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Windstar completes its first-ever President's Mystery Cruise

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

Windstar Cruises, one of travel’s leading destination discovery specialists, concluded its inaugural President’s Mystery Cruise, which took place on Star Legend from April 19 – 27 in the Mediterranean. The sold-out journey, which was based from Athens (Piraeus), featured ports of calls that were previously unvisited not only by many of its passengers but also by the line itself; three all-new-to-Windstar ports in the region, including Italy’s Taranto and Reggio Calabria, and Greece’s Kalamata, were on the itinerary. The cruise also called at Sicily’s Naxos Giardini, near Taormina, a signature port for the line.

Onboard, passengers were given a clue to the identity of each port some 36 hours before the visit. Shore excursion options that ranged from urban history to countryside rambles were offered in each destination. Special touches included a destination discovery event -- a signature Windstar experience -- on a coastal hilltop in Reggio Calabria, and an invigorating performance of the Tarantella, a romantic dance ritual in Puglia, performed onboard while Star Legend was docked in Taranto.

“So many of Windstar’s guests are wonderfully adventurous and curious about the world they live in that we wanted to create a trip around the idea of discovering new destinations in a spontaneous fashion,” says Chris Prelog, president of Windstar Cruises, who hosted the sailing. “The Mediterranean offered so many opportunities to venture to places, such as Italy’s Puglia and Calabria, that hadn’t been on their radar – yet.”

Some of these new ports, such as Reggio Calabria and Taranto, both in Italy’s “boot,” have already been incorporated into 2026 itineraries, he says.

“This has been such fun,” he adds. “Letting go of the daily planning that happens in advance to instead live in the moment and embrace your current destination is thrilling and liberating. I highly recommend it as a new travel experience. We are all ready for the next Mystery Cruise in the Caribbean!” You can read more about Windstar’s first Mystery Cruise on our blog.

Indeed, Windstar’s next Mystery Cruise, which launched last week and is already nearly sold out, will depart on March 20, 2026 aboard the 224-guest Star Seeker, Windstar’s newest yacht. The Caribbean-oriented voyage based from San Juan, Puerto Rico, has outpaced all other 2026 cruise bookings, showcasing the incredible excitement and demand for spontaneous travel experiences paired with Windstar’s trusted service and expertise. It’s without a doubt that guests can expect more itineraries like this from Windstar in the future.

Lindblad signs charter deal with Transcend to launch European river expeditions in 2026

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

Lindblad Expeditions, the pioneer of modern expedition cruising, and Transcend Cruises today announced a multi-year charter agreement that will reframe European river cruising for discerning travelers looking to experience the continent’s most iconic waterways like a true explorer.

The initial agreement with Transcend Cruises will run through at least 2028, and will see a notable increase in annual European river departures operated on behalf of the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions co-brand year-over-year on board Transcend Cruises’ luxury newbuild ships.

“We are thrilled for the upcoming launch of our unique interpretation of River Expeditions in Europe – an experience our guests have long desired and will deeply enjoy,” said Natalya Leahy, CEO, Lindblad Expeditions. “We know that how you see it matters, and that’s why we’ve curated these river voyages with the same depth, care, and expertise that define all of our expeditions. With National Geographic naturalists and historians, and exclusive events woven into each journey, our guests will explore Europe’s storied rivers in truly meaningful ways. We’re equally excited to partner with Transcend Cruises to introduce a brand-new ship, custom-designed to deliver the elevated, personalized experience our guests expect from us.”

“Transcend Cruises is extremely pleased to join Lindblad Expeditions in a symbiotic partnership. We are a natural fit in working so close together with such a respected brand in mindful exploration travel,” said Hans Rood, CEO, Transcend Cruises. “Our state-of-the-art newbuild river cruise ships offer both a luxury experience, as well as the opportunity to accommodate the lecturing and mind enriching requirements essential for their travelers. With a strong focus on wellness, sustainability and best of services, we are the perfect fit to deliver the programs Lindblad Expeditions require. By collaborating, we are able to create the most exclusive experiences on Europe’s most spectacular waterways.”

Working together with Transcend Cruises, the two leaders are developing a series of customized itineraries expertly crafted to provide curious travelers the opportunity to embark on journeys of deep discovery and venture closer, deeper, and farther into the river-side cities, towns, and villages with the experts in expedition, Lindblad Expeditions.

Each voyage will be staffed by one of the brand’s veteran Expedition Leaders, several knowledgeable Field Staff, and at least one National Geographic Expert. Staff will guide guests on private tours, exclusive tastings, and expertly curated synonymous with the co-brand.

