More News

Celebrity Cruises takes delivery of Celebrity Xcel and names next ship Celebrity Xcite

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 23 October 2025 23 October 2025

Today Celebrity Cruises took delivery and welcomed its newest ship – Celebrity Xcel – and announced the name of its sixth Edge Series ship – Celebrity Xcite – as the ship’s first piece of steel was cut and construction commenced at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire. Celebrity Xcite is expected to set sail in 2028, continuing the brand’s legacy of redefining premium cruising.

“Celebrity Xcel represents the next bold step in our journey to transform the way the world experiences premium travel," said Royal Caribbean Group president and CEO Jason Liberty. "Each ship in the Edge Series has reimagined what's possible at sea through elevated design and experiences that deepen the connection to the destinations being visited. With Celebrity Xcel now joining the fleet and Celebrity Xcite on the horizon, we're continuing to set new standards for excellence and innovation alongside our trusted partners at Chantiers de l'Atlantique."

“Celebrity Xcel has been designed with our guest as our north star, we even involved them in the design process through the Xcel Dream Makers program, so we know she will be the happy place of vacationers globally,” continued Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. “We’re thrilled to welcome guests aboard next month and are excited to further expand these offerings on Celebrity Xcite.”

“Celebrity Xcel and the entire Edge Series is the result of close collaboration between our teams,” shared Laurent Castaing, general manager of Chantiers de l'Atlantique. “Our continued partnership with Royal Caribbean Group on Celebrity Xcite reflects a shared commitment to excellence and innovation.”

Celebrity Xcel officially joins Celebrity Cruises’ fleet

Royal Caribbean Group executives and Celebrity Cruises crew gathered to celebrate the handover of Celebrity Xcel from Chantiers de l’Atlantique.

Welcoming the newest addition to the Celebrity Cruises fleet were Liberty, Hodges Bethge, Castaing, and captain Kyriakos Matragkas, captain of Celebrity Xcel. Executives were also joined by more than 1,600 Celebrity Xcel crew members in the celebration.

The milestone was marked with time-honored maritime traditions, including a formal signing ceremony, the symbolic changing of flags aboard the vessel, and a celebratory toast in the ship’s spectacular three-story Grand Plaza.

Celebrity Xcel will set sail in November with seven brand new spaces – from erasing the line between ship and shore to creating even more ways to restore and explore while on vacation.

Celebrity Xcite becomes sixth ship in Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Series

Celebrity Cruises also ushered in its next era of excellence, as it revealed the name of Celebrity Xcel’s sister ship – Celebrity Xcite. The name was unveiled during a steel cutting ceremony, marking the official start of construction. Executives from Royal Caribbean Group and the shipyard were present to celebrate this milestone.

Celebrity Cruises’ sixth Edge Series ship, Celebrity Xcite will continue to elevate the guest experience, furthering the innovative experiences coveted in her sister ships designed to deliver an unmatched premium vacation.

Celebrity Xcel and Celebrity Xcite will connect guests to the breathtaking world around them like never before.

From November, Celebrity Xcel will sail her inaugural season from Fort Lauderdale, offering 7-night itineraries alternating between The Bahamas, Mexico, Cayman Islands, and Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. In Summer 2026, Celebrity Xcel will set sail on her inaugural European season where guests can immerse themselves in the Mediterranean like never before on seven- to 11-night journeys out of Barcelona and Athens, including all new overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal.

Mitsui Ocean Cruises releases new 2026 Japan itineraries in North America for Mitsui Ocean Fuji

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 23 October 2025 23 October 2025

Mitsui Ocean Cruises, Japan’s premier luxury cruise brand, released 22 new 2026 itineraries onboard Mitsui Ocean Fuji offering “FUNATABI – Beautiful Encounters with Japan.”

Now open for booking in North America, these sailings deliver a truly genuine cultural experience - one that only a Japanese cruise line can provide - inviting guests to connect with Japan’s people, natural wonders, and time-honored customs.

“Our new 2026 Japan itineraries are perfect for discerning travelers and groups seeking to explore Japan in an extraordinary and authentic way,” said Joe Maloney, Head of Sales, North America, for Mitsui Ocean Cruises. “Aboard Mitsui Ocean Fuji, guests experience heartfelt omotenashi service on Japan’s most luxurious all-suite cruise ship. From cherry blossoms and Golden Week to summer festivals, fireworks, and holiday voyages, our 2026 program offers unforgettable journeys and lifelong memories.”

