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Trafalgar officially launches river cruises with inaugural sailings on the Rhine and Danube

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

Trafalgar, the global guided vacation company, has debuted its new river cruise offering with inaugural sailings aboard Trafalgar Verity on the Rhine and Trafalgar Reverie on the Danube, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s evolution as it extends its guided travel expertise beyond land.

The launch was celebrated with a three-day inaugural sailing aboard Trafalgar Verity in Amsterdam from April 10-12, welcoming over 100 trade partners, media, and Trafalgar team members from around the world. Designed to reflect Trafalgar’s signature approach to travel, the experience offered guests a first-hand look at how the brand is bringing its nearly 80-year legacy of guided touring and locally immersive experiences to Europe’s rivers.

From the ship’s official naming ceremony and blessing to curated cultural programming, guests experienced Trafalgar’s signature Be My Guest and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experiences in action, including a visit to a historic Dutch windmill and a hosted lunch in the small fishing village of Monnickendam. Onboard, the sailing combined destination storytelling, wellness programming, and social spaces designed to foster connection, hallmarks of the Trafalgar experience now reimagined for river cruising.

“Introducing river cruising is a dream in the making for Trafalgar, shaped by the trust our travel advisor partners have placed in us over the years and their support every step of the way,” said Melissa DaSilva, Deputy CEO and Chief Sales Officer, TTC Tour Brands. “We’re bringing our decades of experience crafting guided journeys to Europe’s rivers, creating even more opportunities for advisors to connect their clients with the meaningful, locally driven experiences that define our brand. This is just the beginning, with future expansion already underway.”

The naming ceremony of Trafalgar Verity featured a blessing from the ship’s Godmother, past guest Cassandra Estrella-Roca. In a meaningful departure from tradition, Trafalgar selected a loyal guest for the role, reflecting its focus on connection and community. As part of the ceremony, Estrella-Roca shared a tribute to the ship’s future journeys, describing it as “a home for stories… a bridge between worlds,” underscoring Trafalgar’s belief in travel as a force for connection.

The onboard experience also resonated strongly with attending travel advisors and partners. “Being here and experiencing this firsthand, you can really see how naturally this extends the Trafalgar brand,” said Nicole Mazza, Chief Marketing Officer, TRAVELSAVERS. “From the personalized service to the intimate, thoughtfully designed spaces, it feels both elevated and incredibly welcoming. What stands out most is how seamlessly they’ve brought their signature connection to destination onto the river - this is something advisors can feel confident recommending to their clients.”

On April 11, Trafalgar Reverie embarked on its inaugural sailing along the Danube, marking the second ship in the brand’s new river cruise portfolio. The sold-out first departure was celebrated with a naming ceremony and blessing led by TTC Tour Brands CEO, Simon Jones, Vice President of Trafalgar River Cruise, Damien O’Connor, and the ship’s Godmother, past guest Kate McIntosh. Guests are experiencing the Best of the Danube itinerary from Passau to Budapest, exploring Vienna and Bratislava, with highlights including a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience in Bratislava and a Be My Guest dinner at Weingut Nikolaihof.

Both Trafalgar Verity and Trafalgar Reverie are 128-guest, three-deck river ships designed to deliver an intimate, experience-led journey on Europe’s waterways. Sailing the Rhine between Basel and Amsterdam on the 10-day Best of the Rhine and Amsterdam itinerary, Trafalgar Verity pairs a distinctive Art Deco-inspired design with journeys through one of Europe’s most scenic river regions, including Strasbourg, Cologne and the UNESCO-listed Middle Rhine Gorge. On the Danube, Trafalgar Reverie sails from Passau to Budapest on the Best of the Danube itinerary, exploring Central Europe’s cultural capitals, including Vienna and Bratislava, alongside scenic cruising through the Danube Valley. Rates start from $2,849 per person for the Best of the Rhine and Amsterdam itinerary and $3,699 per person for Best of the Danube.

The launch also signals the beginning of Trafalgar’s broader river cruise ambitions, with a third ship, Trafalgar Harmonie, set to debut on the Seine in 2027, and further expansion planned as the brand continues to grow its presence in the river cruise market significantly by 2030.

