Concordia Damen delivers river cruise vessel Excellence Crown to Swiss shipping company Twerenbold Reisen

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 01 June 2025 01 June 2025

Concordia Damen has delivered a cruise vessel, a CDS River Cruise 135 type. The Excellence Crown has been handed over to Swiss shipping company Twerenbold Reisen Group. The 135-metre-long ship features hybrid propulsion and was designed and built by the shipyard in Werkendam, the Netherlands. It meets the highest standards in sustainability, luxury, and energy efficiency.

The Excellence Crown was officially christened on 2 May in its home port of Basel during a gala ceremony attended by 650 guests. It is the tenth ship in the fleet of Swiss Excellence River Cruise, part of Twerenbold, and the first to feature hybrid propulsion. Its delivery marks a major milestone for both Twerenbold and Concordia Damen.

Innovative design for sustainable cruising

The vessel is equipped with a diesel-electric propulsion system with smart peak shaving – a system that stores surplus energy in batteries for later use, including fully electric mooring in ports. Solar panels integrated into the railing support the charging system, as does shore power. In addition, two heat recovery systems have been installed: one using engine cooling water for central heating, and one connected to the HVAC system.

“With this vessel, we are setting a new standard in sustainable river cruising,” says project manager Johan Muilenburg of Concordia Damen. “Excellence Crown is built according to the Green Award Gold standard, incorporating high insulation values, laser-controlled ventilation, and the use of environmentally friendly materials. Personally, I think the integrated solar solution in the railing is one of the most beautiful innovations.”

Luxury on board – also for the crew

The vessel features 73 passenger cabins and 12 suites, all with panoramic windows and soundproofing for extra comfort. In addition to an atrium, spa, restaurants, and lounges, special attention has been paid to crew wellbeing. A separate aft deck with mess room and private quarters provides comfort during longer voyages.

The interior was designed by Nazly Twerenbold, who masterfully translated the Swiss ‘boutique grand hotel’ feel into a maritime setting with great attention to detail.

New boost for the river cruise market

The delivery underscores Concordia Damen’s growing momentum in the river cruise segment. To meet rising demand, the yard recently began building hulls on stock and invested in a dedicated quay with space for three 135-metre vessels side by side. The facilities are also being used for refits and sustainability upgrades.

According to the shipping company, the Excellence Crown fits perfectly with its strategy to further develop sustainable tourism. Stephan Frei, CEO of Twerenbold Reisen: “We want to inspire our guests with examples of how nature conservation and innovation can go hand in hand – from the Biesbosch to the green rooftops of Rotterdam.”

A ship is built together

Chris Kornet, Managing Director of Concordia Damen, is proud: “After the success of the A-Rosa Sena, we took a close look at this market and how we can – and importantly, want to – build river cruise vessels. That’s what we set out to do. One of our decisions was to approach every project in this segment as sustainably as possible. Combined with our choice to build on stock and invest in an extra quay, this led, among other things, to this contract. We are very grateful to the Twerenbold family!”

“Furthermore,” Chris adds, “I think it’s important to say that a ship is never built by the yard alone. We always do this with high-quality partners. I want to thank them as well for their unwavering commitment to bringing this ship into operation.”
For the Excellence Crown, the family business partnered with, amongst others: CCM3, Hoogendoorn 1961, Technisch Installatiebureau Oechies bv, Breman Shipping Installation, Sun Roestvaststaal B.V., Metaglas Group, PureBlue Water, Tischlerei und Alubau Wessels GmbH, De Ruyter Dieseltechniek BV, and Lloyd’s Register.

Financing confirmed for Royal Caribbean's fourth Icon-class newbuild

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 31 May 2025 31 May 2025

Finnvera has reached a negotiated agreement on the terms of financing for the Icon 4 cruise ship. This allows Royal Caribbean Group to finalise the order. The project will bring the desired continuity to the Finnish shipbuilding industry, says Finnvera’s CEO Juuso Heinilä. The strategic importance of the cruise shipping and shipyard sector is growing due to geopolitical changes and security of supply factors.

The terms of the financing have been agreed in the financing negotiations, and the actual credit agreement will be signed later. In cruise ship orders, the role of the Export Credit Agency as a guarantor of the buyer's credit is typically essential, as the credit periods are long, and the value of the vessel orders are worth billions.

“We are pleased that an agreement has been reached in the financing negotiations and the vessel order for Meyer Turku shipyard is being confirmed. This is of enormous importance to the Finnish marine industry. Finland produces some of the largest and most advanced cruise ships in the world, and it is very important that the excellence continues and further develops here. The employment impact of the cruise shipping and shipyard sector as well as the indirect effects on the business life of the Turku region and the whole Finland are undeniable," says Juuso Heinilä, CEO of Finnvera.

Meyer Turku shipyard’s impact reflects widely on the subcontractor network in the maritime cluster and increases the value added and employment of the companies in the network. This is shown in a recent study of the shipyard's procurements.

The outlook for the cruise shipping and shipyard industry is positive

The share of the cruise shipping and shipyard industry is significant in Finnvera's exposure. At the end of March 2025, the industry accounted for approximately half of Finnvera's total liabilities of EUR 25.8 billion. The strategic importance of the ship and shipyard sector is growing due to transitions in the global economy, geopolitical changes and factors of security of supply, and the Finnish vessel and icebreaker expertise is once again at the centre of attention.

