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Viking's eighth river vessel in Egypt floated out

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 11 May 2025 11 May 2025

Viking recently announced its newest ship for the Nile River – the 82-guest Viking Thoth – was “floated out,” marking a major construction milestone and the first time the ship has touched water. Set for delivery in October 2025, the Viking Thoth will join Viking’s growing fleet of state-of-the-art ships for the Nile River and will sail Viking’s popular 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary.

“Egypt is a country of profound historical and cultural significance, which makes it a destination of great interest to our guests,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “With two new ships, the Viking Thoth and the Viking Amun, debuting in 2025, we are very proud to continue expanding our elegant fleet and introducing more curious travelers to this phenomenal region.”

The traditional float out ceremony of the Viking Thoth was held at Massara shipyard in Cairo. It is significant because it marks the ship moving into its final stage of construction. The vessel will now be moved to a nearby outfitting dock for final construction and interior build-out.

Hosting 82 guests in 41 staterooms, the new, state-of-the-art Viking Thoth is inspired by Viking’s award-winning river and ocean ships, with the signature Scandinavian design for which Viking is known. An identical sister ship to the Viking Osiris, the Viking Aton, the Viking Sobek, Viking Hathor and the Viking Amun, the Viking Thoth features several aspects familiar to Viking guests, such as a distinctive square bow and an indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace. Other ships in Viking’s Egypt fleet include the Viking Ra and the MS Antares. In addition to the Viking Thoth, Viking plans to welcome four new ships in Egypt in the next two years, which will bring Viking’s fleet to 12 vessels on the Nile River by 2027.

Photo: Sister ship Viking Osiris on the Nile

Virtuoso appoints Lori Sheller as Vice President, Global Cruise

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 11 May 2025 11 May 2025

Virtuoso, the leading global network specializing in luxury and experiential travel, has announced the appointment of Lori Sheller as Vice President, Global Cruise. Sheller brings extensive expertise and a proven track record in driving growth and innovation within the travel industry to Virtuoso’s lead role within its Cruise division.

Sheller’s appointment reflects Virtuoso’s continued investment in the global cruise sector, which remains a critical pillar of the company’s luxury travel offerings. She comes to the organization as a respected leader with deep experience across sales, marketing and global business development, who has consistently delivered exceptional results throughout her career. She has held leadership roles at top organizations, including EBG, Swan Hellenic, MSC Cruises USA, Tourico Holidays/Hotelbeds Group and Online Vacation Center.

In her new role, Sheller will lead Virtuoso’s global cruise strategy, overseeing partnerships with the world’s top cruise lines, driving revenue growth and enhancing the network’s cruise offerings. She will also be responsible for developing new initiatives to strengthen Virtuoso’s position in the global cruise market and delivering greater value to its network of travel agency members and preferred partners.

“We are thrilled to welcome Lori to Virtuoso at such an important time in our growth,” said Senior Vice President, Global Partnerships Cory Hagopian. “Her strategic vision, leadership and deep industry relationships will be instrumental as we continue to expand our cruise business globally and deliver even greater opportunities for our network.”

Sheller will report to recently named Vice President, Global Partnerships Úna O’Leary, and is based from her home office in Parkland, Florida.

Costa to refit Serena, sell the Fortuna

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 09 May 2025 09 May 2025

As part of a plan started in 2021, the ships in the Costa fleet have undergone significant improvements. All ships have been or are being upgraded to offer high-quality fittings and amenities with the latest product innovations for a total investment of more than 200 million euros in the last five years.

This plan will be completed in November this year when Costa Serena will undergo an extensive dry dock at the end of which the ship will emerge as a completely evolved vessel, featuring a vibrant new food court with innovative restaurants and bars, such as Archipelago starred chef restaurant, Pizzeria Pummid’Oro, and Sushino@Costa, a fresh and modern design for the main restaurants, beautifully redesigned pools and bars, and completely renovated suites offering ultimate comfort and style.

Between October and December 2026 Costa Serena will embark on extraordinary itineraries, including a World Cruise from Tokyo to Buenos Aires, before her positioning in South America for regular rotations in winter 2027. Starting from spring 2027 Costa Serena will offer Mediterranean-focused journeys.

“Our goal is to provide unmatched experiences for our guests while embracing innovation, sustainability, and exceptional value for money," said Mario Zanetti, President of Costa Cruises. "We continuously focus on product innovation, such as the Sea and Land itineraries, an exclusive by Costa, that combines new Sea destinations and Land Destinations. We are also investing in our fleet to enhance onboard experience and introducing new itineraries, including Costa Serena new deployment for 2026-2027. The strategy path that we started a few years ago is strengthening our offer in our key markets with a portfolio of unique vacations.”

