Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises announce strengthened global leadership structure

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 08 March 2026 08 March 2026

Oceania Cruises, a culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, an ultra-luxury cruise line, have announced a new global leadership structure designed to strengthen support for Travel Advisors across all markets and capitalize on the increasing appetite for luxury and ultra luxury cruising.

Effective immediately, Wesley D’Silva has been appointed President, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, reporting to Jason Montague who continues to lead the long-term strategic direction for both Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

In further moves, Nathan Hickman and Shawn Tubman have been appointed Chief Sales Officers for Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises respectively, overseeing global sales performance, Travel Advisor engagement, and commercial development across all markets. Hickman will report to Jason Montague with Tubman reporting to Wesley D’Silva.

“I am delighted to congratulate Wesley, Nathan, and Shawn, as they step into these important new roles,” said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer for Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “Each of them brings extraordinary expertise and experience as we build on a remarkable period of performance for both Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. This strengthened leadership structure positions us to accelerate our strategic plans to take both brands to new heights and support our Travel Advisor community with even greater focus. Travel Advisors are integral to our success, and these organisational changes reflect our unwavering commitment to creating even more opportunity within the luxury and ultraluxury cruise segments.”

For global commercial alignment, both North American domestic sales teams as well as international sales teams will report to Hickman and Tubman:

– Brennan Quesnele, Senior Vice President North America Sales & Trade Marketing, Oceania Cruises (reporting to Nathan Hickman only)
– Jerod Evans, Vice President, North America Sales, Regent Seven Seas Cruises (reporting to Shawn Tubman only)
– Melaine Diaz, Vice President, Sales Strategy & Trade Marketing, Regent Seven Seas Cruises (reporting to Shawn Tubman only)
– Paul Beale, Vice President, UK & Ireland Sales, Oceania Cruises & Regent Seven Seas Cruises
– Gabriella Fonzo, Senior Director, Central Europe, Middle East, and Africa Sales, Oceania Cruises & Regent Seven Seas Cruises
– Lisa Pile, Vice President Sales & General Manager, APAC, Oceania Cruises & Regent Seven Seas Cruises
– Frank Medina, Vice President, LATAM & Brazil Sales, Oceania Cruises & Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Additionally, Steve Odell, one of the company’s most respected and longstanding senior commercial leaders, will transition into an ambassador role supporting both Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

“Steve is a well-known, much loved, and highly accomplished sales professional in the luxury travel industry, and we couldn’t be happier that he has agreed to continue his connection with our brands,” Montague continued.

These developments come at a time of exceptional achievements and exciting milestones ahead for both brands. Oceania Cruises accomplished a recordbreaking opening day for Oceania Sonata™, the line’s newest ship, in January, and has an exciting newbuild program with five Sonata Class ships scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2037. Regent recently celebrated the most successful booking month in its history also in January, and will welcome Seven Seas Prestige later this year, its first new ship class in a decade, with three more Prestige Class ships scheduled for delivery 2030, 2033 and 2036.

Norwegian Cruise Line takes delivery of Norwegian Luna

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 06 March 2026 06 March 2026

Norwegian Cruise Line has taken the delivery of Norwegian Luna, the 21st ship in its fleet, from Fincantieri, a global leader in high-complexity shipbuilding, at its shipyard in Marghera, Italy.

As the second ship in the next-generation Prima Plus Class, Norwegian Luna elevates every moment of the guest journey. Measuring 156,000 gross tons, the 3,565‑passenger ship features 1,809 well-appointed staterooms and an exceptional collection of intentionally designed venues and experiences. With 17 dining options as well as 18 bars and lounges, the ship offers remarkable culinary variety and vibrant social settings to suit every mood and moment. From wide open spaces and immersive entertainment to moments beyond expectation, Norwegian Luna ensures that every experience feels effortless.

“We are thrilled to welcome Norwegian Luna to our fleet and to welcome our first guests aboard next week,” said Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “As our newest ship, Norwegian Luna is a powerful reflection of NCL’s ‘It’s Different Out Here’ brand ethos. She delivers freedom, flexibility and thoughtfully curated experiences, allowing guests to enjoy their vacation exactly how they want, with ease. This ship represents the continued evolution of our vision and the incredible work behind an award-winning class of ships. We are deeply appreciative of the world-class architects and designers, as well as our talented partners at Fincantieri who brought Norwegian Luna to life. We’re proud to continue this strong partnership as we look ahead to building more exceptional NCL vessels together over the next decade.”

