MSC Group's Cruise Division opens new North American headquarters in Miami

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 27 January 2026 27 January 2026

MSC Group's Cruise Division marked a major milestone today with the ribbon cutting of its new North American Cruise Division headquarters in the heart of downtown Miami, occupying the entire seventh floor at Block 55 at Sawyer’s Walk, launching a new chapter for the company’s presence in North America.

The ribbon cutting ceremony brought together elected officials, including Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and City of Miami Mayor Eileen Higgins, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Group leadership, business and community partners and key stakeholders to commemorate the opening of the 130,000-square-foot space at Block 55 at Sawyer’s Walk, a transformative 1.5 million-square-foot mixed-use development by SG Holdings.

Rubén A. Rodríguez, CEO of MSC Group’s North America Cruise Division, said: “Our new North American Cruise Division headquarters reflects the scale of our ambitions for both MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys. By bringing our teams together under one roof, we are creating an environment that fosters collaboration, innovation and shared purpose as we continue expanding our footprint, deploying more ships, welcoming more guests and strengthening our presence across U.S. homeports.”

The project represents an approximately $100 million direct investment by MSC Group and underscores the company’s long-term commitment to Miami as a strategic gateway for North America and a global hub for cruising, trade and logistics.

Daniella Levine Cava, Mayor, Miami-Dade County, said: “I am thrilled to welcome MSC Group’s North American Cruise Division headquarters to Miami-Dade County, just a few miles from PortMiami—the Cruise Capital of the World® and Cargo Gateway of the Americas®. This exciting investment will create hundreds of new jobs, generate meaningful economic impact, and further strengthen Miami-Dade’s position as a global hub for cruise and cargo operations. It also reflects MSC Group’s confidence in our community and our shared commitment to building a more sustainable and resilient future. I’m proud to partner with MSC Group as they continue to grow and invest in our region.”

According to an analysis conducted by the Miami-Dade Beacon Council, the new office will support an additional 1,500 jobs over the next three years and $300 million annually in recurring direct economic impact in Miami-Dade County, contributing meaningful growth to the local economy across hospitality, infrastructure and logistic sectors.

The event also highlighted MSC Group’s continued collaboration with Miami-Dade County, the City of Miami, PortMiami and key development and project partners, reinforcing the shared vision of Miami as a global center for cruise tourism, logistics and international business.

Eileen Higgins, Mayor, City of Miami, said: "MSC Group’s decision to establish its North American Cruise Division headquarters in Miami reflects the city’s unmatched position as a global gateway for trade, travel, and maritime commerce. The message is clear: We welcome global companies, encourage relocation and expansion, and foster an environment where innovation, collaboration, and prosperity can flourish.”

The Miami headquarters opening follows a series of major investments by MSC Group in South Florida, including the recent opening of the North America’s largest cruise terminal at PortMiami and the launch of its flagship MSC World America from the homeport, further solidifying the region’s role at the center of the company’s North American operations.

Aman at Sea unveils inaugural itineraries for Amangati

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 25 January 2026 25 January 2026

Marking a defining moment for ultra-luxury ocean exploration, Aman at Sea recently unveiled the inaugural itineraries for Amangati, its first ocean-going motor yacht, with reservations now open. Taking Aman’s pathfinder spirit to the world’s seas from Spring 2027, the vessel’s debut season of 5- to 8-night Mediterranean journeys will see Amangati navigate iconic coastlines and anchor in intimate harbours.

Currently under construction, Amangati is a 600-foot, nine-deck yacht designed to reflect Aman’s signature principles of space, privacy and tranquillity, setting a new benchmark in luxury maritime design. Accommodating only 94 guests across 47 expansive suites ranging from 731 to 3,811 square feet all with their own terrace, the yacht offers a level of spatial generosity rarely achieved at sea.

Intimate in atmosphere yet remarkably spacious, Amangati offers a rare experience at sea —private by design, guests feel as though they have the yacht to themselves. The atmosphere aboard mirrors the calm, quiet elegance of an Aman, seamlessly translated to the ocean. Interiors draw inspiration from the graceful restraint of a Japanese ryokan, with full-height windows and private terraces throughout, ensuring light, openness and a constant connection to the sea.