Sailing from March through December 2026, and ranging in length from five to 11 days, each voyage is thoughtfully designed to showcase the beauty of Japan’s four seasons, beloved local traditions, and tranquil coastal scenery. With convenient roundtrip departures from Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, and Kobe, highlights of the season include:

Spring

– Sakura Serenade (March 18, 2026): Six nights roundtrip from Nagoya with Kochi, Uwajima, Nakatsu and Busan
– Petals & Ports (March 30, 2026): Seven nights roundtrip from Tokyo featuring Ibusuki, Sasebo, Busan and Kobe
– Echoes of the Sea (April 6, 2026): Nine nights roundtrip from Tokyo with Kagoshima, Yatsushiro, Fukue, Hamada, Busan and Hososhima
– Golden Week (April 29, 2026): 11 nights roundtrip from Yokohama sailing to Miyako, Matsumae, Akita, Nanao, Busan, Matsuyama and Shimizu

Summer

– Nebuta Summer Festival (July 30, 2026): Nine nights roundtrip from Yokohama featuring Beppu, Busan, Akita, Aomori and Miyako
– Southern Japan Fireworks (August 16, 2026): Nine nights roundtrip Tokyo with Kumano, Kochi, Jeju, Kagoshima and Tanegashima

Fall

– Autumn Equinox in Southern Shores (September 19, 2026): Eight nights roundtrip from Kobe sailing to Hakata, Busan, Yatsushiro, Ibusuki, Naze and Tanegashima

Winter

– Coastal Japan Christmas (December 17, 2026): Eight nights roundtrip from Yokohama featuring Nagoya, Osaka, Beppu, Sasebo, Busan and Shimizu

On every cruise, a hand-selected shore experience with English-speaking guide is included in most ports - sometimes a half-day tour, sometimes a full-day tour with lunch, or convenient port shuttles - so guests can explore with ease at no extra cost.

In addition, Mitsui Ocean Fuji voyages are inclusive of beverages – including specialty coffees, cocktails, beer and wine – WiFi and more. All 22 new 2026 itineraries are on sale now and the full program can be found at https://www.mitsuioceancruises.us/itineraries.

Launched in December 2024, the 32,477-gross-ton, 458-guest Mitsui Ocean Fuji delivers a one-of-a-kind cruise vacation, sailing with Japanese guests and crew, to organically feel the culture in a way that is genuine to how the locals enjoy leisure travel. An inclusive atmosphere paves the way for guests to find their own time and space to enjoy delicately flavored and beautifully presented cuisine, lively entertainment and exciting ports of call to explore ashore.

In North America, Distinct Cruises International serves as the General Sales Agent (GSA) for Mitsui Ocean Cruises, led by Albert Hartigan, Executive Vice President of Partner Marketing, and Joe Maloney, Head of Sales.

Virgin Voyages welcomes Brilliant Lady in Miami

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

Miami turned up the heat last night as Virgin Voyages threw a star-studded celebration to welcome its newest ship, Brilliant Lady, to the city. The glittering red-hot event drew more than 2,000 guests – including DJ Khaled, rapper Swae Lee, Selling Sunset’s Polly Brindle, actors Agustina Palma and Lilimar Hernandez, and The Real Housewives of Miami stars Kiki Barth, Alexia Nepola, Marysol Patton and Larsa Pippen – alongside journalists, influencers, brand partners, and 1,000 of the brand’s beloved First Mates.

The evening was pure Virgin – bold, musical and unmistakably glamorous. Guests were treated to the world premiere of Red Hot, a rockumentary-style spectacular inspired by Virgin Records’ legendary music catalog. Featuring hits from the Spice Girls, Janet Jackson, David Bowie, Queen, The Killers, and The Sex Pistols, the show celebrates Virgin’s 50-plus-year legacy in music, complete with archival footage of Sir Richard Branson and a high-octane cast that had the crowd on its feet.

The ship’s entertainment lineup also wowed with Up With A Twist, a Gatsby-inspired Supper Club that channels the Roaring Twenties with theatrical flair and old-world opulence. Throughout the day, guests discovered new Brilliant Lady exclusives – from Secret Vintage, a speakeasy-style wine tasting, to The Stitch Up in the Social Club, and Rojo, the ship’s fiery Spanish-inspired eatery. The night ended with Electric, a glowing, neon-drenched dance party in The Manor that pulsed long into the early hours.

Against the backdrop of the shimmering Miami skyline, the evening marked a symbolic and emotional homecoming for Virgin Voyages, recently crowned the World’s No. 1 Cruise Line for the third consecutive year. Brilliant Lady will spend the coming weeks sailing the Caribbean before making her way through the Panama Canal to Los Angeles and onward to Alaska in spring 2026. Soon after, all four of Virgin Voyages’ sister ships – Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady and Brilliant Lady – will unite in the Caribbean for the very first time, marking a defining moment for the brand as it continues to welcome more Sailors to experience its unique, adult-only take on travel at sea.