Designed for both families and travelers looking for elevated experiences, Norwegian Luna offers an impressive variety of activities and choices. Families will find no shortage of fun, with a wide range of innovative attractions designed for all ages. Highlights include the Aqua Slidecoaster, a thrilling hybrid between a waterslide and rollercoaster exclusively available on NCL, which was recently named the “Best Water Park Ride/Attraction” by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. The all-new Luna Midway offers an outdoor amusement‑park‑style area featuring carnival‑inspired games, and the debuting Moon Climber challenges kids and adults alike with a multi‑level obstacle course. Interactive play spaces include The Luna Game Zone, offering everything from retro arcade favorites to cutting‑edge virtual reality experiences. Sports and social play come together at the Glow Court, a high‑tech complex with an interactive LED floor that transforms from an energetic play space during the day into a lively club at night. Meanwhile, adults seeking more relaxed escapes can unwind at the award-winning Mandara Spa, known for its world‑class wellness offerings, or retreat to the adults‑only Vibe Beach Club.

Culinary enthusiasts will delight in the dining line-up offering diverse options to suit every taste and preference. Guests can enjoy complimentary main dining rooms serving a rotating menu of classic favorites and globally inspired dishes, as well as a 24‑hour eatery for casual bites any time of day. The Indulge Food Hall adds even more variety, with nine stations offering flavors from around the world, including Indian cuisine, hearty smokehouse favorites, noodle dishes and plant-based options. For those looking to explore something a little different, specialty restaurants such as Le Bistro, NCL’s signature French restaurant, and Sukhothai, a Thai dining venue blending traditional recipes with creative twists, provide memorable evenings in inviting settings.

Moreover, Norwegian Luna offers a wide variety of thoughtfully designed staterooms to meet the needs of every type of traveler, from solo adventurers and families to couples and luxury seekers. Guests can choose from well-appointed inside, oceanview and balcony staterooms, as well as suites. At the pinnacle of the onboard accommodation experience is The Haven by Norwegian®, NCL’s exclusive ship-within-a-ship concept, featuring expansive staterooms, public spaces and a restaurant exclusively reserved for Haven guests, with personalized butler and concierge service designed to deliver the ultimate sense of privacy and retreat.

Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of Fincantieri’s Merchant Ships Division, stated, “We are proud to deliver Norwegian Luna, a ship that truly reflects our ability to interpret and anticipate the evolution of the global cruise industry. This milestone further strengthens the long-standing collaboration between Fincantieri and NCL, built on a shared commitment to innovation. The Prima Plus Class sets a new benchmark for the industry, thanks to cutting-edge design solutions and a level of construction excellence showcased by our Marghera shipyard. Every vessel we build is the result of collective expertise, passion and advanced technology - elements that enable us to shape the future of cruising.”

Following her transatlantic voyage from Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy, Norwegian Luna will arrive to the U.S. on March 23, 2026, marking her grand debut in Miami, the Cruise Capital of the World, and will officially be christened on March 27, 2026 at PortMiami.

During her first year of service, Norwegian Luna will homeport in Miami and offer a variety of three- and four-day Bahamas voyages, as well as seven-day Caribbean itineraries, taking guests to the most celebrated beach destinations in the region. From April 11 through Nov. 7, 2026, the ship will visit sun-drenched ports in the Eastern Caribbean, such as Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; as well as the newly enhanced Great Stirrup Cay, NCL's private island paradise in the Bahamas, which features a new pier and several amenities, including an oversized pool, as well as the Great Tides Waterpark, which is scheduled to open in summer 2026. Starting in November 2026, Norwegian Luna will sail Western Caribbean itineraries and call to Roatán (Islas de la Bahía), Honduras; Cozumel, Mexico as well as Harvest Caye, NCL’s private resort-style destination off the coast of Belize.

On April 6, 2027, Norwegian Luna will debut in New York City and become the newest ship in the contemporary segment to sail from this iconic port. The ship will offer four- to seven-day Bermuda voyages with overnights at the Royal Naval Dockyard.

Fincantieri's Palermo shipyard to construct Viking's two new expedition ships

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 05 March 2026 05 March 2026

Fincantieri earlier this week announced the order from Viking for the construction of two expedition vessels. In addition, the two companies also signed an agreement for an option for two ocean ships, marking a new milestone in the collaboration between the two companies. The value of these agreements, subject to financing and other typical terms and conditions, is considered very important.

The two expedition vessels, scheduled for delivery in 2030 and 2031, will be sister ships to Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, both built by Fincantieri’s Norwegian subsidiary Vard and delivered in 2021 and 2022 respectively. The new units will be delivered from Fincantieri’s Palermo shipyard, supporting Viking’s expansion in the market dedicated to exploration in polar and remote regions.

