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Windstar unveils Wind Surf's redesigned public spaces and new suites

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 12 February 2025 12 February 2025

Windstar Cruises’ flagship vessel, Wind Surf, has unveiled its latest transformation project focused on the yacht’s common spaces and suites. The upgrades to the 342-guest sailing yacht debut amidst Wind Surf’s prime Caribbean sailing season, with itineraries including Classic Caribbean and Beach Fun & Sun: A Remote Caribbean Getaway.

Highlights of the renovation include full reimaginations to the main lobby and reception area, Yacht Club Café, Compass Rose Bar and Lounge, Amphora Restaurant and Wine Room, Pool Bar & Deck, Owner’s Suite, Star Boutique, and public restrooms, along with new TVs in all guest staterooms.

“Wind Surf has always been a guest favorite, and this refurbishment honors its legacy while elevating the onboard experience to new heights,” said Stijn Creupelandt, chief operating officer of Windstar Cruises. “From refreshed design elements to modern technology upgrades, this transformation sets the stage for an unforgettable journey on our flagship sailing yacht.”

Joining Windstar’s all-suite, Star Class yachts, Wind Surf’s refurbishment also features the brand-new addition of Broadmoor and Sea Island Suites, which are inspired by luxury, Five Star sister resorts The Broadmoor in Colorado and Sea Island in Georgia. The Sea Island Suite touts coastal and airy touches that evoke the property’s Addison Mizner design including a sea-glass green color palette, curved arches, light walls, and sophisticated wood furnishings. The Broadmoor Suite boasts a more traditional space with classic furniture, floral motifs, wide crown molding and white trim with gold finishes, along with striking custom wallpaper, which is an exact replica of the wallpaper used at The Broadmoor Main Building designed by Julie Penrose, wife of resort founder, Spencer Penrose.

During the final phase of the refurbishment, Wind Surf’s staterooms will receive new furniture, soft goods and décor. The second phase will also see updates to Stella Bistro, Veranda, and the fitness studio. The full project will be completed in December 2026.

All of Windstar’s three Wind Class sailing ships (Wind Surf, Wind Star, and Wind Spirit) are undergoing redesigns and updates as part of a multi-year initiative. In addition to Wind Surf, Wind Star has already completed phase 1 of improvements with phase 2 slated for April 2026. For Wind Spirit, phase 1 takes place in April of 2026 and phase 2 in March 2027.

Gotlandsbolaget presents the new name for the line between Oslo and Copenhagen

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 12 February 2025 12 February 2025

On November 1, Gotlandsbolaget took over the line between Oslo and Copenhagen. Now the new name is being announced: Go Nordic Cruiseline. The name has been developed to reflect the line's proud Nordic heritage and more than 150 years of history, but also Gotlandsbolaget's roots and ambitions for the development of the line. The focus going forward is to develop high-quality onboard experiences with, among other things, newly renovated ships, Nordic entertainment and gastronomy, and more time to explore the Nordic capitals.

"The name should reflect the line's proud Nordic heritage and history. For us, it has been important to both have great respect for the line's history, but also to show the development we are now investing in to strengthen the experience for guests. The logo is a development of the Destination Gotland logo, as we see a strength in showing the kinship between the lines,” says Håkan Johansson, CEO of Gotlandsbolaget.

The route was taken over by Gotlandsbolaget on November 1, 2024. The process of developing a new name, brand, logo and colors has been ongoing for some time. At the same time, work is underway to upgrade the product and the experience on board.

“We will develop the product in an even more Nordic direction, with a focus on, for example, Nordic entertainment and gastronomy. We are also investing more in creating high-quality mini-cruise experiences, both for couples, families, groups of friends and companies – with more time to explore the two Nordic capitals we sail between,” says Kim Heiberg, EVP Go Nordic Cruiseline.

One of the route’s ships, Nordic Pearl, has recently returned from the shipyard in new colors, with an aqua green hull and Gotlandsbolaget-red funnel as well as completely renovated cabins and upgraded public areas. In mid-March, the line's other ship will receive the same upgrade and in connection with this will be named Nordic Crown.

It was originally intended to launch the new brand in connection with the upgrade of Nordic Crown. But this week, enthusiastic fans have found their way to the new name - and therefore Gotlandsbolaget is now coming out and confirming this.

"It is great to see the great interest in our product and the development we are currently working on - which is the largest investment and upgrade in the line's history. We are very happy to be able to share our new brand with all our guests - and look forward to presenting many new initiatives in the coming months," concludes Kim Heiberg.

