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Maritime Blue to host Seattle’s inaugural One Ocean Week

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

Maritime Blue will host the inaugural One Ocean Week Seattle along the city’s waterfront from October 20-26, 2025, bringing the international event to the United States for the first time. The weeklong program will convene international delegations, industry leaders, innovators, policymakers, and community members for panels, showcases, cultural events, and site visits focused on maritime innovation, sustainability, and collaboration.

One Ocean Week, officially endorsed by the UN Ocean Decade, is traditionally held each April in Bergen, Norway. The Seattle event will expand this global platform, showcasing the city’s role as a hub for maritime innovation.

“Seattle is a city shaped by the water – it drives our history, economy, and culture,” said Mayor Bruce Harrell of Seattle. “As a hub for maritime innovation, hosting One Ocean Week lets us share that story with the world while leading on solutions to protect our oceans, grow good jobs, and build a sustainable future for all.”

“Seattle and the Pacific Northwest have quickly grown into a global hub for maritime innovation and a sustainable Blue Economy,” said Joshua Berger, founder and president/CEO of Maritime Blue. “One Ocean Week Seattle is about bringing together people and ideas that can accelerate solutions for ocean action and build an economy that works for all. We’re proud to host this global celebration and extend the momentum of the UN Ocean Decade here in the United States.”

Over the course of the week, participants will explore solutions to urgent challenges such as maritime decarbonization, sustainable seafood, renewable ocean energy, healthy ecosystems, and digital ocean technologies.

Key event highlights include:
– One Ocean Week Seattle Summit: The centerpiece event will feature panels and roundtables with decision-makers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and communities driving ocean sustainability and the future of the Blue Economy.
– Welcoming the Statsraad Lehmkuhl: The historic Norwegian tall ship will sail into Seattle on its global One Ocean Expedition voyage, spotlighting the ocean’s central role in a sustainable future.
– Innovation Showcase: Startups, researchers, and investors will assemble to demonstrate breakthrough ocean technologies, including electrified vessels and kelp-based products.
– Cultural and Educational Programs: Youth engagement, mentorship opportunities, and community-driven initiatives will connect the next generation to ocean innovation and stewardship.

Get Involved: Members of the public, industry, and media are encouraged to attend One Ocean Week Seattle events and amplify its mission. To view the full program, register, or learn how to participate, visit maritimeblue.org/one-ocean-week-2025/schedule/.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises transforms all its sailings bilingual

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

With its “WORLD. WIDE. WONDERFUL.” campaign extending from 16 Sep to 31 Oct 2025, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is focusing on an emotionally staged brand experience. “The new campaign is a logical continuation of our brand launch at the turn of the year and shows how we are placing even greater emphasis on the unique Hapag-Lloyd Cruises on-board experience. The latter is one of our strengths, with our satisfaction ratings of over 90%, confirmed by our guest returning surveys post cruise. Naturally, we wish to introduce this feeling to new guests as well,” says Clas Eckholt, Vice President Commercial at TUI Cruises.

The Hapag-Lloyd Cruises fleet comprises the two luxury ships Europa and Europa 2 as well as the three expedition ships Hanseatic nature, Hanseatic inspiration and Hanseatic spirit. All five small ships have once again been awarded the highest rating of five stars by Insight Guides Cruising & Cruise Ships 2025, formally the Berlitz Cruise Guide, and are considered the best cruise fleet in the world. Two ships of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises – Europa 2 and Hanseatic inspiration – have already been operating in both German and English; and from January 2026 onwards, the entire fleet will conduct bilingual cruises, thus opening the entire fleet to discerning guests from around the world – without altering the core of what makes the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises fleet unique. “Guests who are seeking personalised experiences combined with luxury will find the ideal dream cruise provider with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. For more than 130 years, the fleet has stood for luxury. This development ensures that international guests can enjoy access to our range of individualised and signature luxury experiences – with bilingual service and seamless communication on board – without compromising on intimacy, elegance or authenticity,” emphasises Clas Eckholt.