Photo: Trafalgar Verity Main Lounge

Cruise tourism in Southeast Asia generates US$10 Billion in total economic output

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 14 April 2026 14 April 2026

Southeast Asia’s cruise industry demonstrated strong economic value in 2024, generating US$10 billion1 (S$12.9 billion) in total output representing 5% of global cruise industry output. The region delivered US$2,564 (S$3,308) per passenger visit – 2.4 times the global average per passenger, despite only accounting for 2% of global cruise passengers (186 million).

These findings are from the inaugural Economic Impact Assessment of Cruise Tourism for Southeast Asian countries, produced by Tourism Economics for the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), in partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). The study highlights the region’s cruise industry economic contributions in 2024, reinforcing the strategic importance of Southeast Asia in the global cruise landscape. It also underscores how the cruise industry brings substantial economic returns to destinations across the region.

Jean Ng, Assistant Chief Executive, Experience Development Group, Singapore Tourism Board, said: “This study reinforces Southeast Asia's strong cruise tourism value proposition, driven by a growing middle class, rising demand for diverse travel experiences, and rich destination variety. As ASEAN's lead coordinator for cruise developments, Singapore is committed to working with regional neighbours and global industry partners to unlock Southeast Asia’s full potential for cruising and build a compelling destination network that attracts cruise lines while delivering sustainable economic benefits across the region.”

Bud Darr, President and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), said: “We greatly value the collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board on this project. Their partnership enabled us to broaden the annual CLIA Economic Impact Studies and, for the first time, measure the economic contribution of cruise tourism across Southeast Asia within our global analysis. The results underscore the region’s growing role as a driver of jobs, economic activity, and a global cruise sector that brings unforgettable travel experiences to millions of guests worldwide.”

Southeast Asia generates strong economic returns from cruise tourism

Southeast Asia’s cruise tourism recorded a strong performance in 2024, contributing US$4.5 billion (S$5.8 billion) to the regional GDP and 5% of global cruise-related GDP. This strong showing is reinforced by positive passenger sentiments, with 85% of cruise travellers rating their Southeast Asian experience positively and nearly half (47%) expressing intent to return for land-based travel. This attests to the sector’s potential to drive broader tourism growth.

This data highlights cruise tourism’s role as a gateway to future growth. It introduces visitors to the region’s diverse attractions, and helps generate sustained tourism demand beyond the initial cruise visit.

Market concentration data reveals Singapore and Malaysia collectively accounted for 70% of Southeast Asian cruise passenger visits in 2024, with Singapore capturing 48% share of the region’s 3.9 million passenger visits, while Malaysia securing 22%. There remains significant potential for other Southeast Asian destinations to develop cruise capabilities to capture a larger share of the growing market.

The industry supported approximately 530,000 jobs across the wider economy, including tourism and port-related sectors, representing 30% of the global cruise-related employment. This shows the region’s importance as a primary workforce hub. Most of this employment is in the Philippines and Indonesia, collectively representing 85% of the workforce in Southeast Asia generated by cruise-related activities.

Study supports CLIA's global industry development goals

This joint research initiative aligns with CLIA's mission to promote the cruise industry's growth worldwide. By providing comprehensive economic impact data, the study equips CLIA and Southeast Asia stakeholders with evidence-based insights to support investment decisions and catalyse cruise developments in the region.

Building on these strong economic contributions, there is significant opportunity for Southeast Asian destinations to further develop port infrastructure and enhance destination experiences to attract more cruise line deployments. By making these enhancements to improve operational efficiency and increase appeal to both cruise operators and passengers, countries in the region stand to capture even greater economic value and long-term benefits from the growing cruise industry.

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company announces ownership transfer

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 14 April 2026 14 April 2026

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company has announced that a transfer of ownership took place during the last quarter of 2025 from its founder Captain Gianluigi Aponte to his son and daughter, Diego and Alexa Aponte. Both of whom are Italian nationals brought up in Switzerland and currently residents of the country.

