Viking expands to Indian rivers

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 10 July 2025 10 July 2025

Viking today announced its first river voyages in India on the Viking Brahmaputra, a new 80-guest vessel designed specifically for the Brahmaputra River. Currently under construction and scheduled to debut in late 2027, the Viking Brahmaputra will set a new standard for modern river voyages in India. The ship will sail between Guwahati and Nimati Ghat in the northeastern state of Assam as part of Viking’s new 15-day itinerary, Wonders of India. In addition to an eight-day river voyage, the itinerary includes a fully-guided land program with overnights in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

“With its rich heritage, deep cultural traditions and fascinating natural wonders, India is a vast and vibrant country that has captured the imagination of explorers for centuries,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “In recent years, our guests have particularly enjoyed visiting Indian ports on our ocean itineraries. We are now delighted to introduce a new way for curious travelers to explore the heart of this phenomenal country, in-depth and in Viking comfort.”

The new Viking Brahmaputra will host 80 guests in 40 outside staterooms. Featuring the signature Scandinavian design for which Viking is known, all staterooms and suites will have floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors with a veranda. Guests on the three-deck Viking Brahmaputra will also enjoy a range of amenities, including a Spa & Fitness Center and an open-air Sky Bar on the Upper Deck.

The 15-day Wonders of India itinerary program will operate roundtrip from Delhi, with hotel stays in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur that bracket an eight-day Brahmaputra River voyage, sailing east or west, respectively. With 13 included tours, guests will be immersed in India’s cultural treasures and will have the opportunity to experience as many as 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Guests will delve into the rich history of India’s Golden Triangle, exploring Agra's fabled Taj Mahal, strolling through Old Delhi's winding streets and glimpsing Jaipur's ornate Palace of Winds. While sailing the Brahmaputra River, guests will see Guwahati's temple, encounter the thriving villages along its banks, search for the one-horned rhinos and buffalos of Kaziranga National Park and discover the cultures of Majuli, one of the world’s largest river islands.

For additional immersion opportunities, Viking is also offering a variety of new pre and post land extensions for Wonders of India, including Delhi (two nights), Dubai (three nights; fully guided), Kathmandu (four nights; fully guided) and Cochin & Mumbai (five nights; fully guided).

American Cruise Lines celebrated the 4th of July christening American Patriot in Newport

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 10 July 2025 10 July 2025

American Cruise Lines christened American Patriot in Newport, Rhode Island last week – celebrating the holiday and simultaneously marking the countdown to the country’s 250th birthday on July 4th, 2026. American Patriot is the first ship in the company’s new Patriot Class – a fleet of new 130-passenger ships designed for exclusively cruising the U.S.A. Patriot Class sister ships, American Pioneer, American Maverick, and American Ranger are soon to launch later this year and into 2026.

American Patriot’s christening festivities included cruise guests, community members, officials from Sail Newport, and a small group of American’s executives and crewmembers. Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines, gave remarks as did American Patriot’s Godmother, Susan Daly, President of Sail Newport, along with other notables, including Carol Robertson, Co-Founder of American Cruise Lines. Cruise guests and christening attendees gathered on the ship’s top deck for the official blessing and ceremonial bottle smash, followed by a traditional New England lobsterbake at Fort Adams State Park just steps from where the ship was docked.

“We are so pleased to be back in Newport this summer, christening yet another new U.S. ship and celebrating the 4th of July with our guests,” said Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines. “We are especially honored to be joined by American Patriot’s godmother, Susan Daly, President of Sail Newport, and so many of our Eagle Society members, who cruise with us again and again, whole-heartedly supporting our mission to offer the finest cruise explorations for discovering and re-discovering America.”

Brand new American Patriot accommodates just 130 guests. It features 4 decks, private balcony staterooms and suites, a chart room, spacious lounges (including a top deck lounge with a walking track), plus a main restaurant, casual café, and fitness center. The company’s new Patriot Class ships and all 25 small ships in the fleet offer world-class amenities, unusual for ships of their size.

American Patriot is the newest cruise ship in the U.S.A., and the flagship in the company’s newest Patriot Class, but it just the latest in a long line of new innovative small ships introduced by American Cruise Lines. Sister ship American Pioneer launches later this year in Florida.

The company’s rapid fleet expansion is also well-timed to honor the country’s 250th birthday. In addition to numerous new ships launching in 2025 and 2026, American has also introduced an array of Extended Cruises celebrating the 250th – 50-Day+ U.S. itineraries highlighting the grandeur and history of the U.S.A. – small ship adventures that explore America’s great rivers and waterways from the glaciers in Alaska to the beaches in the Florida Keys. American Patriot and American Pioneer will sail several of the Line’s new Extended Cruises throughout 2026, among other itineraries dedicated to exploring the U.S.A.

