Meyer Turku begins construction of the third Icon-class ship

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 12 January 2024 12 January 2024

On Friday, January 12, 2024, the production of the third vessel of the Icon class was started at the Meyer Turku shipyard. Representatives from the organizations of the ship's customer, Royal Caribbean Group, and Meyer Turku were present at the festive event.

The traditional steel cutting ceremony kicked off more than two years of construction and equipment work, in which thousands of professionals from different fields participate. When completed, the 250,800 gross ton ship, whose name will be revealed at a later date, will play an important role in the Royal Caribbean Group's fleet as part of the Icon class, which enables completely new types of vacations.

"With Icon III, we are further strengthening our position as the builder of the world's most advanced cruise ships. The long-term goals of Meyer Turku and the Royal Caribbean Group are becoming concrete, and we are able to set new standards to strengthen our leadership in the green transition of the maritime industry," says Tim Meyer, CEO of Meyer Turku.

The planned completion date of the Icon III ship is 2026.

MSC Cruises to base MSC Seascape in Galveston

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 11 January 2024 11 January 2024

MSC Cruises, the world’s third largest cruise line, is setting course for Texas. Today the cruise line opened sales for its new itineraries out of Galveston, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing U.S. expansion. The sailings are poised to redefine the cruising experiences for families in the region thanks to the modern amenities available on MSC Seascape, one of the newest and most environmentally friendly ships in the company’s fleet. Guests eager to sail from Texas to Mexico and Central America can experience MSC Cruises’ signature European flavor with 7-night sailings beginning in late 2025.

Rubén A. Rodríguez, President, MSC Cruises USA, said: "Expanding to Galveston with the magnificent MSC Seascape is a pivotal moment for us at MSC Cruises and for our guests. Expanding our U.S. footprint makes our unique cruise experience more accessible to travelers in the central and western parts of the country and it illustrates our commitment to providing families in the region with unparalleled vacation options. MSC Seascape’s family-friendly amenities, award-winning entertainment and innovative offerings will help us deliver exceptional value and memorable journeys for more guests than ever before.”

Starting November 9, 2025, MSC Seascape will set sail from the Port of Galveston with 7-night itineraries visiting must-see destinations including Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Isla de Roatan, Honduras. MSC Cruises offers a range of shore excursions to immerse guests in these culturally renowned, vibrant coastal destinations, from tours of the ancient Mayan Ruins and shipwreck snorkeling to glass bottom boat rides and museum tours.

Rodger Rees, Port Director & CEO, Galveston Wharves, said: “Welcoming MSC Cruises and the MSC Seascape to Galveston offers cruise passengers a new cruise experience and opportunities to explore Galveston Island, a tropical Texas island rich with history, Victorian architecture, sparkling beaches and great restaurants. MSC passengers can come for a fabulous cruise and stay to discover our island treasures.”

The innovative MSC Seascape elevates the industry-standard family experience on board with an astonishing 7,500 square feet of dedicated kids’ space and cutting-edge amusement options. Guests can indulge in the state-of-the-art ROBOTRON robotic arm ride, two LEGO® rooms for ages 3-6 and 7-11, three different concept spaces for teens, a VR 360° Flight Simulator, VR motorcycles and the immersive MSC Formula Racer, perfect for racing enthusiasts ready to get their adrenaline fix.

Icon of the Seas arrives PortMiami for the first time

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 11 January 2024 11 January 2024

Yesterday, Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas took center stage as it arrived in Miami for the first time. The first-of-its-kind combination of the best of every vacation was welcomed with fanfare by air, land and sea, ahead of its official debut on Jan. 27.

Counting down to the start of a new era of vacations, local residents and Royal Caribbean fans, executives and employees were on hand as the first to see Miami’s newest resident. Icon arrived to PortMiami in style, with celebratory fireboat salutes, banner planes in flight and a community celebration at Pérez Art Museum to mark the new vacation’s first appearance of many to come in the Magic City. With the introduction of the world’s best family vacation less than 20 days away, Icon will continue making its final preparations in Miami ahead of an iconic naming celebration and first cruise.