Life on board Amangati unfolds with ease, with wellness an integral part of the yachting experience. Spanning 12,817 square feet across two decks, the Aman Spa, the largest in its category, features eight ocean-facing treatment suites with private terraces, showers and open-air whirlpool baths, a hammam and banya with dedicated serenity zones. Daily opportunities for movement and restoration, including yoga, meditation and use of the state-of-the-art Fitness Studio, Medi Spa, Medical Center and Beauty Lounge, are complemented by access to the Selora Marina and Lounge, where water-based exploration equipment, open-air pools and sun decks invite discovery.

Dining is guided by seasonality, provenance and culinary tradition across a collection of distinct venues, ranging from all-day Mediterranean fare at Alira to Japanese washoku and teppanyaki at Akari and Hiori, and the elemental refinement of Aman Grill. In-suite dining is available at any hour, with menus drawn directly from the yacht’s quartet of restaurants. Meanwhile, entertainment offerings range from The Jazz Club, bringing a sense of occasion to evenings at sea, to the more relaxed surrounds of the Cinema and Youth Lounge.

Unlocking the Mediterranean in ways few vessels can, Amangati’s maiden season will feature a curated collection of five- to eight-night voyages exploring storied destinations from the Roman legacies of the Dalmatian Coast to the Moorish grandeur of Mediterranean Spain and the French Riviera, including rarely accessed ports such as Beaulieu-sur-Mer.

True to Aman’s philosophy of honouring the spirit of place, itineraries eschew traditional routes in favor of deeper immersion, with late departures, overnight stays and select journeys timed to coincide with significant cultural moments, including the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix. Exclusive to Amangati, a rare passage through Venice’s historic Grand Canal, gliding past landmarks such as San Marco Square, marks a quietly extraordinary moment, as the yacht departs the lagoon at sunset and transitions into open water.

Ashore, a curated program of cultural, artistic and historical experiences is complemented by bespoke concierge-led exploration, including seamless arrivals and departures via the yacht’s two helipads and six tenders, with further details to be revealed in due course. Throughout the voyage, a dedicated Suite Host ensures seamless, intuitive service, allowing guests to move through each day with unhurried ease and complete privacy.

MSC Cruises to offer brand-new year-round itinerary from Dominican Republic

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 21 January 2026 21 January 2026

Today at Fitur, the International Tourism Trade Fair taking place in Madrid, Spain, MSC Cruises spoke of their new year-round operation from La Romana, Dominican Republic starting November 2026.

In the presence of the Dominican Republic Minister of Tourism, David Collado, the cruise line committed its year-round operation from a brand-new homeport in La Romana, in the south of the Dominican Republic for the long term. This is the first time MSC Cruises has offered year-round sailings in the Southern Caribbean.

MSC Opera will operate a brand-new itinerary, operating weekly departures, and guests can opt to book a 7-night sailing or extend their cruise to a back-to-back 14-night ‘butterfly’ cruise.

Sailings are already available to book, with the first cruise departing on November 16, 2026.

One of the highlights of this new itinerary is the call to Catalina Island, close to the shores of the Dominican Republic, offering guests an exclusive nature reserve experience. Pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters allow guests to relax and unwind, or the more adventurous can snorkel the surrounding coral reefs to view their diverse ecosystems.

With multiple international airports, The Dominican Republic offers convenient connections from all over the world. MSC Opera’s program will bring 120,000 international visitors to La Romana each year, meaning 240,000 in-bound and out-bound flight passengers, and a boost to hotels, restaurants, bars and businesses in the surrounding areas.

Gianni Onorato, CEO, MSC Cruises, said: “MSC Cruises first started calling in the Dominican Republic in 2014, so after more than ten years it is a proud a moment for me to speak about our new homeporting offering in La Romana. With year-round operations we extend the traditional season, bringing positive economic impact to the local community and bringing 120,000 additional international visitors to La Romana each year. MSC Cruises is committed to the Dominican Republic and this new program for the long term.”