Creative implementation and campaign content

Ines Bizi, Director of Marketing at Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, adds: “Our campaign is more than an offer – it is an invitation. An invitation to leave everyday life behind and immerse yourself in a world where every moment touches, inspires and lingers. We offer experiences that are not only seen, but felt with all the senses. Using new key visuals and emotional imagery, we create inspiration that inspires both long-standing guests and new customers alike.”

On the three manoeuvrable expedition ships, the focus is on the spectacular natural and adventure worlds of the Arctic, whilst service, cuisine and entertainment are the central themes on the small luxury ships Europa and Europa 2. The campaign’s media activities are accompanied by online marketing and direct guest communication measures. A total of 26 cruises are highlighted, with emphasis on the current early booking discount available until 31 Oct 2025. Starting with selected Mediterranean routes on the luxury fleet and discovery routes to the East and West Arctic on the expedition fleet, the campaign also includes routes in the Baltic Sea, the British Isles, cruises to the North Cape as well as the extraordinary expedition through the Northwest Passage.

Support for travel agencies

“Of course, we provide our partners in travel sales with all the necessary and new materials and tools for the “WORLD. WIDE. WONDERFUL.” campaign, supported by the early booking incentive, enabling them to advise their customers professionally. The campaign supports sales, inspires travel dreams and makes the uniqueness of our ships and cruises immediately tangible: all those who have already been on board with us immediately associate this feeling with an emotional world of experience. And for all those who have yet to enjoy it, we make this special momentum tangible,” says Elvir Johic, Director Sales at Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.

Travel agencies benefit from a comprehensive package of campaign materials:
– 36-page campaign brochure including cover letter
– Animated flip book brochure with many integrated films, images and links
– Social media templates
– Brand video (20 seconds, special version for travel agencies)

The campaign can be used directly in consulting and sales promotion, as all materials are effortlessly available via the “Agent Compass” agency portal in the ordering service.

Celebrity Xcel successfully completes sea trials

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

Celebrity Cruises’ latest ship, Celebrity Xcel, has reached a major milestone, completing its first ocean sailing on Saturday, September 13. Helmed by Captain ‘Kirk’ Kyriakos Matragkas, Celebrity Xcel completed a series of maneuverability skills designed to test the ship’s functional and operational capabilities near the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France – where the ship has been under construction.

After completing sea trials with flying colors, Celebrity Xcel is ready to welcome guests for inaugural sailings in November.

Fifth Edge-class ship

The fifth ship in Celebrity Cruises’ revolutionary Edge-series ships, Celebrity Xcel takes forward the best of the Edge-series while introducing seven new spaces that will deliver an unmatched vacation experience.

Celebrity Xcel will sail its 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 its inaugural European season where guests can immerse themselves in the Mediterranean like never before on 7-to 11-night journeys out of Barcelona and Athens, including all new overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal.

Seatrade Europe wraps up in Hamburg

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 14 September 2025 14 September 2025

Earlier this week Seatrade Europe – Cruise & River Cruise Convention took place in Hamburg Messe und Congress in Germany. The beautiful port side venue and host maritime city welcomed over 3,000 attendees from a record-breaking 100 countries and 250+ exhibitors along with 75 cruise line brands. This audience represented 30% growth on the 2023 edition. The variety of exhibiting companies demonstrated the continued strength and relevance of Seatrade Europe. Among the highlights were numerous new cruise destinations in the Destination Discovery Zone, a new Tech Zone reflecting the ongoing innovation needs of cruise lines, and the Newcomers Boulevard presenting new brands and services.

As well as the exceptional business and networking opportunities, the event delivered a cutting-edge conference under the theme of “Future Forward”. Over 140 speakers from across the industry led sessions and discussions on the most up to date topics such as decarbonization, guest experience, community engagement plus shore power and alternative fuel supply.

