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Fincantieri and TUI Cruises sign contract for two new ships

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 29 September 2025 29 September 2025

Fincantieri and TUI Cruises (a joint venture between TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd) today signed a contract for the design and construction of two new cruise ships. This order replaces the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed in March 2025 with TUI AG for the construction of two cruise ships for their Marella Cruises brand.

The ships, which will be delivered in calendar year 2031 and 2032 respectively, will be sister ships to Mein Schiff Relax and Mein Schiff Flow – part of the InTUItion class – and will be powered by dual-fuel engines (LNG and MGO). With a gross tonnage of approximately 160,000 tons, the vessels will be larger than the ones originally planned for the Marella Cruises configuration and will be built according to the latest environmental standards.

The value of the contract, subject to financing and other typical terms and conditions, is higher than the one foreseen in the initial MoA for the Marella Cruises brand, but remains within the threshold communicated on March 31, 2025.

Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, commented: “We are delighted to expand our partnership with the TUI Cruises brand, further enhancing our relationship both with TUI and Royal Caribbean. This contract reaffirms the trust built over the years and the successful cooperation already achieved with the first two InTUItion class ships. It also confirms Fincantieri’s capability to support the fleet growth of the world’s most prominent cruise operators, combining innovation, sustainability, and the Italian shipbuilding excellence.”

TUI Cruises published the following statement: "We are pleased to order two further newbuild vessels at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy. This move strengthens TUI Cruises' platform for long-term growth and enables us to gradually expand further also into other markets, in particular in Northern Europe. We look forward to leveraging our solid financial position and proven market expertise to deliver outstanding experiences for our guests. As the delivery of the new ships is scheduled for 2031 and 2033, there are currently no further details to share. Over the coming months, we will work on the next steps for this exciting project and will share updates as soon as they are available."

Star Princess officially delivered to Princess Cruises

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 26 September 2025 26 September 2025

Star Princess – the second Sphere-Class ship in the Princess Cruises fleet – was officially delivered today during a celebratory handover ceremony at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. The stunning Star Princess is the 17th ship in the cruise line's dynamic line up of vessels sailing worldwide.

The Star Princess handover ceremony was attended by Gus Antorcha, President of Princess Cruises; Star Princess Captain Gennaro Arma; Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri; Biagio Mazzotta, President and Chairman of Fincantieri; Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of the Fincantieri Merchant Ships Division; Cristiano Bazzara, Director of the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, and local government officials. The ceremony signifies the official transfer of the ship from Fincantieri to Princess, marking the completion of construction and the beginning of final preparations ahead of its inaugural sailings.

"Today is a proud moment for Princess as we welcome the new Star Princess to our incredible fleet," said Gus Antorcha, Princess Cruises President. "This remarkable vessel is a testament to the innovation and craftsmanship of our long-standing partners at Fincantieri, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to the shipbuilding team for bringing our newest ship to life."

With her 1,600 crew now onboard preparing to welcome the first guests, Star Princess will depart the shipyard and sail to Barcelona ahead of her inaugural voyage, an 11-day Western Mediterranean cruise departing October 4.

The 177,800-ton, 4,300-guest Star Princess – sister to the award-winning Sun Princess – will feature 30 distinct dining and bar venues, curated entertainment and activity offerings. Unique to Star Princess and Sun Princess is The Sanctuary Collection, an elevated private escape at sea with access to an exclusive restaurant; the Sanctuary Club, a tranquil, adults-only pool deck; and thoughtfully curated amenities that set a new standard for luxury at sea.

With over 1,500 balcony staterooms, guests will enjoy panoramic views from the privacy of their own rooms. Standout venues include The Dome, a next-generation relaxation and entertainment space; The Arena, Princess' most technologically advanced theater yet; The Piazza, the architectural centerpiece of the ship with its dramatic curves, floor-to-ceiling windows, and sweeping ocean vistas; and Spellbound by Magic Castle, the captivating speakeasy experience born from a collaboration with the famed Hollywood icon, The Magic Castle™.

On October 4, 2025, Star Princess will debut in the scenic Mediterranean, sailing roundtrip from Barcelona before crossing the Atlantic to begin a season of Caribbean voyages from Ft. Lauderdale on November 7, 2025. Following her Caribbean season, she will sail through the Panama Canal heading west to begin her inaugural Alaska season.

American Cruise Lines launches first all U.S. cruises on the Great Lakes

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 25 September 2025 25 September 2025

Domestic U.S. Great Lakes cruises are now available. In response to guest demand, American Cruise Lines has announced the debut of three Great Lakes itineraries for the 2026 cruise season. These brand-new cruises, sailing May through August 2026, will be operated aboard American Patriot, the newest small cruise ship in the country.

“Guests have long asked for our style of cruising on the Great Lakes,” said Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines. “We are now proud to offer these cruises as only American can, aboard a new small ship sailing 100% domestically.”

This announcement marks the first time in decades that an American ship will offer domestic cruises in the growing Great Lakes cruise market. Without the need to cross borders, the new cruises are a completely unique experience apart from all other cruise lines currently on the Lakes. Where other ships dock at ports intended for foreign ships and international entry, American Cruise Lines can dock in the heart of small towns, city parks, and private marinas for an authentic and exclusive experience not available with any other cruise line.

American’s 2026 Great Lakes itineraries include a 9-Day cruise visiting the Thousand Islands and Niagara Falls, while an additional 9-Day itinerary highlights Lake Michigan, Green Bay inlet, and the wilderness of The Upper Peninsula. The Line’s signature 14-Day cruise, dubbed the American Great Lakes, travels 800 miles through three of the Great Lakes (Erie, Huron, and Michigan).

