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Azamara Cruises to refurbish its entire fleet

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 16 January 2026 16 January 2026

Azamara Cruises – the small-ship cruise line known for its late nights, overnights, and destination immersion – yesterday announced Azamara Forward, an enhancement program across its fleet representing the most extensive renovations and refurbishments in the company's history. Across the fleet, Azamara Forward brings a comprehensive series of onboard enhancements, including brand new Chef's Table experience (pictured above), a reimagined cocktail lounge, refreshed staterooms and suites, and upgraded public spaces. Additionally, debuting exclusively on Azamara Quest, the program introduces 12 all-new premier suites exclusive to the ship. Together, these enhancements mark a bold evolution for the brand's upscale small-ship experience.

Among the highlights of Azamara Forward is an entirely new Penthouse Deck exclusively on Azamara Quest's highest level, introducing the all-new Grandview and Panorama Suites. As Azamara Forward is launched across the entire fleet, guests will experience a newly dedicated Chef's Table restaurant, a reimagined Discoveries Restaurant, debut of a recrafted Atlas Bar across all four ships, a full transformation of The Cabaret Lounge, thoughtfully curated updates to every stateroom and suite, and much more. Launching with Azamara Quest's sailing on December 18, 2026, Azamara Forward marks a defining evolution for the ship and a significant step forward for Azamara's high-end small-ship experience.

"Azamara Forward is Azamara Cruises' vision for thoughtfully elevating the onboard experience while honoring the hallmarks that have long defined the brand," said Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara Cruises. "This transformation reflects years of listening to our guests and travel partners and an extraordinary amount of creativity and collaboration across our teams. From the new Panorama and Grandview Suites aboard Azamara Quest to reimagined dining and ship-wide enhancements across our fleet, Azamara Forward is designed to deepen destination immersion, elevate comfort, and create even more meaningful moments at sea. It's celebrating our heritage while introducing new experiences to take us into the future."

Timed to debut ahead of the highly anticipated 2027 World Cruise, Azamara Quest was the natural choice to introduce Azamara Forward. The ship's itineraries and guest demand created the ideal opportunity to unveil these enhancements and deliver an even more elevated guest experience. Azamara Onward will be the next ship to receive Azamara Forward renovations in 2027, with timelines for Azamara Journey and Azamara Pursuit to be announced at a later date.

Emerald Kaia completes sea trials in advance of the inaugural 2026 season launch

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 15 January 2026 15 January 2026

Emerald Cruises & Tours has reached a significant milestone in the build of Emerald Kaia, following the successful completion of sea trials in Halong Bay, Vietnam. This major step brings the next-generation super yacht closer to entering service and reflects Scenic Group’s commitment to quality, innovation and delivering unique luxury guest experiences across its growing fleet.

The yacht’s first trials in open water, have confirmed performance, manoeuvrability and overall seaworthiness. Conducted from the group’s shipyard in Halong Bay, Emerald Kaia’s trials are in advance of her inaugural Cyprus to the Acropolis sailing, the 11-day itinerary departing Limassol on April 4, 2026.

Designed for a relaxed luxury yacht experience, Emerald Kaia welcomes only up to 128 guests, purpose-built, with expansive lounges, terraces and decks, featuring Missoni decor and furnishings. New interconnecting suites, provide added flexibility for families and groups, while generously sized staterooms and suites deliver contemporary comfort.

Guests will enjoy an all-new Observation Sun Deck featuring an additional Spa Pool, sun loungers and shaded areas – an inviting space to take in sweeping coastlines, unwind between ports and toast sunset at sea. The innovative indoor/outdoor gym featuring state of the art wellness equipment is located adjacent to the marina platform, for guests to stay active with fresh sea air and then cool off with a refreshing swim directly from the platform.

Emerald Kaia will also debut a new design for signature restaurant La Cucina. Guests will enjoy a vibrant open kitchen that brings added energy and connection to the culinary experience, alongside the new Night Market Grill – an intimate private dining experience for just eight guests. Night Market Grill dining is available for guests at an additional cost.

“This milestone is a testament to the dedication of everyone involved in the project. Operationally, this sea trial has delivered excellent results and allows us to proceed with the final phase of commissioning with confidence. We look forward to welcoming guests on board Emerald Kaia in April 2026,” said James Griffiths, Scenic Group General Manager, Ocean Operations.

With sea trials now complete, the next milestones for Emerald Kaia include final fittings, delivery and its inaugural sailing in April 2026. Emerald Kaia will join Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara in the Emerald Yacht Cruises fleet, ahead of future sister yachts Emerald Raiya (2027) and Emerald Xara (2028).

HKTB welcomes The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s luxury yacht Luminara to Hong Kong for a turnaround

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 13 January 2026 13 January 2026

Luminara from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection visits Hong Kong for the first time. Luminara, the newest superyacht from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, made its maiden call in Hong Kong today (13 January). The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) welcomed Luminara's inaugural arrival in the city, marking the yacht’s deployment from Hong Kong as a turnaround port. Over the coming months, the yacht will operate Asia-Pacific itineraries with Hong Kong serving as the embarkation and disembarkation destination. The deployment further showcases Hong Kong’s diverse appeal for cruise tourism and its ability to attract more high-end international visitors.

The yacht entered Victoria Harbour and docked at Ocean Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui this morning following the launch of its Asia-Pacific itineraries from Singapore in December last year. HKTB commemorated the occasion with a water salute, alongside energetic dragon and lion dances. A welcoming ceremony and luncheon were hosted on board, attended by Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law, Commissioner for Tourism Angelina Cheung, HKTB Executive Director Anthony Lau, and representatives from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, celebrating Luminara’s first arrival in Hong Kong.