For more than 50 years, Lindblad Expeditions has explored some of the most iconic waterways – including the Peruvian Amazon, the Nile in Egypt, and the Columbia and Snake Rivers in the United States’ Pacific Northwest – however, this partnership will mark a historic first for the company, which has never offered river expeditions in Europe before.

Details of Lindblad Expeditions’ first-ever European river expedition season and the chartered vessel will be released in the coming weeks.

Carnival Corporation to re-locate its global corporate headquarters in Miami

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

Carnival Corporation & plc, the world's largest cruise company, yesterday announced its purchase of a property in Miami’s Waterford Business District just south of Miami International Airport, a hub for multinational and Fortune 500 businesses and future site of the company’s new state-of-the-art global headquarters development. The purchase reinforces Carnival Corporation’s long-standing commitment to South Florida and Miami-Dade County, a place it has proudly called home for more than 50 years.

Carnival Corporation plans to build a next-generation multi-building campus initially designed to house over 2,000 team members. When complete in 2028, the new global headquarters will become the company’s main North America office and will for the first time unite in a single location most of its North America shoreside team members from across the corporation and its cruise line operating units including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, Cunard and Costa Cruises. In addition to the existing team members working in the company’s existing Miami-Dade office, the combined North America operations will bring together team members previously dispersed throughout other locations and regions adding hundreds of additional high-paying jobs to Miami-Dade County.

“Co-locating our North America shoreside team members on a shared campus – designed from the ground up to support how we work and what we do – will foster even greater knowledge sharing, innovation, efficiency and career growth,” said Josh Weinstein, CEO of Carnival Corporation. “We look forward to further leveraging our scale by bringing our teams closer together to supercharge collaboration and support our delivery of unforgettable happiness to our over 13 million guests by providing extraordinary cruise vacations, while honoring the integrity of every ocean we sail, place we visit and life we touch.”

The bespoke campus will be customized to meet the dynamic, cross-functional needs of Carnival Corporation and its cruise line operating units and will initially include 600,000 – 700,000 square feet of workspace across the headquarters building and onboard entertainment training and rehearsal facility. Buildings will be designed to feature a variety of versatile work areas, including open collaboration zones, individual workplaces, and ample meeting rooms, along with a flexible technological infrastructure designed to keep up with new and emerging technologies and evolving ways of working. The development will harmonize with the surrounding natural environment, providing generous greenspace and showcasing the property’s adjacent lagoon to blend functionality and well-being to create a holistic work-life space.

Carnival Corporation’s new headquarters development builds on the company’s 50-plus year legacy in Miami-Dade County and reinforces its long-standing commitment to South Florida. “As the world’s largest cruise company, there is no better place for us to be based than Miami – the cruise capital of the world. Plus, with decades of history here, this move enables us to seamlessly build on our success here to continue growing our global operations and deepening our community ties,” said Weinstein.

“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida’s pro-business mindset and strategic location as a gateway to important international markets have made our state the ideal home base for international businesses like Carnival Corporation,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “Carnival Corporation’s investment in a new headquarters campus in Miami is a win for Florida generated through partnerships with private sector partners like the Miami-Dade Beacon Council, reinforcing Florida’s position as number one in the global cruise industry—underscoring how Florida’s robust infrastructure, skilled workforce and resilient economy instills confidence in job creators and job seekers.”

"I’m proud to celebrate Carnival Corporation’s decision to expand their headquarters right here in Miami-Dade County. This significant investment deepens their decades-long commitment to our community and reinforces their role as one of our largest private sector employers. It also sends a powerful message: Miami-Dade is a premier global hub for business, top-tier talent, and strategic growth,” said Daniella Levine Cava, Miami-Dade County Mayor. “My Office of Innovation and Economic Development worked collaboratively with the Beacon Council and the Florida Department of Commerce to support this exciting expansion – which includes a state-of-the-art headquarters, increased opportunities for local vendors and small businesses, and even more economic momentum for our region. This announcement also reaffirms the strength and global standing of PortMiami – the Cruise Capital of the World. We’re honored to be Carnival Corporation’s home port and proud to stand behind their continued success."