Windstar Cruises announces fleet operations leadership updates

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 10 July 2025 10 July 2025

Windstar Cruises, the leader in upscale, yacht-style voyages for fewer than 350 guests, today announced key updates to its Fleet Operations leadership, underscoring a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and nurturing exceptional talent. These changes strengthen the team guiding Windstar’s signature 180 Degrees from Ordinary experience, both on deck and behind the scenes.

After more than four decades in the maritime industry, Paul Barrett, vice president of marine & technical operations, departed Windstar to retire July 1st, 2025. Since 2017, Barrett’s thoughtful stewardship has driven Windstar’s operational performance, safety standards, and environmental progress – shaping a legacy of excellence that continues to inspire the next generation of fleet leadership.

To build on this momentum, Windstar has created two specialized roles: vice president of marine operations and vice president of technical operations, elevating expertise while supporting the brand’s growing, global footprint.

Captain Alan Wilson steps aboard as Windstar’s new vice president of marine operations, bringing over 25 years of executive maritime leadership. Most recently vice president of marine operations for Holland America Group, Captain Wilson is renowned for his strategic mindset and calm, decisive leadership – qualities honed through guiding global fleets, optimizing safety and navigation, and managing personnel during both routine and extraordinary circumstances. Wilson’s experience includes leading large-scale crew repatriation during the COVID-19 pandemic and driving innovation in bridge design for next-generation yachts. He will be based at Windstar’s Miami headquarters.

Giovanni (Gio) Canu has been promoted to vice president of technical operations. With more than 35 years of maritime experience—including senior roles at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and Carnival Cruise Line – Canu is recognized for advancing fleet decarbonization and sustainable operations. His expertise spans engineering, dry dock execution, alternative fuels, and energy efficiency – championing modernization at every turn.

“Paul will be greatly missed, but we’re proud to foster a team with such depth and passion for the Windstar way,” said Windstar’s Chief Operations Officer Stijn Creupelandt. “Alan and Gio’s leadership reflect our values of innovation, safety, and personalized service—qualities that ensure our guests always feel at home, wherever our yachts may roam. As we look ahead to the debut of Star Seeker and a growing collection of immersive itineraries, their expertise will keep Windstar at the forefront of small-ship cruising.”

These updates come as Windstar prepares to launch two new ships – Star Seeker in 2025 and Star Explorer in 2026 – and expand its curated global sailings. With a nimble, seasoned feet operations team at the helm, Windstar continues to deliver its signature blend of fun-loving moments, “home at sea” comfort, and access to extraordinary destinations—proving there’s nothing ordinary about a Windstar voyage.

Crystal finalizes financing for first two ultra-luxury cruise ships

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 01 July 2025 01 July 2025

Crystal, the leader in exceptional cruise experiences, today announced the successful finalization of a SACE-backed ECA financing facility for its first two state-of-the-art high-end cruise ships, marking a significant milestone in the company's fleet expansion program.

"Securing this financing represents a decisive step forward in Crystal's expansion and demonstrates the strong market confidence in our strategy," said Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, Executive Chairman of A&K Travel Group, Crystal's parent company. "We are grateful for the trust placed in us by our banking partners, led by Citibank, N.A. London Branch, along with Banco Santander, S.A., CaixaBank, S.A., UK Branch, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti S.p.A., Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Banca Monte Dei Paschi Di Siena S.p.a., and Bper Banca S.p.A. This consortium's backing validates our position in the ultra-luxury cruise segment."

Cristina Levis, AKTG CEO, emphasized "The SACE-backed ECA financing was made possible through the dedicated support of key Italian financial institutions. We extend our deep gratitude to the Italian Export Credit Agency SACE, under the leadership of CEO Alessandra Ricci and team leader Mariano Di Biagio, for their strategic partnership."

The company also acknowledges the essential contributions of Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, and of Simest in structuring this comprehensive financing package. The two vessels, each boasting a gross tonnage of 61,800 tons and accommodating approximately 650 passengers, represent the next generation of luxury cruising. Developed by renowned international architectural firms, the ships will feature all-suite accommodations with private verandas, including popular single occupancy categories designed for solo travelers, complemented by one of the highest crew-to-passenger ratios in the luxury cruise segment.

Thanks to the longstanding commitment of Fincantieri and the three-decade relationship between the Italian shipyard and the Lefebvre family, construction has continued as planned. The first ship is expected to be delivered in May 2028, with the second vessel following the established timeline. This financing milestone reinforces Crystal's position as a leader in luxury cruising and demonstrates the strong confidence of the international financial community in the company's future growth and market position.

Crystal has been advised by Clifford Chance, while Norton Rose Fulbright acted for both the lenders and SACE.