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law said, “Hong Kong saw a total of 189 cruise ship calls in 2025, marking a 26% year-on-year increase. These included vessels from 22 cruise brands worldwide. The total cruise passenger throughput for the year was around 630,000, with 430,000 being inbound visitors. Both figures have shown an increase of 20% from the previous year. I am delighted to welcome the maiden call of a luxury cruise vessel from a leading international brand to Hong Kong as the new year begins. This demonstrates that Hong Kong not only attracts large and well-known cruises to Hong Kong, but has also drawn super-luxury vessels targeting high-end international visitors to our city, testifying Hong Kong’s diversity in cruise tourism. Looking ahead, the Tourism Commission and HKTB will continue to fortify Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s Cruise Hub. We will also work closely with the industry partners to drive the development of cruise tourism in Hong Kong.”

“With Luminara, we have raised the bar once again, uniting legendary service, elevated design, and an extraordinary onboard experience to further define our distinct approach to ultra-luxury travel at sea,” said Ernesto Fara, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. “Our Asia-Pacific itineraries invite guests to experience the region in a more intimate and unhurried way, pairing marquee cities with more secluded islands and offering opportunities for overnights that allow for deeper exploration ashore and by water. Expanding into Asia-Pacific marks an important step in how we continue to thoughtfully grow in the region and around the world.”

Luminara is the third and newest superyacht from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. From January through mid-April, the yacht will set out on turnaround trips between Hong Kong and Singapore or Tokyo, with port calls including Osaka in Japan, Bangkok in Thailand, Incheon in South Korea, and Ha Long Bay and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

Launched in July 2025, Luminara spans 794 feet (242 meters) and has a gross tonnage of 46,750. The yacht accommodates up to 452 guests across 226 spacious suites, all featuring private terraces. Designed to foster a closer connection to the sea, Luminara offers a refined yet relaxed onboard atmosphere, with thoughtfully designed spaces, five exceptional dining venues, seven bars, and an expansive Marina that provides direct access to the water for a range of activities, supporting an intimate and unhurried way of exploring the region by sea.

Photo credit: HKTB

Viking becomes official cruise line of the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 09 January 2026 09 January 2026

Viking and the PGA TOUR today announced a new multi-year marketing partnership that designates Viking as the Official Cruise Line of the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions.

The agreement, which currently runs through 2030, will center around a brand awareness campaign for Viking through media and digital placements on various PGA TOUR platforms.

“We are very pleased to be the Official Cruise Line of the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions,” said Richard Marnell, Viking’s Executive Vice President of Marketing. “Both golf and travel are important priorities in the lives of many Viking guests, so partnering with the PGA TOUR is a natural fit and builds on our continued commitment to support cultural programming and events.”

Viking was founded in 1997 with a vision that travel could be more destination-focused and culturally enriching. Today, Viking is a global leader in experiential travel, with a fleet of more than 100 ships, exploring 21 rivers, five oceans and all seven continents.

“We are excited to introduce Viking to our fans across the world as the new Official Cruise Line of the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions,” said Dan Glod, PGA TOUR Executive Vice President, Corporate Partnerships. “A universally recognized leader in the industry, we’re proud to partner with Viking as they are known for providing memorable and enriching travel experiences that resonate with our players and fans.”

Viking has a longstanding history of supporting cultural programming and events, partnering with prestigious institutions, such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the British Museum and the Metropolitan Opera. Viking also recently announced a long-term agreement with the Norwegian Football Federation, making Viking the main sponsor for the National Team Academy (Landslagsskolen) and Norway’s U-level national teams.

Windstar Cruises takes delivery of Star Seeker

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 15 December 2025 15 December 2025

Windstar Cruises has officially taken ownership of its newest all-suite yacht, Star Seeker, following a handover ceremony on December 15 at the WestSEA Shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal. The 224-guest yacht is the first new build in Windstar’s Star-class and marks a major milestone in the small ship cruise line’s ongoing fleet expansion.

The ceremony formalized the transfer of ownership. Representing Windstar were President Chris Prelog, Chief Operating Officer Stijn Creupelandt, Chief Commercial Officer Janet Bava and Vice President of Expansion Projects John Gunner, who oversaw the shipbuilding program. Also in attendance were Captain Tom Schofield and his team who have been instrumental in preparing Star Seeker for delivery, reflecting the dedication and expertise of Windstar’s crew – an essential part of the brand’s guest experience. They were joined by senior representatives of the Portuguese shipyard that brought the yacht to life.

“Taking delivery of a new ship is one of the most meaningful moments in a shipbuilding journey,” says Prelog. “From the float out to the handover, we’ve seen Star Seeker take shape with extraordinary craftsmanship. The WestSEA team and Mario Ferreira with Mystic Invest Holding team have been incredible partners throughout this process, and our crew, led by Captain Schofield, has worked tirelessly to ensure the yacht is delivered in exceptional condition. We cannot wait to welcome guests aboard in just a few short weeks.”

“Watching Star Seeker evolve from concept to completion has been a point of pride for everyone at WestSEA,” says Ferreira. “Windstar challenged us to build a yacht that could reach new destinations, deliver exceptional comfort and operate responsibly. We’re proud to hand her over today knowing she will bring guests closer to the world in ways only a small ship can.”

Star Seeker now enters its final preparations ahead of its December 2025 debut, beginning with a Maiden Voyage from Málaga, Spain, across the Atlantic to Miami, now home to Windstar Cruises’ corporate headquarters, where a christening ceremony is scheduled to take place on January 15th. Star Seeker will then venture to the Caribbean for a celebratory inaugural season before its highly anticipated return to Alaska and Japan later in the year.

[Editor's note: We are scheduled to be onboard the Star Seeker on December 21 onwards, so please follow us in our social media and of course this website.]