AmaWaterways appoints new President

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 11 February 2025 11 February 2025

AmaWaterways, a leading luxury river cruise line, has announced an update to its executive leadership team, positioning the company for its next phase of growth. Effective February 17th, 2025, Catherine Powell will join AmaWaterways as President, working alongside co-founders Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst. This strategic move represents a significant milestone in AmaWaterways' journey, as the company continues to build upon its strong foundation and impressive growth trajectory. Powell, with her extensive experience and innovative outlook, has been chosen to complement the existing leadership team and contribute to the company's future success.

Catherine Powell is a distinguished business leader with an impressive track record of driving growth and strategic transformation across the entertainment, hospitality, and travel industries. She spent more than 15 years at The Walt Disney Company, delivering double-digit growth and leading transformative efforts focused on new revenue and cost opportunities. Most recently, she served as Global Head of Hosting at Airbnb, overseeing and growing its global community of more than five million hosts of both homes and experiences. Powell is widely respected in the industry for her ability to create impact across complex operations and businesses. She is also a passionate advocate for inclusive cultures and employee development.

“I am thrilled and honored to join AmaWaterways as its new President. The company's commitment to exceptional guest experiences, innovation, and sustainability aligns perfectly with my own values and vision for the future of travel. Having spent my career in entertainment and hospitality, I'm excited to bring my passion for creating unforgettable moments to the world of luxury river cruising. I look forward to working alongside the talented team at AmaWaterways to build upon their impressive legacy and chart new courses for growth and excellence in the industry,” said Powell.

In her new role, Powell will report directly to Rudi Schreiner, co-founder and CEO, ensuring a collaborative approach to leadership and maintaining continuity in the company's strategic direction. This carefully planned expansion of the executive team demonstrates AmaWaterways' commitment to long-term stability and continued excellence in the luxury river cruise industry. Schreiner expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment, stating, "Catherine's vision aligns perfectly with our ethos of exceptional guest experiences and innovation. Her leadership will be instrumental in propelling AmaWaterways to new heights. As we move into this new chapter of growth, we are confident that Catherine’s expertise and vision will be instrumental in exploring new opportunities within the luxury river cruise market, while staying true to our core values.”

Kristin Karst will continue her role as co-owner and co-founder while also taking on the position of Chief Brand Ambassador. “I very much look forward to not only creating more awareness and forging relationships internationally, but to maintaining and strengthening our very important relationships with our travel trade (partners) who have always been at the heart of AmaWaterways,“ said Karst. “Together we will continue building on the foundation of trust and excellence for which AmaWaterways is known, ensuring we deliver unforgettable experiences to our guests around the world.”

MSC Cruises Super Bowl ad features Drew Barrymore and Orlando Bloom

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 10 February 2025 10 February 2025

Fincantieri delivers Mein Schiff Relax in Monfalcone

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 09 February 2025 09 February 2025

Fincantieri and TUI Cruises, a joint venture between TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Cruises, have celebrated the delivery at the Monfalcone shipyard of Mein Schiff Relax, the first of two InTUItion class new concept cruise ships dual-fuel powered (Liquid Natural Gas - LNG and Marine Gas Oil - MGO) that Fincantieri is building for this shipowner. The sister ship will set sail in mid-2026.

The ceremony was attended by the Italian Minister for Relations with Parliament, Luca Ciriani, welcomed by Biagio Mazzotta and Pierroberto Folgiero, respectively Chairman, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, and by Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of the Fincantieri Merchant Ships Division. Present for the shipowner Wybcke Meier, CEO of TUI Cruises, Frank Kuhlmann, Chief Financial Officer of TUI Cruises, and Captain Tom Roth.

With approximately 160,000 gross tons, this unit forms the backbone of TUI Cruises’ new fleet, 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 places energy efficiency at its core, aiming to reduce operational consumption and minimize environmental impact, in compliance with the latest regulations. The ship is 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.

Over the past few months, more than 3,000 people, including Fincantieri staff and partner companies, have worked tirelessly onboard Mein Schiff Relax. The ship features catalytic converters meeting Euro 6 standards, a generative turbine, using the residual heat from the diesel generators, as well as an electrical shore-power connection. All this ensures almost emission-free operations while in port (about 40% of operating time). The unit is also equipped with an innovative and highly efficient waste treatment system capable of transforming organic materials into recyclable components through a thermal process.