More News

Thatcher Brown returns from Crescent Seas to Virtuoso

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 10 February 2026 10 February 2026

Virtuoso, the leading global network specializing in luxury and experiential travel, yesterday announced the appointment of Thatcher Brown as Special Advisor to the Chief Operating Officer, Cruise, underscoring the network’s continued investment in cruise as a core growth engine amid a rapidly evolving and increasingly competitive landscape.

In this newly created role, Brown will provide senior leadership perspective and strategic oversight to support the long-term health, trajectory and evolution of Virtuoso’s cruise vertical. His focus will include strategy, structure and future product positioning, with an emphasis on strengthening global partnerships that support Virtuoso’s worldwide membership and ensure the category is well positioned for sustained success both in the near term and over the coming years.

As he helps shape the future of Virtuoso’s cruise division, Brown will work closely with Senior Vice President, Global Partnerships Cory Hagopian and the Global Partnerships team to ensure alignment between cruise strategy, sales execution and future investment priorities. This collaboration ensures continuity across current priorities while strengthening long-term stability and clarity for the cruise organization. Lori Sheller, Vice President, Global Cruise, will continue to lead day-to-day execution of the cruise business.

“We are pleased to welcome Thatcher back to Virtuoso in this strategic advisory role, which underscores our commitment to leading in one of the industry’s fastest-growing and most strategically important segments,” said Virtuoso Chief Operating Officer Brad Bourland. “By pairing Thatcher’s deep industry expertise with strong execution leadership and senior oversight, we are shaping a truly global cruise partnership model – one that leverages Virtuoso’s worldwide footprint to connect our partners with the right member agencies and advisors, reach more high-value travelers, and drive long-term growth. This work strengthens the value we deliver today while positioning Virtuoso and our partners to lead the next chapter of cruise across our global network.”

Brown previously served as Senior Vice President, Global Products for Virtuoso and most recently as CEO for Crescent Seas.

Windstar Cruises names Paul Chapple Vice President of Hotel Operations

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 10 February 2026 10 February 2026

Windstar Cruises has announced the appointment of Paul Chapple as the company’s new vice president of hotel operations. Paul joins Windstar at a pivotal moment of accelerated growth and brand evolution, with two new ships, Star Seeker and Star Explorer, expanding the fleet and setting the stage for an elevated guest experience. In this strategic role, Paul will guide the continued transformation of Windstar’s hotel operations to support the cruise line’s next era of innovation and luxury. He will report directly to Stijn Creupelandt, who advanced to the role of chief operating officer.

With more than 20 years of cruise industry experience, Paul brings a proven track record in shaping highimpact guest experiences, driving revenue growth, and leading diverse, highperforming teams. Most recently, he served as associate vice president, onboard commercial strategy at Azamara Cruises, overseeing global initiatives across shore excursions, multiday land programs, hotel stays, and signature events. His background also includes leadership roles in onboard revenue and hotel operations.

“As our fleet grows, Windstar is entering a transformative phase,” said Stijn Creupelandt, chief operating officer. “Paul will be essential in advancing our hotel operations to match the expectations of today’s discerning traveler while preserving the boutique experience at the heart of our brand. We’re excited to welcome him on board and look forward to the energy and expertise he brings.”

Paul will oversee all aspects of hotel operations and product development, including food and beverage, onboard services, entertainment, guest relations, and destination services. His leadership will be instrumental in supporting Windstar’s expanding fleet of allsuite yachts and sailing ships while upholding the company’s reputation for personalized, industryleading service.

Windstar Cruises operates a fleet of all-suite yachts and sailing ships, offering immersive itineraries, a relaxed yet refined atmosphere, and service that’s as warm and welcoming as it is personalized. The boutique cruise line is expanding with two new ships joining the fleet. Star Seeker launched in December 2025, sailing in the Caribbean, Alaska, Japan and SE Asia. Star Explorer launches in December 2026 to sail year-round in the Mediterranean.

Port of Incheon to homeport North Asia’s largest cruise ship next year

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 08 February 2026 08 February 2026

South Korea’s Lotte Tour and MSC Cruises have signed a three-year partnership, in which Lotte will charter MSC Bellissima. At 171,598 gross tons, MSC Bellissima is currently the largest cruise ship in Asia and it can accommodate 5,600 guests. Under the agreement, the ship will be based in Incheon starting in June 2027 and will source its passengers from the local market.

MSC Bellissima will sail to the ports of Taiwan and Japan. The first cruise will depart from Incheon on June 14, 2027.

The plans include to add a second ship in 2028 and a third vessel in 2029, but Lotte and MSC Cruises have not yet identified the vessels

Baekhyun, CEO of Lotte Tourism Development, said, "This charter contract is the result of 15 years of experience in operating chartered ships and the trust of global shipping companies. We will raise the level of the Korean cruise market to the next level through cooperation with MSC Cruises and provide the world's best cruise experience.”

According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the South Korean source market generated 55,000 cruise passengers in 2024, which was just 2.1% of total Asian market.

Oceania Cruises celebrates keel laying for new-generation ship, Oceania Sonata, at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Marghera, Italy

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 06 February 2026 06 February 2026

Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused luxury cruise line, has celebrated a pivotal milestone in the construction of its next-generation ship, Oceania Sonata, as the keel of the ship was laid at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy. The ceremony, an important maritime tradition, honored the rich heritage of shipbuilding, the importance of partnership, and underscored the line’s bold vision of its future.