Each vessel will accommodate 378 guests in 189 staterooms and will be certified Polar Class 6 for safe operations in polar regions. Designed to navigate remote areas and the Great Lakes, they will offer superior maneuverability and stability in rough seas. Features include straight bows, extended hulls and cutting‑edge fin stabilizers, while ice-strengthened structures will enable safe sailing in extreme environments. U-tank stabilizers will significantly reduce rolling when the ship is stationary. The vessels are designed by the same experienced nautical architects and engineers behind Viking’s ocean fleet, combining elegant Scandinavian design, intimate public spaces and purpose‑built areas specifically conceived for expedition operations.

The two additional ocean ship options, both scheduled for delivery in 2034, will be placed in the luxury ship segment and will follow the same design philosophy and technical standards as the vessels already built by Fincantieri or under construction in its Italian yards. With a gross tonnage of around 54,300 tons and capacity for 998 guests in 499 cabins, they will comply with the latest environmental and navigation regulations and will feature state‑of‑the‑art safety systems.

Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, commented: “This agreement with Viking represents a development of strong, strategic and industrial value for our Group. The decision to build these vessels in Palermo further consolidates the shipyard’s role as a fully integrated production center within our Italian industrial system, confirming the structural growth path undertaken in recent years.”

This latest order further reinforces a strong partnership dating back to 2012, which now encompasses a total of 26 ships.

Disney Cruise Line christens Disney Adventure in Singapore

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 05 March 2026 05 March 2026

Disney Cruise Line welcomed its newest ship, the Disney Adventure, to its rapidly expanding fleet in a dazzling entertainment showcase that celebrated the beloved Disney stories, characters, and music that come to life onboard. The elegant artistry of the christening ceremony punctuated the introduction of the cruise line’s first ever ship to sail in Southeast Asia.

In the Walt Disney Theatre aboard the ship, guests witnessed the magic of Disney storytelling come to life through regional vocalists and musicians, incredible video effects, and star-studded surprises, including special appearances from Captain Mickey Mouse and Captain Minnie Mouse. A 23-piece orchestra, Hollywood Performing Arts Hall of Fame inductee Jed Madela, and international recording artist of Eurovision fam Dami Im guided the show through classic Disney, Pixar, and Marvel melodies accompanied by stunning visuals that sprung to life on screens that surrounded the stage and seemed to engulf the audience.

Chairman of Disney Experiences and incoming Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, Josh D’Amaro, and President of Disney Signature Experiences, Joe Schott, joined the artists on stage to mark the momentous occasion.

“The Walt Disney Company has always been built on the power of storytelling and innovation – and Disney Cruise Line brings those values to life in extraordinary ways. Our cruise ships are ambassadors of our brand that carry joy, wonder and enchantment to destinations around the world,” said D’Amaro. “As our first ship to homeport in Asia, the Disney Adventure represents a new chapter for Disney Cruise Line and will introduce Disney to audiences who may be experiencing our magic for the very first time. It offers fans across this region an opportunity to immerse themselves in unforgettable ways and create memories that are uniquely Disney.”

The Godparent of the Disney Adventure, Robert Downey Jr., lent his voice to the ceremonial blessing for good fortune for the ship and all its guests.

“I’ve had the privilege of getting to know the team at Walt Disney Imagineering, and I can tell you Adventure is the perfect name for what they’ve created,” he said. “Being the Godparent of this majestic vessel is an honor, and I have some serious duties to perform, so let’s make it official, shall we?”

Downey Jr. cued the orchestra, saying, “You bring the theme and I’ll bring the thunder,” followed by the official blessing, “I christen thee, Disney Adventure, may God bless this ship and all who sail upon her.”

The Christening Ceremony culminated with a confetti burst and a multitude of beloved Disney characters in a rousing rendition of “Let’s Set Sail,” a Disney Cruise Line tradition that builds excitement for the journeys that lie ahead onboard the Disney Adventure.

Drawing on more than 100 years of storytelling from Disney, Pixar, and Marvel, the Disney Adventure is filled with epic experiences and beloved characters waiting to be discovered. The ship features seven immersive themed areas, each transporting guests into iconic stories and worlds including San Fransokyo Street from Disney’s “Big Hero 6”. On board, guests can enjoy a brand-new Broadway-style musical, “Remember”; immersive dining experiences; signature fireworks at sea; imaginative clubs for kids of all ages; a dynamic collection of bars and lounges for adults; and thrilling attractions, including Disney Cruise Line’s first-ever roller coaster at sea, Ironcycle Test Run.

The Disney Adventure marks Disney Cruise Line’s eighth ship and its largest to date. The ship embarks on its maiden voyage on March 10, followed by an inaugural season of three- and four-night itineraries at sea. The Disney Adventure is part of a multi-year expansion of the award-winning Disney Cruise Line fleet, which currently includes eight ships, with five more planned to join the fleet by 2031.

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