As part of the strategic focus on product innovation, Costa Fortuna, the longest serving ship, will be transitioning out of Costa fleet. The ship will be transferred to the new owner in mid-September 2026. Until then, guests will continue enjoy the ship and to receive the same amazing Costa experience they have come to expect including the highly anticipated new programs towards Greece and Turkey in summer 2025 and the Canary Islands in winter 2025/2026.

This further step showcases Costa's unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation, setting the stage for the future by emphasizing outstanding quality, pioneering itineraries, and extraordinary onboard and on-land experiences.

Costa Cruises boasts a long heritage and 77 years of history. The Company is a proud part of Carnival Corporation & plc, the largest global cruise company and among the largest leisure travel companies with distinct cruise lines serving travelers from all walks of life.

Sea Cloud Cruises promotes Mirell Reyes and Kevin Smith

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 09 May 2025 09 May 2025

Sea Cloud Cruises, one of the world's most storied names in cruise travel, has announced the promotion of senior leadership in North America as part of its strategic market expansion. Yesterday, the company named Mirell Reyes as CEO of North America and Kevin Smith as chief sales officer (CSO) of Sea Cloud Cruises. In her role, Reyes will oversee all sales, marketing, and communications in the region, while Smith, as CSO, will lead North American sales and take on responsibility for global consortia partnerships. Reyes will report to newly appointed Global Chief Operating Officer Victoria Seidel, who is based in Germany and serves as shareholder as well as board member.

"We are proud of the leadership, strategic vision, and commitment to excellence Mirell and Kevin continue to display as Sea Cloud Cruises expands its presence in the North American market and strengthens global partnerships,” said Victoria Seidel, chief operating officer. “We have full confidence in their ability to continue driving growth and upholding the unparalleled standards of our brand, which dates back to 1931 and Marjorie Merriweather Post.”

Reyes and Smith joined Sea Cloud Cruises in mid-2023, tasked to grow the brand in North America. During that brief time, the boutique cruise line has earned preferred-supplier status in elite consortia Signature Travel and Virtuoso. Moving the brand to an all-inclusive pricing including shore excursions has been welcomed by advisors. The duo has also elevated the experience further with Cultivated Journeys, which bring shipboard enrichment focused on culture, culinary, art, wellness and history to the beautiful vessels.

Guest chefs and lecturers attracting North American travelers include Michael Collantes, Laurent Tourondel and Mario Pagan, veteran journalists Kerry Sanders and Joel Siedman, and iconic literature figures including Books & Books Mitch Kaplan. Sea Cloud Cruises’ ongoing partnership with Steinway continues to showcase music onboard with performers including Travis Moser. Reyes and Smith have also developed new Exclusive Cultural Immersions and Signature pre and post stays in Istanbul, Marrakesh and Panama City.

With over 35 years of combined experience in the cruise industry, Reyes and Smith have built successful careers in travel and hospitality with a shared passion for luxury small ship cruising.

Trafalgar expands into river cruising

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 06 May 2025 06 May 2025

Trafalgar, renowned worldwide for its expertly guided land tours and decades of creating meaningful travel experiences, announces its expansion into river cruising. Launching in Spring 2026, Trafalgar will debut in Europe with two river cruise journeys along the Rhine and Danube.

As part of its rollout strategy, Trafalgar is opening sales to its trusted travel partners today - ahead of sharing with the general public, giving advisors the chance to secure preferred sailing dates and cruises.

"We’ve always been about making it easy for travelers to connect with the heart and soul of every destination. Now, we’re bringing that same philosophy and unmatched experience - valued by our travel advisor partners, to Europe’s iconic rivers," said Melissa DaSilva, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, TTC Tour Brands. "Our strategy is simple: unlock the best of Europe’s rivers through trusted Trafalgar touchpoints including our much-loved ‘Be My Guest’ and 'MAKE TRAVEL MATTER' Experiences, giving travelers a fun, new way to river cruise that is as enriching as it is responsible. And oh yes, giving advisors the chance to sell it first.”

Trafalgar begins with two new journeys, an 8-day cruise along the Danube on the 128-passenger Trafalgar Reverie and a 10-day cruise along the Rhine on the 128-passenger Trafalgar Verity. Both journeys feature signature Trafalgar moments including Local Specialists offering deep destination insights, opportunities to connect with locals through ’Be My Guest’ encounters and at least one MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience that supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals; plus onboard entertainment – from regional performances to in-house baking demonstrations; wellness options from yoga sessions to complimentary bicycles for off-shore excursions, and delicious regional dining.

River cruise journeys are open for booking now for sailings beginning April 11, 2026.