“Oceania Sonata embodies the next chapter in our legacy of redefining luxury travel, and we are proud to mark this occasion as we cement our position in the industry,” said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Oceania Cruises. “This milestone is the result of the extraordinary dedication and expertise of the Fincantieri team – shipbuilders, engineers, designers and countless others whose skill and passion transform our vision into reality.”

Harry Sommer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd; Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Oceania Cruises; Patrik Dahlgren, Executive Vice President, Chief Vessel Operations and Newbuild Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd; and Franco Semeraro, Chief Experience Officer, Oceania Cruises, were present for the ceremony, alongside Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of Fincantieri Merchant Ships Division and Marco Lunardi, Fincantieri’s Senior Vice President of the Marghera Shipyard.

“The keel laying for Oceania Sonata marks an important milestone not only for Oceania Cruises and Fincantieri, but for the entire luxury cruise industry,” said Matarazzo. “This ship embodies the innovation and craftsmanship that define our longstanding partnership with Oceania Cruises. Leveraging our expertise, and the technical excellence refined through the successful construction of the Allura Class vessels, we are proud to bring Oceania Cruises’ vision to life once again with this remarkable new ship.”

Set to embark on her maiden voyage in August 2027, Oceania Sonata marks the next evolution of Oceania Cruises’ acclaimed fleet, ushering in a new era of refined elegance at sea. She will be followed by three sister ships, Oceania Arietta, scheduled to join the fleet in 2029, and two as-yet-unnamed Sonata class vessels in 2032 and 2035.

Oceania Sonata will be the line’s ninth ship and follows its two Allura class vessels, Oceania Vista and Oceania Allura, launched in 2023 and 2025, respectively, to great global acclaim.

At 86,000 gross tons and accommodating just 1,390 guests, Oceania Sonata offers an exceptional sense of space and exclusivity. One-third of all guest accommodations will be suites, including four new two-bedroom Owner’s Suites, and two entirely new categories: the Horizon Suites and the Penthouse Deluxe Suites.

Also debuting aboard Oceania Sonata will be two new culinary experiences: the most exclusive fine-dining restaurant at sea, La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France; and Nikkei Kitchen, which will specialize in a vibrant fusion of Peruvian flavors and refined Japanese culinary techniques and tastes.

Photo: Oceania Cruises and Fincantieri team at the shipyard in Marghera, laying the keel of Oceania Sonata. From left to right: Marco Lunardi, Senior Vice President, Fincantieri Marghera Shipyard; Franco Semeraro, Chief Experience Officer, Oceania Cruises; Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager, Fincantieri Merchant Ships Division; Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer, Oceania Cruises; Harry Sommer, President and CEO, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd; Patrik Dahlgren, Executive Vice President, Chief Vessel Operations & New Build Officer, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

Carnival Cruise Line expands Baltimore presence with second ship for 2027/2028 season

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 05 February 2026 05 February 2026

Carnival Cruise Line today announced exciting new sailings for the 2027/28 season, highlighted by the addition of a second ship in Baltimore and new deployment options for Carnival Firenze.

This marks the first time Carnival will homeport two ships from Baltimore, underscoring the cruise line’s continued commitment to the region. Beginning fall 2027, Carnival Miracle will join her sister ship Carnival Pride in Baltimore to offer guests a greater variety of Caribbean itineraries throughout the season. The Spirit-class ship will operate 7-, 8- and 9-night sailings to the Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean, along with extended 12- and 14-day Carnival Journeys voyages to sought-after destinations, such as Dominica, Guadeloupe, St. Maarten, and many others. Carnival Miracle will arrive in Baltimore on Nov. 20, 2027, following a 15-day transatlantic voyage from Civitavecchia, Italy.

“Baltimore has been an important homeport for Carnival for more than two decades, and we’re excited to continue building on our year-round operations with the addition of Carnival Miracle,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “By giving our guests more variety in itineraries and ships, we’re giving them more reasons to take a Carnival Cruise vacation.”

Carnival Miracle offers guests a wide range of onboard experiences including diverse dining options from Guy’s Burger Joint - Opens in new window to its popular Steakhouse, along with entertainment and amenities designed for longer, destination-rich cruises from WaterWorks fun and Playlist Production shows to Alchemy Bar and The Punchliner Comedy Club.

This comes on the heels of Carnival’s recent announcement that Carnival Pride will continue to offer year-round cruises from Baltimore. Guests can look forward to 7-night Bahamas sailings, 7-night Bermuda cruises and extended 9-, 12-, and 14-day Carnival Journeys voyages to destinations including Aruba, Curaçao, Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, Antigua, Tortola and Martinique.

Also beginning in fall 2027, Carnival Firenze will call Port Canaveral home, offering a diverse mix of four-to-14-day Caribbean itineraries. Sailings will range from short Bahamas getaways featuring Celebration Key – Carnival’s exclusive destination on Grand Bahama – to longer voyages exploring the Eastern Caribbean and several Carnival Journeys sailings visiting many beautiful Southern Caribbean destinations.

In addition to the recently announced sailings from Miami through mid‑May 2027, Carnival Firenze’s 2027/28 deployment now includes a special 11‑day Carnival Journeys Southern Caribbean sailing departing from Miami on May 16, 2027, before the ship repositions to its new seasonal homeport in New York City. This one‑time voyage will visit Celebration Key, Aruba; Curaçao; and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

Carnival Firenze will then operate seasonal summer 2028 sailings from New York, giving Northeast guests convenient access to Caribbean vacations before the ship returns to Port Canaveral.