle Suite: The most expansive suite ever introduced on a Vista Class ship, offering 1,550 square feet of refined living space with panoramic views, a private balcony, separate living room, powder room, bedroom, ensuite bath and walk-in closet.
– Vista Suites debut on Oosterdam: Twenty-four Vista Suites, familiar to guests who have sailed on Pinnacle-class ships, will be introduced on Oosterdam for the first time, offering spacious, light-filled premium accommodations with a comfortable sitting area, oversized windows and a private verandah ideal for taking in ocean views.

Grand Dutch Café comes to more guests

As part of Holland America Evolution, the Grand Dutch Café is expanding to reach more guests with its debut on Oosterdam. Previously available only on Pinnacle-class ships, the venue’s addition reflects a continued focus on experiences guests consistently rank among their favorites. Inspired by European café culture and rooted in the cruise line’s Dutch heritage, the Grand Dutch Café is a relaxed, all‑day gathering place designed to fit naturally into the flow of the day, whether guests are stopping by briefly or settling in. Located on Deck 3 near the atrium, it serves as a welcoming anchor on board, offering an informal yet refined setting that reflects the communal role cafés play in everyday European life and reinforcing Holland America Line’s unhurried approach to travel.

“This is a great moment for Holland America and our guests, and we’re just getting started,” added Bodensteiner. “Over the coming months, we’ll be unveiling several more exciting additions to Oosterdam as well as the other five ships that are part of this evolution.”

Revitalizing the fleet, sustainably

On Oosterdam and throughout the renovations, sustainability is an important element of the updates, with a focus on revitalizing the fleet while improving efficiency and reducing overall environmental impact. The line is refreshing and replacing interiors with a strong focus on waste reduction and circular design, prioritizing upcycling and material reuse while bringing greater lightness and an elevated, timeless look and feel.

Behind the scenes, the company is making targeted technical investments to improve energy efficiency. This work includes smarter power management and enhanced system performance aimed at reducing energy demand and lowering operational carbon intensity over time.

State of the Industry keynote anchors Seatrade Cruise Global day two

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 15 April 2026 15 April 2026

Building on strong momentum and record attendance, Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 continued Tuesday with its State of the Industry keynote, as the sector’s top leaders took the stage to examine growth, demand and the forces shaping the next era of cruising.

Moderated by CNBC correspondent Contessa Brewer, the keynote brought together leaders from Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group, MSC Group’s Cruise Division and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, alongside CLIA President & CEO Charles “Bud” Darr, for a wide-ranging discussion on the industry’s trajectory.

“Cruising, ultimately, is about reducing friction so that people can enjoy the hospitality that we give them,” Josh Weinstein, CEO of Carnival Corporation. “With our crew on board, the food that we give them, the entertainment that we provide and the places that we take them. And our destination partners are a huge piece of that. That's why they cruise.”

Across the discussion, leaders pointed to sustained global demand and continued expansion, while acknowledging the challenges that come with growth – from infrastructure and policy to fleet development and evolving guest expectations.

“The new generation of cruisers have somewhat different values and also are willing to spend money on somewhat different experiences than in the past. The industry is evolving to satisfy that need as well as the existing customer base,” said Bud Darr, President and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association. “We're also finding a remarkably higher level of people that had never cruised before that really want to, and I think that means our message is getting through.”

Key topics included the industry’s orderbook, access to new markets, private destination development and the role of sustainability in shaping long-term strategy. The conversation reinforced a central theme: cruise is entering a new phase of growth, one that requires balancing scale with strategic investment across destinations, fleets and guest experience.

River cruise and expedition sectors accelerate

Throughout the day, panels expanded on these themes across key regions and segments. A European Cruising CEO panel highlighted the region’s continued importance as both a source market and destination, while addressing the realities of tightening environmental regulations, including emissions controls and the EU’s evolving policy landscape. Leaders discussed how the industry is adapting to these pressures while maintaining growth, with a focus on year-round operations, infrastructure readiness and alignment with long-term sustainability goals.

Growth across cruise segments also took center stage. In the River Cruise CEO panel, executives examined a surge in ship orders and demand, raising key questions about capacity, new itineraries and the long-term balance between supply and demand across major waterways.

Meanwhile, the Expedition Leaders’ Debate highlighted how expedition cruising is entering a new phase of maturity, with expanding geographies, evolving guest expectations and increased focus on responsible growth and lower-impact technologies.

“Sixty years ago, the father of our founder, led the very first non-scientific expedition to Antarctica with 53 travelers, and back then it was equivalent to a mission to the moon. And that started that whole segment,” said Natalya Leahy, CEO of Lindblad Expeditions. “In this experiential travel segment – it's not where we go, it's about how we go.”

New leadership, new perspectives

The New Presidents Panel brought together a new generation of cruise line leaders across segments – from luxury and expedition to mainstream and emerging brands – offering insight into how companies are evolving to attract new audiences, adapt to shifting consumer preferences and navigate an increasingly competitive landscape. Discussions touched on everything from AI and onboard innovation to deployment strategy and the changing profile of cruise customers.

New brand investment signals continued momentum

The day also saw significant brand-level investment announcements, including a major update from Holland America Line, which unveiled Holland America Evolution: a multiyear initiative to revitalize six ships across its fleet. Described as the most ambitious guest experience update in the company’s 153-year history, the program will deliver a comprehensive bow-to-stern transformation, bringing elements of its Pinnacle Class ships to a broader portion of the fleet. American Cruise Lines also discussed a broader expansion of its U.S. fleet, including the upcoming launch of American Encore, which will become the first-ever riverboat christened in Idaho. This news underscores the industry’s growing focus on domestic cruising and emerging river regions such as the Columbia and Snake Rivers.

As the week continues, Seatrade Cruise Global will further explore the forces shaping cruise’s future – from destinations and technology to food and beverage, sustainability and guest experience. Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 runs through April 16 at the Miami Beach Convention Center, bringing together more than 13,000 registrants and 650 exhibitors from across the global cruise community.