Atlas Ocean Voyages to build luxury expedition sailing yacht

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 20 January 2026 20 January 2026

Atlas Ocean Voyages today announced that it is currently building its first-ever luxury expedition sailing yacht, a next-generation newbuild platform that represents a significant milestone in the company’s continued evolution and growth within the luxury expedition cruise industry.

The new Atlas-class vessel is an eco-friendly exploration yacht with hybrid propulsion and solid sails, representing a natural evolution of Atlas Ocean Voyages’ World-class expedition fleet. Atlas Adventurer is purpose-built for global exploration, seamlessly balancing advanced technology with elevated comfort. The yacht features advanced marine systems and is equipped with three carbon masts and solid sails. When conditions at sea and with the wind permit, these elements will enhance operational efficiency and enable zero-emission cruising, allowing for a silent presence on the water. This reinforces Atlas's commitment to environmentally conscious modern global exploration.

Engineered for worldwide discovery, Atlas Adventurer is a 26,000-gross-ton luxury expedition sailing yacht measuring 690 feet in length. The yacht is equipped with dual-fuel engines and electric-hybrid propulsion, featuring a large 9-megawatt marine battery system that enables high speeds even in light wind conditions, enhancing the sailing experience with virtually silent operation. Atlas Adventurer is equipped with zero-speed fin stabilizers, two vertical fin stabilizers, a reinforced hull, and Ice Class 1B (Polar Category C) capability. This design allows it to navigate a wide range of global destinations with confidence, efficiency, and refined performance.

“This new Atlas-class sailing yacht represents the next step in our growth,” said James A. Rodriguez, President & CEO of Atlas Ocean Voyages. “It allows us to expand our destination footprint into regions our guests have been asking us for, while further solidifying Atlas’ position within the luxury expedition cruise category. As our brand continues to evolve, this vessel is a powerful expression of where we are headed: thoughtful growth, intentional design, and deeper global exploration.”

Accommodating up to 400 guests, supported by a crew of 275, the Atlas-class sailing yacht will introduce a significantly expanded onboard experience, including all-suite accommodations across every category, increased space and amenities, and a broader range of dining, wellness, and social offerings, while maintaining the boutique hospitality that defines Atlas Ocean Voyages.

“Atlas Ocean Voyages has always been driven by innovation in how we explore the world,” said Mario Ferreira, Chairman, Founder and Owner of Mystic Invest Holding, Atlas’ parent company. “With Atlas Adventurer, we are introducing a new generation of luxury expedition sailing yachts. This vessel serves as a bridge between the wind mastery of the 15th century and the solid sails and electric propulsion of the 21st century. The yacht is designed to comply with future zero-emission port regulations and can navigate silently, allowing access to some of the most exclusive and restricted small ports around the world. This vessel combines modern design with advanced technology, featuring carbon-fiber masts and solid sails, along with a powerful 9-megawatt battery system that enables near-silent operation when sailing under wind power. These advancements highlight our ongoing commitment to sustainable and innovative tourism, while also expanding the destinations we can explore and enhancing the onboard experiences our guests have come to expect. Atlas Adventurer represents the next evolution in responsible, highly technological, comfortable, and safe yacht design.”

The vessel will include seven dining venues, featuring specialty restaurants and a new culinary studio for hands-on learning and destination-inspired programming. It will also have five lounges and cocktail bar social spaces, along with two outdoor bars. Additionally, there will be an expanded fitness and wellness center, a large swimming pool, and purpose-built expedition capabilities, including Zodiacs, luxury motorboats, and a marina platform with an ocean pool for water-based exploration.

Beginning in late 2028, Atlas Adventurer will explore destinations across Asia, including Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines, and Africa, including Seychelles, Madagascar, Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique and South Africa, further extending the line’s global reach while continuing to redefine luxury expedition cruising to remote destinations around the world.

Additional details, including suite designs, onboard experiences, dining concepts, and day-by-day itineraries, will be announced in the coming months.