More News

Celestyal reports record-breaking Mediterranean and Adriatic season

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 01 December 2025 01 December 2025

Celestyal has concluded its most successful Mediterranean and Adriatic season on record, with Mediterranean passenger numbers increasing by four percent and revenue up 10% over 2024.

Operating from April to November, the line offered 10 “Heavenly Greece, Italy & Croatia” sailings and 22 “Idyllic Greece” voyages on the 1,260-guest Celestyal Journey, with both itineraries offering seven ports over seven nights. The 1,360-guest Celestyal Discovery sailed 69 departures of the three- and four-night “Iconic Greek Islands.”

The season also featured Celestyal Discovery becoming the first cruise vessel in Greek waters to operate on a locally produced marine biofuel blend, reducing CO₂ emissions by approximately 21%.

Both ships are now preparing to reposition to the Arabian Gulf for the winter.

Lee Haslett, Chief Commercial Officer at Celestyal, said: “2025 has been another strong year for Celestyal so far. From expanding our itineraries and upgrading our fleet to pioneering sustainability efforts, we’ve seen record demand and yield across our Mediterranean program. We now look ahead with real excitement as both Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery set sail for the Arabian Gulf, which is fast becoming the go-to destination for winter-sun.”

Added John Diorio, Vice President of Business Development, North America, at Celestyal, “I just returned from hosting 32 top North America advisors on our final ‘Heavenly Greece, Italy & Croatia’ cruise of the season and they were blown away by the itinerary and the immersive experiences. We feel we have accomplished so much this year, but are excited for what’s to come in 2026 and reaching more advisors and guests in North America.”

Celestyal’s Arabian Gulf season begins on December 6, 2025, with Celestyal Journey departing on a special Abu Dhabi Grand Prix celebratory cruise. It will then operate a seven-night “Desert Days” itinerary for the rest of the season, sailing roundtrip from Doha and calling at Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain, as well as two full days and an overnight stay in Dubai.

Celestyal Discovery will then join her fleet mate for her inaugural season in the region, departing December 12, 2025, and launching the line’s new three-, four- and seven-night “Iconic Arabia” cruises. The ship will sail roundtrip from her winter homeport in Abu Dhabi, calling at Doha, Qatar; Khasab, Oman; Dubai, UAE; Sir Bani Yas Island, UAE; and maiden visits to Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.

World Cruises launches new type of cruise product in Asia

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 22 November 2025 22 November 2025

World Cruises officially unveils World Legacy, a newly refurbished first-of-its-kind lifestyle cruise redefining what it means to get away. World Legacy offers guests a seamless day-to-night experience that effortlessly blends relaxation, indulgence, and entertainment, a cruise that never sleeps, all within 30 minutes from shore.

World Legacy is designed as a hybrid between a flexible day-cruise destination and a hassle-free multi-night escape. Guests have the flexibility to choose between visiting the cruise for a few hours, enjoying a full day out at sea or extending their visit to an overnight or 3D2N stay at the floating lifestyle destination that never sleeps. Access to the cruise is seamless through a hybrid pickup system operating from both Singapore and Malaysia, with multiple daily ferries departing from Singapore Cruise Centre and Puteri Harbour Cruise Centre in Johor Bahru.

World Legacy is a floating lifestyle destination that evolves with the day, offering daytime relaxation with wellness experiences and refined dining. As night falls, the ship comes alive with a signature dining experience, artisanal cocktails, live music, and immersive entertainment.

“World Legacy was built for those who crave a quick escape without the constraints of a traditional holiday. We wanted to create an experience where guests can enjoy the best of nightlife, dining, and entertainment, all on their own terms. You can come aboard, unwind, indulge, and even party through the night, then disembark whenever you wish. In a time when the cost of a night out keeps climbing, we offer a refreshing, duty-free alternative. This is a place to disconnect from the grid, recharge, and simply have a good time,” said Martin Blanar, Vice President of Hotel Operations.

World Legacy features 300 stylish cabins offering a selection of room options, including a cosy two-pax cabin, to family cabins that can comfortably accommodate a family of three to four. VIP suites are also available, offering a touch of luxury and exclusive comfort for guests seeking an elevated experience out at sea.

Preview voyages will commence on 18 December 2025, with embarkation via a dedicated ferry transfer from the Singapore Cruise Centre at HarbourFront Centre. Round-trip ferry tickets, inclusive of meals, start from just S$38, providing guests with an affordable and seamless way to board the ship. Cabin rates begin at S$50 per night, and in selected room configurations, prices can go as low as S$17.50 per person per night, making it one of the most accessible cruise experiences in the region.