“Carnival Corporation’s headquarters expansion is more than growth – it’s a strategic investment in Miami’s future. It reflects our region’s appeal as a global business hub with unmatched infrastructure, diverse talent, and cultural connectivity. Carnival Corporation’s deep roots here make this decision both logical and visionary. Miami offers more than favorable economics – it offers a dynamic ecosystem where innovation, opportunity, and quality of life intersect. We’re proud to support Carnival Corporation’s continued global leadership from right here in Miami-Dade County,” said Rodrick T. Miller, President & Chief Executive Officer, the Miami-Dade Beacon Council.

“We are thrilled to welcome Carnival Corporation as the capstone employer in our 250-acre business corridor. We know their team members will love the district’s rich, community-focused environment offering unparalleled amenities and convenient access to transportation hubs, including major highways,” said Charles Russo, Asset Management Lead – East Region, Nuveen Real Estate.

Details of the transaction were not disclosed. Additional information about the new headquarters will be announced as design and development gets underway.

Marcus Risberg appointed as the new CEO of Viking Line Abp

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 05 May 2025 05 May 2025

The Board of Directors of Viking Line Abp has appointed Marcus Risberg as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company. Risberg will assume his new role no later than January 1, 2026, succeeding Jan Hanses, who will retire after 11 years as CEO and 38 years of service with the company.

"We are very pleased to welcome Marcus Risberg as the new CEO of Viking Line. He has genuine expertise in the industry, with experience from both Tallink Silja and Gotlandsbolaget, and a respected and established leadership. Marcus Risberg was born in Finland, raised on the Aland islands, and has worked in Sweden, which creates an understanding of the culture that shapes our business. The Board, which has conducted a thorough recruitment process with several excellent candidates, is convinced that he is the right person to lead the company into the next phase," says Jakob Johansson, Chairman of the Board of Viking Line.

Marcus Risberg comes from the position of CEO of Destination Gotland.

Marcus Risberg comments: "It is with great pride and humility that I take on the role of CEO of Viking Line. The company has a long and proud history in Baltic Sea traffic, and I look forward to continuing to develop the business with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and customer experience together with the team."

Jan Hanses will remain in an advisory role during a transition period and has also been a member of the company's Board of Directors since the Annual General Meeting on April 24, 2025.

Celestyal agrees to multi-year partnership with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 29 April 2025 29 April 2025

Celestyal, the boutique cruise line offering unmissable and immersive experiences at sea and on land, has signed a three-year agreement with the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.

The multi-year partnership, agreed at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, will promote Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE as a key destination among Celestyal’s guests, further establishing the cruise line’s affiliations in the Arabian Gulf region. The agreement also lays out plans to work in partnership with Ras Al Khaimah to offer immersive, guest-exclusive shore experiences, beginning in December of this year.

Following a successful inaugural season in the Arabian Gulf, where bookings exceeded targets by 35%, Celestyal will return to the region with two ships in December this year, featuring weekly calls to Ras Al Khaimah on Celestyal Discovery across the winter season, for the next three years.

The recently refurbished 1,360-guest Celestyal Discovery will homeport in Abu Dhabi from December 12, 2025, sailing three-, four- and seven-night “Iconic Arabia” cruises. The four-night itineraries will sail roundtrip from Abu Dhabi, calling at Doha, Ras Al Khaimah and the coastal port of Khasab in Oman. The seven-night sailings add calls to Dubai and Sir Bani Yas Island to the itinerary. Prices start at $918 total for two people on a four-night cruise, and $1,478 total for two people on a seven-night voyage, with all meals, soft drinks Wi-Fi and gratuities included.

Lee Haslett, Chief Commercial Officer at Celestyal, said: “We’re proud to build strong partnerships with the regions we visit, and are thrilled to enhance our award-winning shore excursion program by working with the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. Together, we’ll offer our guests even more immersive and culturally rich experiences.

“Ras Al Khaimah is a truly unique and diverse destination, and we’re excited to showcase it to our guests – many of whom choose Celestyal specifically for our focus on authentic, in-depth exploration. We’re looking forward to creating a collection of inspiring shore experiences in close collaboration with the tourist board and local partners.”

Iyad Rasbey, Vice President – Destination Tourism Development at Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said: “Our partnership with Celestyal underscores a powerful alignment of vision and values. Celestyal’s commitment to authentic, culturally rich experiences mirrors our own DNA of creating meaningful and immersive journeys for visitors. By combining our strengths, we will deliver unique, experiential offerings that elevate Ras Al Khaimah’s position as a premier destination on the global cruise map.”

Celestyal has also announced that with Celestyal Discovery joining Journey next winter, it will more than double the number of calls to Qatar, further strengthening its relationships with the country.