All cruises offer an included pre-cruise hotel stay and complimentary domestic airfare. Each itinerary is comprised of days filled with excursions in small towns, and time spent cruising the magnificent Lakes. All itineraries begin, end, and remain in the U.S., making a passport or international flight unnecessary for American travelers.

American Patriot is fully stabilized for smooth sailing and accommodates just 130 guests. The new ship features private balcony staterooms including Suites, and Singles available without Supplement, plus many amenities like spacious lounges including a top deck lounge and walking track, a main restaurant with views from every seat, a casual café, chart room, fitness center, laundry room, and elevators to all decks.

Margaritaville's newest ship to sail year-round from PortMiami

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 24 September 2025 24 September 2025

The homeport reveal for Margaritaville at Sea’s newest flagship vessel Beachcomber is here – and so is the chance to book sun-drenched sailings to the Eastern and Southern Caribbean from PortMiami. Beginning in 2027, Beachcomber will offer 4- to 8-night itineraries to a vibrant mix of all-new ports, including St. Maarten, where a lively blend of Dutch and French charm surrounds sky-high palms; St. Thomas, which delivers postcard-perfect harbors and reef-lined waters; and San Juan, with a dazzling mix of cobblestone streets and coastal forts. Guests will also set sail for the Dominican Republic, where mountain views meet golden beaches in the lush landscapes of the north coast. Each itinerary is crafted for longer escapes, deeper relaxation, and more chances to soak up the Caribbean sun.

“In just a few short years, we’ve gone from one ship and one itinerary to three homeports, three distinct ships, and over 25 amazing Ports of Indecision throughout the Caribbean,” said Christopher Ivy, Chief Executive Officer of Margaritaville at Sea Cruise Line. “The arrival of Beachcomber in PortMiami is the next big chapter in our growth, giving our guests greater accessibility, more horizons to explore, and more time to unwind.”

“The debut of Beachcomber in PortMiami is a clear reflection of how Margaritaville continues to grow in bold and meaningful ways,” added Brad Schwaeble, Chief Operating Officer of Margaritaville. “This ship brings our brand’s signature energy and spirit of adventure to life on a larger scale, offering guests even more ways to experience the Margaritaville state of mind at sea.”

Setting sail from PortMiami, Beachcomber's new homeport will offer guests the ability to conveniently sail from the most connected and traveler-friendly cruise hub in the world with easy access from all major U.S. and international airports. With more than seven million cruise passengers annually, it is the ideal launch point for Margaritaville at Sea’s newest and most ambitious sailings to the Eastern and Southern Caribbean.

“Miami-Dade has always been a gateway to the world — welcoming visitors from every corner and sending travelers off to new horizons,“ said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “With Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber now homeporting at PortMiami, we’re proud to continue that tradition by connecting our community and our guests to even more unforgettable destinations across the Caribbean.”

“Welcoming Margaritaville at Sea to PortMiami marks an exciting milestone,” said Hydi Webb, PortMiami Director and CEO. “Beachcomber is a fantastic addition to our port, bringing longer itineraries and the brand’s signature spirit of fun and escapism to the Cruise Capital of the World®. We thank the entire Margaritaville team for their partnership and trust in Miami-Dade County.”

Beachcomber’s first voyages are now available to book, with 2027 departures visiting a variety of vibrant and culturally rich destinations, including:

Philipsburg, St. Maarten
St. Thomas, USVI
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Bimini, Bahamas
Oranjestad, Aruba
Kralendijk, Bonaire
Willemstad, Curaçao

With three homeports and an ever-growing list of immersive destinations, Margaritaville at Sea now offers a range of cruise experiences to suit every kind of adventurer:

Paradise offers quick, 2- to 4-night getaways from Palm Beach to Key West, The Bahamas and beyond

Islander delivers longer 4- to 10-night adventures and family-friendly experiences from Tampa to Mexico and the Western Caribbean

All-new Beachcomber introduces predominantly 7-night sailings from Miami to the Eastern and Southern Caribbean
With more time to unwind and stretch out at sea, guests aboard Beachcomber can look forward to even more space and immersive experiences. At over 100,000 gross tons, Beachcomber is the largest ship in the Margaritaville at Sea Cruise Line fleet, created to take the brand’s signature offerings even further. Built for longer escapes and island-minded adventurers, Beachcomber features more than 15 brand-new venues along with fan-favorite activities, reimagined dining, upgraded staterooms, and more.

American Cruise Lines expands on the Mississippi River

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 24 September 2025 24 September 2025

American Cruise Lines has announced an expanded fleet and three new itineraries that exemplify what is now possible for world-class river cruising in the U.S. The company is adding capacity and itineraries on the Mississippi River and tributaries, by introducing the first-ever 9-Day Arkansas River Cruise between Tulsa, Oklahoma and Memphis, Tennessee; a new 11-Day Great Smoky Mountains Cruise between Knoxville and Huntsville, Tennessee; and a brand-new 8-Day Gulf Coast Cruise between Pensacola, Florida and New Orleans, Louisiana. All three itineraries include sections of the Mississippi River, where American Cruise Lines now offers 14 itineraries, plus additional themed and holiday cruises.

Following a decade of rapid growth, introducing 16 new ships, American continues to innovate, exclusively developing exceptional and unique itineraries for the domestic cruise market. Many more riverboats are on the way in the next three years and will be well positioned to handle the increase in demand for Mississippi River cruising.