To mark the launch, the cruise is introducing an exclusive opening promotional package from S$89 per person for a 3D2N stay (two-to-go). This package includes ferry transfers, buffet breakfast, and full-day meals on Deck 3, offering exceptional value and a convenient all-inclusive getaway for early guests.

By day, a retreat. by night, a celebration.

Mornings on World Legacy are thoughtfully designed for slow living, a time to pause, breathe and soak in the tranquillity of the sea. Guests can immerse themselves in wellness sessions or connect with themselves through activities that encourage self-awareness. It’s a time when guests can fully disconnect from the city’s hectic pace and set their own rhythm for the day.

As the sun sets, World Legacy shifts from a serene retreat into a lively social playground. Clubhouse 88 is a sports bar featuring live screenings of international sporting events, a curated bar menu, and themed nights, perfectly built for sports enthusiasts. At Legacy Theatre, it is designed to host world-class performances from renowned singers across Asia in an intimate livehouse setting. Illusion Bar is the cruise’s theatrical speakeasy offering thematic cocktails and curated baijiu selection, creating an immersive experience that blends mixology with entertainment.

From sunrise to sunset, World Legacy keeps the energy shifting, making sure guests are offered a 24-hour experience that feels both indulgent and effortless.

Culinary experiences that meet every guest’s mood and celebration

World Legacy understands how important food is for everyone, so it takes centre stage on board. Each meal is an experience in itself, thoughtfully designed to match every guest’s mood and celebration. From casual, comforting meals at the 24-hour Asian-inspired eatery, Uncle Wu Cafe, to refined indulgences at Orchid Pavilion, serving traditional Chinese dishes, to a casual international selection of meals at Legacy Buffet, guests are spoiled for choice.

Not forgetting the Sunset Deck, World Legacy’s signature open-air space, which will be ready in 2026, offers panoramic sea views of the Straits. The programming on the deck shifts seamlessly from day to night, from morning wellness, golden hour music and drinks to a night-long open-air entertainment that also doubles as the perfect space for private events.

“We wanted World Legacy to be more than a cruise. It’s a destination that transforms every hour. With activities that gradually evolve from having a peaceful morning to a thrilling night out, guests can curate their own rhythm at sea, making each time they visit our cruise uniquely theirs. We’re a cruise that accompanies those sleepless nights while also being there for your sun-loving morning. Join us on World Legacy for a staycation that truly never sleeps,” commented Martin Blanar, Vice President of Hotel Operations.

From our archives: Embracing the Korean wave – why Korea is an emerging cruise destination

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 19 November 2025 19 November 2025

Have you heard the term “Korean Wave?”

Our cruise line clients are telling us that northern Asia is once more one of the most popular regions. Among those countries travelers are increasingly curious about is Korea.

“The country is on the lips of travelers around the world, thanks to its cutting-edge technology, world-class cuisine, chart-topping pop bands and some of the most exciting movies and TV series being made anywhere,” we read in Lonely Planet. Indeed, in 2023, it welcomed more than 11 million international visitors, a 245% increase from 2022, according to the Korea Tourism Organization.

I was one of those 11 million folks who took a trip to the Republic of Korea last year, and it opened my eyes wide to its vast potential as a cruise destination.

Our trip, hosted by the Korea Tourism Organization, New York Office, visited the ports of Incheon (closest port to Seoul), Sokcho, on the northeast coast, Busan, on the southeast coast, and Yeosu, to the south. I spent five days on my own in Seoul before our fam started and I didn’t even scratch the surface. We didn’t make it to Jeju Island on this trip and that’s a place I’ll definitely visit on the next.

The job we were there to do? As Korea is beginning to make inroads in attracting more cruise visitors, it wants to better tell the stories of each place.

What every city had in common

The most powerful commonality that the cities of Seoul, Incheon, Sokcho, Busan and Yeosu had was a strong reverence toward the past, celebrating tradition, while also enthusiastically courting the future. In Seoul, teenage girls don costumes as a way to honor their heritage.

All the travel guides say that while in Busan, you must visit the fish market, but I’d suggest you take a surf lesson instead. Incheon balances its reverence for those who fought in the Korean War with an ambitious downtown resurrection that has made room for Songdo Central Park and a Zaha Hadid-designed skyscraper along with Wolmido Park, which honors ancient rural traditions, and the Memorial Hall for Incheon Landing Operation, which memorializes the Korean War.

In Sokcho, after a visit to the Swiss-like Seoraksan National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, where we absorbed its spectacular natural wonders, we wound up at Craft Root Brewery, an emerging brewpub. One compelling instance of the delicate balance of old and new was its market. During the daytime, it operates as a traditional market selling fish and produce. At the end of the workday, it transforms into a bustling spot where young families come to socialize and purchase ready-made dinners.

