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American Cruise Lines celebrated the 4th of July christening American Patriot in Newport

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 10 July 2025 10 July 2025

American Cruise Lines christened American Patriot in Newport, Rhode Island last week – celebrating the holiday and simultaneously marking the countdown to the country’s 250th birthday on July 4th, 2026. American Patriot is the first ship in the company’s new Patriot Class – a fleet of new 130-passenger ships designed for exclusively cruising the U.S.A. Patriot Class sister ships, American Pioneer, American Maverick, and American Ranger are soon to launch later this year and into 2026.

American Patriot’s christening festivities included cruise guests, community members, officials from Sail Newport, and a small group of American’s executives and crewmembers. Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines, gave remarks as did American Patriot’s Godmother, Susan Daly, President of Sail Newport, along with other notables, including Carol Robertson, Co-Founder of American Cruise Lines. Cruise guests and christening attendees gathered on the ship’s top deck for the official blessing and ceremonial bottle smash, followed by a traditional New England lobsterbake at Fort Adams State Park just steps from where the ship was docked.

“We are so pleased to be back in Newport this summer, christening yet another new U.S. ship and celebrating the 4th of July with our guests,” said Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines. “We are especially honored to be joined by American Patriot’s godmother, Susan Daly, President of Sail Newport, and so many of our Eagle Society members, who cruise with us again and again, whole-heartedly supporting our mission to offer the finest cruise explorations for discovering and re-discovering America.”

Brand new American Patriot accommodates just 130 guests. It features 4 decks, private balcony staterooms and suites, a chart room, spacious lounges (including a top deck lounge with a walking track), plus a main restaurant, casual café, and fitness center. The company’s new Patriot Class ships and all 25 small ships in the fleet offer world-class amenities, unusual for ships of their size.

American Patriot is the newest cruise ship in the U.S.A., and the flagship in the company’s newest Patriot Class, but it just the latest in a long line of new innovative small ships introduced by American Cruise Lines. Sister ship American Pioneer launches later this year in Florida.

The company’s rapid fleet expansion is also well-timed to honor the country’s 250th birthday. In addition to numerous new ships launching in 2025 and 2026, American has also introduced an array of Extended Cruises celebrating the 250th – 50-Day+ U.S. itineraries highlighting the grandeur and history of the U.S.A. – small ship adventures that explore America’s great rivers and waterways from the glaciers in Alaska to the beaches in the Florida Keys. American Patriot and American Pioneer will sail several of the Line’s new Extended Cruises throughout 2026, among other itineraries dedicated to exploring the U.S.A.

Windstar Cruises announces fleet operations leadership updates

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 10 July 2025 10 July 2025

Windstar Cruises, the leader in upscale, yacht-style voyages for fewer than 350 guests, today announced key updates to its Fleet Operations leadership, underscoring a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and nurturing exceptional talent. These changes strengthen the team guiding Windstar’s signature 180 Degrees from Ordinary experience, both on deck and behind the scenes.

After more than four decades in the maritime industry, Paul Barrett, vice president of marine & technical operations, departed Windstar to retire July 1st, 2025. Since 2017, Barrett’s thoughtful stewardship has driven Windstar’s operational performance, safety standards, and environmental progress – shaping a legacy of excellence that continues to inspire the next generation of fleet leadership.

To build on this momentum, Windstar has created two specialized roles: vice president of marine operations and vice president of technical operations, elevating expertise while supporting the brand’s growing, global footprint.

Captain Alan Wilson steps aboard as Windstar’s new vice president of marine operations, bringing over 25 years of executive maritime leadership. Most recently vice president of marine operations for Holland America Group, Captain Wilson is renowned for his strategic mindset and calm, decisive leadership – qualities honed through guiding global fleets, optimizing safety and navigation, and managing personnel during both routine and extraordinary circumstances. Wilson’s experience includes leading large-scale crew repatriation during the COVID-19 pandemic and driving innovation in bridge design for next-generation yachts. He will be based at Windstar’s Miami headquarters.

Giovanni (Gio) Canu has been promoted to vice president of technical operations. With more than 35 years of maritime experience—including senior roles at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and Carnival Cruise Line – Canu is recognized for advancing fleet decarbonization and sustainable operations. His expertise spans engineering, dry dock execution, alternative fuels, and energy efficiency – championing modernization at every turn.

“Paul will be greatly missed, but we’re proud to foster a team with such depth and passion for the Windstar way,” said Windstar’s Chief Operations Officer Stijn Creupelandt. “Alan and Gio’s leadership reflect our values of innovation, safety, and personalized service—qualities that ensure our guests always feel at home, wherever our yachts may roam. As we look ahead to the debut of Star Seeker and a growing collection of immersive itineraries, their expertise will keep Windstar at the forefront of small-ship cruising.”

These updates come as Windstar prepares to launch two new ships – Star Seeker in 2025 and Star Explorer in 2026 – and expand its curated global sailings. With a nimble, seasoned feet operations team at the helm, Windstar continues to deliver its signature blend of fun-loving moments, “home at sea” comfort, and access to extraordinary destinations—proving there’s nothing ordinary about a Windstar voyage.