In store on Icon is an all-encompassing lineup of experiences that combines the best of every vacation – from the beach retreat to the resort escape and the theme park adventure – making the first-of-its-kind adventure the way to get away for every type of family and vacationer. Across eight neighborhoods that are destinations in and of themselves are firsts and next-level favorites for everyone day and night, including adrenaline-pumping thrills like six record-breaking waterslides at Category 6 and the Crown’s Edge experience at 154 feet above the ocean, and unrivaled ways to chill with seven pools – one for every day of the week – like the first suspended infinity pool at sea. The game-changing experiences also include a stay-all-day neighborhood designed for families with young kids, more than 40 restaurants, bars and lounges; deck-defying entertainment across air, ice, water and theater; and more.

Starting Jan. 27, vacationers can get away on Icon and island hop in the tropics at any time of the year. Each 7-night Eastern or Western Caribbean adventure from Miami features idyllic destinations in the Caribbean and an unmatched day of thrill and chill at Royal Caribbean’s award-winning private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. Plus, dialing up the perfect on Perfect Day in January 2024 is the private island’s first adults-only escape, Hideaway Beach, an all-day experience complete with a private beach and pools, new dedicated spots for drinks and bites, exclusive cabanas, live music and more.

The Overlook on the Deck 14. Credit: Christer Gorschelnik

The Pearl. Credit: Christer Gorschelnik

Sorrento's pizzeria. Credit: Christer Gorschelnik

Infinite Ocean View Balcony cabin. Credit: Christer Gorschelnik

Celestyal Cruises to sail again year-round, adds Persian Gulf

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 10 January 2024 10 January 2024

Celestyal, the leading cruise operator of Greek origin with cruises to the Greek Islands and the Eastern Mediterranean, has announced that the Celestyal Journey will visit four new countries and six new ports of call in the Persian Gulf starting November 2024.

The new 7-night 'Amazing Desert' itinerary will set sail on November 9 from Doha, Qatar, calling for the first time in Bahrain, Dubai, Khasab (Oman), Sir Bani Yas Island and Abu Dhabi. The Celestyal Journey, with a capacity for 1,260 passengers, joined the company in September last year.

The new itinerary will be extended until January 18, 2025, and will then return permanently for the winter season.

Celestyal has also confirmed that its two-vessel fleet will return to year-round operations, with seasonal offerings consisting of:

– A winter program, from November to April from Doha on the Celestyal Journey, offering the "Amazing Desert" itinerary with more options of three, four, five and seven nights. And the 1,266-passenger Celestyal Discovery, which joins the fleet this year, will offer the "Three Continents" cruise from November 2025 to March 2026, visiting Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Israel and Egypt.

–Celestyal's "core" program, from April to October, with Celestyal Journey operating three itineraries: the "Adriatic Sublime"; from Greece to Montenegro, Croatia and Italy, with inaugural calls in Kefalonia, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Corfu, Bari and Katakolo. The "Sublime Adriatic Summer" also includes Montenegro, Croatia, Italy and Greece with inaugural calls in Venice, and the "Idyllic Aegean" voyages visiting the Greek Islands and Turkey starting in 2025. Celestyal Discovery will sail three- and four-night cruises by the "Iconic Aegean" from March to November.

Previously, the company sailed from March to December. Itineraries for 2024 and 2025 are now on sale.

Discounts of up to 70% during Celestyal's Winter Savings Promotion

All destinations, including the new itineraries, are part of Celestyal's current winter discount promotion, with pricing for a seven-night "Three Continents" cruise covering ports in Europe, Africa and Asia, departing from Athens, starting from €559 per person, while a seven-night "Amazing Desert" cruise from Doha to Bahrain, Dubai, Oman, Sir Bani Yas Island and Abu Dhabi starts from €529 per person.

Celestyal is also offering on select 2024 departures a 50 percent discount on Celestyal Plus+ Experience packages, along with individual supplements reduced by 30% and reduced rates for families with children, with up to 70% off for the third or fourth guest in a cabin.

Lee Haslett, Commercial Director of Celestyal, said: "We enter 2024 with a completely renewed fleet, seven new countries and 12 new international ports, in addition to our much-loved Greece and Mediterranean cruise programme. We do the Greek Islands and beyond like no other, but we've heard from our customers that they want more destinations, more robust itineraries and the opportunity to discover more with Celestyal. We're excited to chart a new course to seas beyond the Aegean and Mediterranean to take our guests to new and exciting destinations as Celestyal becomes a global brand."

"Persian Gulf cruises offer this, with a home port in Doha, stops in iconic destinations such as Dubai, Bahrain and Abu Dhabi, as well as more personalized jewels in Oman and the island of Sir Bani Yas. We are starting the year strong and we intend to continue growing and delighting our customers throughout 2024," he continued.