“The outlook for the shipping and shipyard industry has improved significantly. Demand is boosted globally by the strong development of cruise line businesses, investments in the defence sector, and the demand for governmental authorities’boats. At Finnvera, we work to ensure that the Finnish know-how from hundreds of years of shipbuilding can be exported sustainably to the world also in the future. In the case of luxury liners, the domestic value added is high and the subcontractor networks extend widely," Heinilä says.

The second Icon-class ship Star of the Seas recently conducted its sea trials in the Baltic Sea

 

 

Fincantieri and TUI Cruises celebrates the float-out of Mein Schiff Flow

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 30 May 2025 30 May 2025

Fincantieri and TUI Cruises, a joint venture between TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Cruises, celebrated the launch of Mein Schiff Flow at the Monfalcone shipyard. The vessel is the second of two next-generation InTUItion class cruise ships, designed for dual-fuel operation (Liquefied Natural Gas – LNG and Marine Gas Oil – MGO). A sister ship to Mein Schiff Relax, delivered in February, the new unit is scheduled to enter service in mid-2026.

The launching ceremony was attended Daniele Fanara, Senior Vice President New Building and After Sales of the Fincantieri Merchant Ships Division, by Cristiano Bazzara, Director of the Monfalcone shipyard, and Wybcke Meier, CEO of TUI Cruises.

With approximately 160,000 gross tons, Mein Schiff Flow is based on a first-in-class project developed by Fincantieri enhancing the modernity and sustainability characteristics that TUI Cruises, a company with one of the most advanced fleets from an ecological point of view, is known for. Featuring an innovative product configuration, the project will place energy efficiency at its core, aiming to reduce operational consumption and minimize environmental impact, in compliance with the latest regulations. The ship will be able to use LNG and is future-proof with the ability to utilize low-emission fuels such as bio- or e-LNG, marking a significant step towards climate-neutral cruising.

Mein Schiff Flow will feature catalytic converters meeting Euro 6 standards, a steam turbine, using the residual heat from the diesel generators, as well as an electrical shore-power connection. All this will ensure almost emission-free operations while in port (about 40% of operating time). The unit will also be equipped with an innovative and highly efficient waste treatment system capable of transforming organic materials into recyclable components through a thermal process.

AmaWaterways promotes Catherine Powell as CEO

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 30 May 2025 30 May 2025

AmaWaterways, a leading luxury river cruise line, announced that the current CEO and co-founder Rudi Schreiner is transitioning to a new role as Chairman of the Board. President Catherine Powell will step up as the company’s Chief Executive Officer from July 1st with Schreiner continuing to support her in this new role.

Company co-founders Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst will remain on the AmaWaterways board and Karst will continue in her role as Global Brand Ambassador. “We are so excited about what we have been building — internationally with new markets, new passengers and, frankly, a whole new generation of river cruisers. I am delighted that we are investing in the kind of leadership Catherine brings to the company. It’s a real inflection point, and I couldn't be prouder,” said Schreiner.

“Rudi and I poured our hearts into building AmaWaterways — a company shaped by passion, innovation and strong personal connections. As we take this next step forward, we’re thrilled to welcome Catherine as CEO. Her global experience and leadership style reflect the values that have guided us from the beginning. I’m excited for the future and grateful to keep focusing on what I love most — nurturing the relationships with our travel partners, our guests and the local communities we visit, cultivating the shared success that comes from growing together,” said Karst

“This is a dynamic moment of both growth and transformation for AmaWaterways and for the river cruising industry writ large,” said Powell. “Rudi is an icon in the industry, whose pioneering vision has shaped river cruising. From the design of the ships to every detail of the experience on board and on shore, Rudi has touched the lives of all the guests who have sailed with us. I am honored to be taking the mantle from Rudi and steering this incredible company into its next exciting chapter building on his legacy.”

Powell was appointed President early this year, and brings an expansive view to the company, one that will continue to build on the evolution of AmaWaterways as a category pioneer and leader in this industry. AmaWaterways is widely recognized for its outstanding service both onboard and onshore.

“We extend our deepest appreciation for the remarkable vision and leadership that Rudi and Kristin have demonstrated in building AmaWaterways. Since the company’s inception in 2002, they have established AmaWaterways as a beloved and highly coveted brand within the river cruising industry. Looking ahead, we foresee significant growth opportunities. The company is strategically expanding into new destinations and markets while making substantial investments in technology, digital platforms, and elevated customer experiences. These initiatives will ensure that AmaWaterways remains well-positioned for long-term success in the evolving landscape of travel,” said Jennifer Reid, Director of AmaWaterways and Partner at L Catterton.

Director of AmaWaterways and Managing Partner at L Catterton, Marc Magliacano went on to say “We are confident that Catherine’s deep experience in the travel industry and track-record of growth and success from her roles at both Disney and Airbnb make her uniquely suited to guide the company forward into the next phase of its journey. She understands the changing customer landscape and shifting consumer demand regarding how people want to travel and to experience luxury in a way that will drive the company forward, and that will meet growing expectations and the market’s demand for high-end travel experiences.”