Crystal finalizes financing for first two ultra-luxury cruise ships

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

Crystal, the leader in exceptional cruise experiences, today announced the successful finalization of a SACE-backed ECA financing facility for its first two state-of-the-art high-end cruise ships, marking a significant milestone in the company's fleet expansion program.

"Securing this financing represents a decisive step forward in Crystal's expansion and demonstrates the strong market confidence in our strategy," said Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, Executive Chairman of A&K Travel Group, Crystal's parent company. "We are grateful for the trust placed in us by our banking partners, led by Citibank, N.A. London Branch, along with Banco Santander, S.A., CaixaBank, S.A., UK Branch, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti S.p.A., Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Banca Monte Dei Paschi Di Siena S.p.a., and Bper Banca S.p.A. This consortium's backing validates our position in the ultra-luxury cruise segment."

Cristina Levis, AKTG CEO, emphasized "The SACE-backed ECA financing was made possible through the dedicated support of key Italian financial institutions. We extend our deep gratitude to the Italian Export Credit Agency SACE, under the leadership of CEO Alessandra Ricci and team leader Mariano Di Biagio, for their strategic partnership."

The company also acknowledges the essential contributions of Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, and of Simest in structuring this comprehensive financing package. The two vessels, each boasting a gross tonnage of 61,800 tons and accommodating approximately 650 passengers, represent the next generation of luxury cruising. Developed by renowned international architectural firms, the ships will feature all-suite accommodations with private verandas, including popular single occupancy categories designed for solo travelers, complemented by one of the highest crew-to-passenger ratios in the luxury cruise segment.

Thanks to the longstanding commitment of Fincantieri and the three-decade relationship between the Italian shipyard and the Lefebvre family, construction has continued as planned. The first ship is expected to be delivered in May 2028, with the second vessel following the established timeline. This financing milestone reinforces Crystal's position as a leader in luxury cruising and demonstrates the strong confidence of the international financial community in the company's future growth and market position.

Crystal has been advised by Clifford Chance, while Norton Rose Fulbright acted for both the lenders and SACE.

Celestyal refinances to accelerate its growth strategy

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

Celestyal, the boutique cruise line offering unmissable and immersive experiences on land and at sea, has announced the successful completion of a major refinancing initiative, replacing its original vessel acquisition funding with a more efficient financing model.

This milestone marks a significant step forward in Celestyal’s growth plans, substantially lowering the company’s cost of capital and unlocking additional flexibility to reinvest in its fleet, product and commercial operations.

Marios Theodosiou, Chief Financial Officer at Celestyal, said: “This refinancing marks a powerful endorsement of the progress we’ve made to evolve and fuel Celestyal’s ambitious development strategy. From a full fleet renewal and more sustainable operations, to expanding our commercial footprint, launching year-round operations, and announcing our sailing program further ahead than ever before, we’ve demonstrated our ability to transform at pace.

“It also signals growing confidence in Celestyal’s long-term business model, underpinned by improved profitability, enhanced financial resilience and consistent operational delivery.

“We are well-positioned to continue delivering on our strategic ambitions with a strong financial foundation, including diversifying source markets and expanding into new regions, accelerating the next stage of our growth.”

Windstar Cruises’ new Star Explorer to debut in the Mediterranean

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 30 June 2025 30 June 2025

Next winter, Windstar Cruises is making the Mediterranean sparkle with the debut of its newest yacht, Star Explorer, and the return of its winter sailings to Europe. Launching December 28, 2026, the 224-guest vessel marks the latest addition to Windstar’s Star Class fleet and brings a stylish new chapter to Windstar’s year-round European offerings – this time, with more immersive cultural experiences, off-season perks, and hidden harbors waiting to be discovered without the summer crowds.

Crafted for discovery, Star Explorer is perfectly built for exploring small ports and big stories. Its inaugural Local Season includes longer stays and local festivals that shine brighter in the off-season – from twinkling winter markets to colorful Venetian Carnevale celebrations. And with Windstar’s signature yacht-style warmth and comfort, it’s like having the Med all to yourself (with a chilled glass of wine in hand). Guests will enjoy overnight stays in Florence (Livorno), Barcelona, and Nice – plus lesser-traveled ports like Genoa, Catania, and Malaga. Seasonal highlights include Carnevale in Venice, Epiphany in Greece, and cozy winter markets lit by Mediterranean sunshine.

“Winter is when the Mediterranean slows down – and that’s when Windstar steps in,” says Jess Peterson, director of destination experience & itinerary planning. “With Star Explorer, we’re offering guests a chance to see these legendary places with fresh eyes and fewer crowds, all in the comfort of our newest yacht.”

Early booking offer

Windstar Cruises invites guests to take advantage of a generous Early Booking Offer available through July 31, 2025. Travelers who book now will receive a complimentary All-Inclusive package, featuring Wi-Fi, unlimited select wine, beer and cocktails, and gratuities — a value of more than $1,300 per stateroom on a 7-day cruise. Guests will also enjoy up to $200 in onboard credit per stateroom, redeemable for curated shore excursions, rejuvenating treatments at World Spa by Windstar, and other onboard amenities.

For added value, Windstar has introduced its new Pay Now, Save More promotion. Those who pay in full at the time of booking will receive an additional 5% discount on cruise fare (including non-discountable fares). This promotion is only available with cruises booked using the Early Booking Offer.