"This transition marks a significant milestone in the Geneva based company’s history, as Diego Aponte, Group President, and Alexa Aponte, Group Chief Financial Officer, have demonstrated leadership and vision, achieving remarkable successes within their respective roles in the business. The move ensures the continued stability and growth of the MSC Group of companies under the stewardship of the next generation," the group said in a statement.

Captain Gianluigi Aponte, founder of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company and Chairman of the Group, commented: “I am incredibly proud of this historic moment. Passing ownership to my children is not only a reflection of their dedication and achievements, but also a continuation of our family’s centuries long maritime heritage. With Diego and Alexa at the helm, I am confident that our Group will continue to thrive and honour our family’s legacy of innovation, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the sea.”

MSC will remain focused on its core business ocean freight with Captain Gianluigi Aponte continuing as executive Chairman of the Group.

Meyer Turku reports improved financial results

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 14 April 2026 14 April 2026

Meyer Turku Group Oy has published 2025 financial results. The company’s turnover amounted to EUR 2.14 billion, representing an increase of 17.2% compared to the previous year. Adjusted EBIT for the 2025 financial year was EUR 105.1 million.

“The result achieved last year supports us on our path towards a stronger independent company. The successful delivery of Star of the Seas, our confirmed orders, options, and the framework agreement with Royal Caribbean extending through 2036 provide a solid basis for future planning. In the coming years, our goal is to achieve stable financial performance and to make significant investments in the shipyard to strengthen our competitiveness,” says Casimir Lindholm, CEO of Meyer Turku.

At the Meyer Turku shipyard, three vessels are under construction simultaneously at different stages of completion, and one completed cruise ship is delivered to the customer each year.

The third vessel in the Icon class, Legend of the Seas, will be completed the coming summer. Construction is also currently underway on the fourth vessel in the series, Hero of the Seas, which will be delivered in summer 2027, as well as the fifth vessel of the series, which has not yet been named and is scheduled for delivery in 2028. Meyer Turku also holds options for the sixth and seventh vessels in the series. A framework agreement with Royal Caribbean secures the shipyard’s order book through 2036.

In July 2025, Meyer Turku completed Star of the Seas, the second vessel in the Icon class. In summer 2024, Mein Schiff 7 was delivered – the first vessel built at the Turku shipyard with methanol readiness.

In addition to cruise ships, Meyer Turku is building two multi‑purpose offshore patrol vessels for the Finnish Border Guard at its partner shipyards. These vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2026 and 2027.

NOTE: Meyer Turku Group Oy consists of Meyer Turku Oy and its operational subsidiaries Piikkio Works Oy, Shipbuilding Completion Oy, Technology Design and Engineering ENG’nD Oy, as well as mutual real estate companies.

MSC Group's Cruise Division to introduce Sandy Cay, a new luxury private island in the Bahamas

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 13 April 2026 13 April 2026

MSC Group’s Cruise Division introduced Sandy Cay today – a new luxury private island destination located next to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in The Bahamas, due to open in 2028. Designed for MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys guests, the new island further elevates the Company’s vision of delivering truly unique and authentic travel experiences.

Sandy Cay was conceived as an intimate complement to Ocean Cay, offering a more secluded escape and inviting guests into a quieter, deeply immersive connection with the natural rhythms of the ocean and the spirit of The Bahamas.

Pristine aragonite sands – among the purest and brightest in the world – give Sandy Cay its name and its character, shaping an island defined by serenity. Sandy Cay has been carefully envisioned as a destination designed to offer a more intimate yet elevated and immersive experience. It remains true to the ethos that defines Ocean Cay – connecting guests to nature and the natural beauty of the ocean.

Sandy Cay will complement the Company’s existing private island destination, sharing the same crystal-clear Bahamian waters as Ocean Cay while offering a new dimension of discovery, serenity and escape.

Upgrades coming to MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve

MSC Cruises recently announced enhancements to Ocean Cay, which will introduce new facilities and experiences designed to further enhance the island’s guest experience.

Enhancements include additional dining venues, new beach concepts for families and adults, expanded relaxation areas, and new ways for guests to engage with marine conservation through immersive experiences.

Together, these developments reinforce the Company’s vision of creating private island destinations that continue to evolve in line with guest expectations while respecting the natural environment and beauty of The Bahamas.