The event also hosted the 19th edition of the Seatrade Cruise Awards which celebrates excellence and rewards achievements across nine categories including the prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award and Personality of the Year Award for two individuals. There was a record number of entries.

As part of the newly introduced Travel Agent Days (11–12 September), travel agents were given exclusive free access to the exhibition. The new Destination Discovery Friday (12 September) then opened the doors, for the first time, to private cruise enthusiasts. This was well attended, providing a fitting finale to the week.

A particular focus this year was on river cruising: during the River Cruise Day, cruise lines, shipyards, suppliers and destinations discussed the opportunities and challenges of this rapidly growing segment. Topics included next-generation vessels, sustainable technologies and the development of new destinations. With rising passenger numbers and increasing demand, especially on Europe’s rivers, river cruising is seen as one of the industry’s most important growth drivers.

Claus Ulrich Selbach, Vice President Exhibitions Maritime and Energy said: “Organising Seatrade Europe for the 2025 edition and hosting the CLIA Ports & Destinations Dialogue in Hamburg is a clear signal of our city’s maritime strength and ambition. With our modern cruise infrastructure, vibrant port and strong network of international partners, Hamburg is perfectly positioned to remain Europe’s gateway for the global cruise community. This event showcases not only industry excellence but also the unique spirit of our maritime city.”

Chiara Giorgi, Global Brand & Event Director of Seatrade Cruise said: “Wow! What a week! It is always wonderful to bring the cruise industry family together, but this time felt very special – there is a real buzz and positivity about our future growth and change for the good right now. The event’s success truly is a group effort, so I’d like to offer a big thank you all of our partners, exhibitors, sponsors, delegates, speakers and other contributors for making this week one to remember.”

2027 and 2029 dates – Seatrade Europe is a biennial event. The dates of the next two editions are 15-17 September 2027 and 12-14 September 2029.

Mitsui Ocean Cruises appoints Joe Maloney as Head of Sales in North America

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 12 September 2025 12 September 2025

Mitsui Ocean Cruises announced the appointment of seasoned travel executive Joe Maloney as the of head of sales for its general sales agent partner in North America, a strategic leadership role as the Japanese cruise line continues its growth in the U.S. and Canadian markets.

Maloney brings more than 35 years of experience in the travel industry, beginning his career in the late 1980s as a Tour Director for Tauck, leading tours throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe. In the 1990s, he transitioned into sales and marketing, later holding executive positions at The Travel Corporation, Scenic, AAA, and Swan Hellenic. His extensive travels have taken him across all seven continents, underscoring a career built on global expertise and a deep passion for travel.

“Joe’s leadership and deep industry knowledge will be instrumental in expanding Mitsui Ocean Cruises’ presence in North America,” said Tony Kaufman, Head of Commercial Strategies. “His strong advisor relationships and trusted reputation make him the ideal partner to share our uniquely Japanese cruise experience - defined by distinct hospitality, natural beauty, and culture.”

Maloney joins Albert Hartigan, who leads partner marketing in North America. Together they will work closely with travel advisors, group leaders, marketing partners and consumers. Maloney can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Maloney added, “My recent sailing aboard Mitsui Ocean Fuji with leading travel advisors underscored the tremendous opportunity ahead of us in North America. Travelers here are seeking completely new and different experiences. As the only Japanese company in the international cruise market, we’re uniquely positioned to provide authentic Japan through traditional ‘omotenashi’ (from the heart) service, the praise of delicious cuisine, and deeply meaningful explorations ashore. These beautiful encounters with Japan are delivered in luxury, on our all-suite, intimate cruise vessels.”

Based in Boulder, Colo., Maloney resides with his wife, Kathy, and their two daughters.

Mitsui Ocean Cruises launched its first luxury ship, Mitsui Ocean Fuji, in 2024, offering immersive itineraries in Japan with a focus on authentic cultural encounters, natural beauty, and cuisine. Building on this success, the company will debut its second ship, Mitsui Ocean Sakura, in 2026, further expanding its footprint and offerings for global travelers.