And in Yeosu, whose geography lends itself to one of the premier tea-planting areas in Korea, you can visit the pastoral Baekrok Tea Garden, where tea is still picked by hand, and then head over to Suncheonman Bay’s National Garden, which celebrates traditional gardens from 12 countries.

What else do you need to know about Korea?

There are other things worth noting about Korea. A number of its restaurants have earned Michelin stars, and its developments in consumer manufacturing, education and technology have earned global recognition, with companies like Samsung, Kia and LG leading the way.

Overall, the country has gone from one of the world’s poorest economies in the 1960s to one of the richest today, ranking in the top 20 economies worldwide.

American Cruise Lines christens American Pioneer in Key West

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 17 November 2025 17 November 2025

American Cruise Lines announced that the newest cruise ship in the country, American Pioneer, was christened in Key West, Florida on Monday, November 10th. American Pioneer is the 21st ship in the American Cruise Lines fleet. The inaugural cruise followed the company’s new 16-Day Grand Florida Coast & Keys itinerary, which explores both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of Florida. American Pioneer was docked at Mallory Square for last week’s christening festivities. Key West is a regular 2-day stop on the new itinerary and offers 20 different shore excursions, including a visit to Dry Tortugas National Park.

American Pioneer’s christening celebration included cruise guests, local partners, and community members. All attendees gathered on the ship’s top deck for the official blessing and ceremonial bottle smash, followed by a reception in the ship’s Sky Lounge. Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines, gave remarks as did American Pioneer’s Godmother, Danise “Dee Dee” Henriquez, Mayor of Key West. American Pioneer is the 2nd new American Cruise Lines ship Mayor Henriquez is godmother to; she also christened one of the Line’s Coastal Cats, American Legend, in February 2025.

“We are thrilled to christen another new ship here in Key West and we are especially honored to be joined by American Pioneer’s godmother, Mayor Henriquez, along with many of our inaugural cruise guests,” said Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines.

Brand-new American Pioneer accommodates just 130 guests. Every stateroom and suite has a private balcony, and the ship features multiple lounges and dining options. The company has 9 additional ships currently under construction, including 4 exact sisterships to American Pioneer.

The inaugural 16-Day Grand Florida Coast & Keys cruise began in Amelia Island, Florida on October 31st and concluded in St. Petersburg, Florida on November 15th. American has three ships sailing their exclusive, all-domestic Florida cruises through April 2026, including popular 9-Day Florida Gulf Coast & Keys cruises, which operate roundtrip from St. Petersburg.

Crystal names its newbuild as Crystal Grace

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 13 November 2025 13 November 2025

Crystal announced today the name of its new ship: Crystal Grace. This is the first ocean new build for the brand in 25 years and under the ownership of AKTG (Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group).

Scheduled for delivery in May 2028, Crystal Grace will embark on her inaugural voyage on June 11, 2028, following a series of preview sailings. The ship will represent a bold and industry-leading evolution of Crystal’s celebrated heritage, blending innovation, sophistication and timeless style, while signaling the next chapter in Crystal’s journey to redefine luxury at sea.

As part of the launch campaign, the brand created a digital word game shared across all social channels inviting fans to guess the name of the ship themselves before the big reveal.

“Crystal Grace is more than a name; it’s a promise. It reflects the effortless elegance, generous spirit, and sense of tranquility that define the Crystal experience. Crystal Grace is the embodiment of why we were awarded the World’s Best Cruise Line by Travel + Leisure, combining the best food, service, space, entertainment and shore experiences (by Abercrombie & Kent). With this ship, we are honoring our heritage while continuing to evolve for a new generation of guests," said Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group.

The name Grace was chosen to reflect the ship’s refined aesthetic, seamless onboard experience and the graceful way in which Crystal ships navigate the world’s most breathtaking destinations. The 650-passenger (based on double occupancy), 61,800-gross-ton Crystal Grace will offer spacious all-suite accommodations, entertainment and world-class dining including Umi Uma, the only Nobu restaurant at sea, the only Beefbar at sea and menus designed by the Michelin-starred Italian Alajmo brothers at Osteria d’Ovidio, all included in the voyage price. Guests will be pleased to find a promenade extending the whole ship’s perimeter, perfect for leisurely strolls with stunning ocean views. The ship will still offer one of the highest crew-to-passenger ratios in this segment, ensuring the personalized service and attention to detail that has made Crystal an award-winning brand for more than three decades.

On land, Abercrombie & Kent will curate a series of exceptional land experiences and events across the world, powered by its network of integrated DMCs: Crystal is the only cruise line with this global, in-house capability.

Details around Crystal Grace’s suite categories will be announced in December, with additional news on the inaugural voyages, design features and new onboard offerings, unveiled in the coming months.