GTT, Bloom Energy and Ponant Explorations Group partner on integrated energy system for sustainable shipping

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

GTT, Bloom Energy and Ponant Explorations Group announced a joint innovation project to develop an integrated energy system combining Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) powered by LNG1 with Marine Carbon Capture (MCC) designed to cover the vessel’s energy needs related to onboard consumption. This breakthrough system is expected to equip Ponant Explorations Group’s future Swap2Zero cruise vessel by 2030, which will be propelled by wind-assisted system and fuel cells.

As part of this project, GTT will design and develop a Marine Carbon Capture system compatible with Bloom Energy’s SOFC technology. This integrated solution will supply auxiliary electricity for the vessel, covering hotel load such as lighting, hot water, and onboard services, while also capturing CO₂ from the combustion gases. This dual approach, combining emission reduction and the reuse of low-temperature energy from the ship’s cryogenic installations will further enhance the overall efficiency of the SOFC system through optimized thermal management.

This initiative reflects the partners’ shared commitment to advancing the decarbonization of maritime transport. By combining their expertise, they aim to develop next-generation onboard energy solutions that demonstrate the critical role of advanced technologies in this transition. Together, they intend to contribute to the International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s decarbonization goals and accelerate the shift of the maritime sector towards low-emission operations.

Philippe Berterottière, Chairman and CEO of GTT, commented: “Combining GTT’s technology and expertise with our partners’ is how we will design the ships of the future and accelerate the decarbonization of maritime transport. This project reflects our shared ambition to deliver high-performance and innovative solutions that support the transformation of maritime transport. We are proud to contribute to this ambitious and forward-looking initiative.”

Aman Joshi, Chief Commercial Officer of Bloom Energy, commented: “We see solid oxide fuel cells as a cornerstone of the maritime industry's low-carbon future. We're proud to contribute to the Swap2Zero project, an ambitious collaboration focused on developing next-generation vessels aligned with the IMO’s carbon reduction vision. Powered by LNG, Bloom Energy’s high-efficiency solid oxide fuel cell system not only delivers best-in-class electrical conversion but also captures and repurposes waste heat for onboard heating and cooling loads. By integrating fuel cells with onboard carbon capture and sequestration, this initiative exemplifies how innovation and collaboration can accelerate the transition to cleaner, more sustainable shipping.”

Mathieu Petiteau, Newbuilding and R&D Director of Ponant Explorations Group, commented: “This partnership is a key milestone in developing innovative and efficient ways to capture CO2 and embodies our commitment to finding new solutions to decarbonizing the maritime industry. It also marks another step forward for our Swap2Zero vessel project, co-funded by the European Union Innovation Fund and France 2030. It represents an important step towards delivering the next generation of low-emission vessels.”

Meyer Werft delivers Disney Destiny

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 16 October 2025 16 October 2025

Meyer Werft delivered its latest cruise ship, Disney Destiny, earlier this week. The handover to Disney Cruise Line took place on schedule in Eemshaven, the Netherlands. Disney Destiny features the most complex and innovative entertainment facilities in the cruise industry. The first passengers will board in November.

"We are delighted to deliver the Disney Destiny to Disney Cruise Line today. It is the latest milestone in our long-standing partnership with Disney Cruise Line. I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone involved," said Bernd Eikens, CEO of Meyer Werft. Eikens signed the delivery documents together with Joe Schott, President of Disney Signature Experiences.

Mythical adventures await families aboard the Disney Destiny, where iconic Disney, Pixar and Marvel heroes and villains come to life. Exclusive to the Disney Destiny is Disney Hercules. Larger-than-life characters, spirited comedy and legendary music from Walt Disney Animation Studios are brought to the stage. Fun and action can also be found on the upper deck, where there are ten pools and water play areas. Several imaginative restaurants are available on board, including the ‘Pride Lands’, where singers and dancers perform a musical retelling of ‘The Lion King’ during dinner.

The Disney Destiny is the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet and the sixth ship that Meyer Werft has built for the shipping company. Meyer Werft and Disney Cruise Line have a long-standing partnership that began with the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, which were delivered in 2010 and 2012. In 2022, the Disney Wish, the first ship in the Wish class, was delivered. Another sister ship is currently under construction in Papenburg and will be delivered in autumn 2027.

Meyer Werft's order book thus consists of eight cruise ships and two offshore converter platforms and extends into 2031