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American Cruise Lines celebrates third new ship launched this year

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 30 September 2026 30 September 2026

American Cruise Lines christened brand new American Ranger on the Hudson River last week. American Ranger is the 3rd new ship the company has launched this year and the 4th new Patriot Class ship. The christening celebration took place on September 24th when the ship was docked at Historic Catskill Point, Catskill, New York. Inaugural cruise guests, company executives, and crew members celebrated on the top deck with a festive cookout and the ceremonial bottle smash. Susan Renner, American’s longtime Treasurer and Board Chair, did the honors serving as the ship’s godmother. Susan is also godmother to American Ranger’s sister ship, American Maverick, christened earlier this year in Newport, Rhode Island.

“We are so pleased to christen American Ranger with our guests and crew, surrounded by the Hudson River Valley’s magnificent fall scenery,” said Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines. “Today, American Ranger assumes the mantle as the newest cruise ship in the country, but won’t hold the title for long, as she will be quickly followed by three more new ships launching in 2027.”

Next year, American Cruise Lines will introduce two more sister ships to American Ranger, American Mariner and American Navigator, as well as another modern American Riverboat, American Anthem.

American Ranger features 4 decks and accommodates 130 guests in all private balcony staterooms, including Singles and Suites. The ship also offers many spacious lounges including a top deck lounge with a walking track, as well as a chart room, a main restaurant, casual café, fitness center, and a laundry room among other amenities unusual for small cruise ships of this size.

Last week’s christening took place during American Ranger’s inaugural 9-Day Hudson River Fall Foliage itinerary which began with an included hotel stay in NYC on September 18th. The small ship embarked from the City on September 19th, and the cruise concluded in Albany, NY on the 26th.

American Cruise Lines’ Hudson River cruises (both the Fall Foliage and the Summer Classic itineraries) are the only overnight river cruises on the market exploring this famous waterway.

The company’s 2026 Hudson River cruises are operating between New York City and Albany, NY, with stops at Catskill; West Point; Sleepy Hollow; and Kingston/Hyde Park, NY; and include guided excursions throughout the region. The 2026 cruises are largely sold out and the last cruise for 2026 begins on October 25th.

In 2027, American’s Hudson River cruises will operate roundtrip from Albany, NY, and will also feature a stop and excursions in New York City, including the breathtaking opportunity to enjoy views of the Big Apple’s famous skyline while cruising right past the Statue of Liberty. 2027 Hudson River Summer Classic cruises begin operating in June, and the Hudson River Fall Foliage cruises begin again next September.

Every fall, the Hudson River Valley is adorned by the Northeast’s most stunning seasonal foliage. Treetops are awash in a kaleidoscope of colorful leaves as far as the eye can see. The River Valley is also home to many grand historic sites from West Point and the Vanderbilt Mansion to Hyde Park. American’s cruise guests have the opportunity to visit many renowned points of interest including the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, FDR’s Presidential Library, the gilded age mansions of Olana and Lyndhurst, and Whitecliff Vineyard. Fall cruise guests will also enjoy apple tasting experiences and explorations in Sleepy Hollow during the town’s acclaimed Halloween celebrations, featuring spooky events from mid-September to early November.

Century Cruises to expand its European fleet with second ship

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 29 September 2026 29 September 2026

Following the successful inaugural voyage of Century Star on Europe’s Danube River, Century Cruises has announced the next chapter in its European expansion: Century Diamond, the second vessel in the company’s new generation of premium sustainable river ships.

Century Diamond is scheduled to embark on its inaugural voyage in August 2027, marking another major milestone in Century Cruises’ international expansion and the continued growth of its European river fleet.

Purpose-built for the rivers of Europe, Century Diamond will combine innovative technology, environmentally conscious construction and contemporary luxury with a design philosophy that connects Century Cruises’ Asian heritage with the history and culture of Europe.

At approximately 135 meters in length, Century Diamond will feature 76 cabins and suites, accommodating up to 174 guests across four decks. The vessel will incorporate advanced hybrid propulsion technology and will be constructed using approximately 60% recycled steel.

Following Century Star, Century Diamond will be the second of four new ships to join Century Cruises’ growing European fleet, each designed with the environment in mind.

Sustainable river ships

Century Diamond represents an important step in Century Cruises’ commitment to developing a more environmentally responsible generation of river vessels.

Following Century Star, Century Diamond will become the second Asian new-build river ship in the company’s European program constructed using approximately 60% recycled steel and incorporating hybrid propulsion technology.

The combination of recycled materials, advanced propulsion technology and modern ship design reflects Century Cruises’ belief that the next generation of luxury river cruising should consider not only how guests experience the world’s great rivers, but also how those rivers are protected for generations to come.

Beginning with its first voyage in August 2027, Century Diamond will make the Rhine River its primary home, complementing Century Star’s presence on the Danube.

The ship will focus on eight-day voyages between Basel and Amsterdam, taking guests through one of Europe’s most historic river corridors — a landscape of medieval towns, vineyards, castles, cultural capitals and centuries of European history.
Select voyages will expand beyond the traditional Rhine itinerary, allowing Century Diamond to explore additional waterways and destinations within Century Cruises’ growing European program.

David Fredericks, President & General Manager – The Americas, Century Cruises, said: “Thomas and the team at Century One in Basel have brought our vision for ‘Rivers Intertwined’ to life. It is a philosophy that makes Century Cruises distinctly different on the rivers of Europe. We are bringing our heritage from the East and allowing it to intertwine with the extraordinary cultures, traditions and destinations of the West, creating something truly special.”

“Our European ships are designed specifically with North American and European travelers in mind. Guests will see strong European influences throughout the public spaces and staterooms, while discovering thoughtful reminders of our Asian heritage and where the Century Cruises story began.”

“That philosophy extends to our culinary experience. Alongside our daily menus, guests will experience regional foods, local wines and beers inspired by the destinations through which we sail. At the same time, there will always be a taste of our heritage, including a Chinese dish on the menu that reminds us of our origins along the Yangtze.”

“It puts Century Cruises in a very unique position on the rivers of Europe. We are not trying to recreate what already exists. We are bringing two worlds together — East and West, the Yangtze and the great rivers of Europe — as Century Cruises continues its expansion around the world.”

Stena RoRo orders new-generation E-Flexer vessels at CMI Weihai

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 24 September 2026 24 September 2026

Stena RoRo has, on behalf of Stena Line, designed and ordered two E-Flexer 2.0 ropax vessels, with options for two additional vessels, from the Chinese shipyard China Merchants Shipbuilding Industry (CMI) Weihai in China.

The E-Flexer series currently comprises 17 vessels specifically designed to offer a high degree of flexibility and cost efficiency, while allowing adaptation to a wide range of ferry routes around the world.

The vessels now on order represent the next generation of passenger ferries, offering significant capacity for both passengers and rolling cargo.

The new vessel series, designated E-Flexer 2.0, has been specifically designed to enable future operation solely on battery power. For this concept, Stena RoRo has chosen to introduce a diesel-electric propulsion system, with dedicated spaces on board prepared for up to 85 MWh of battery capacity.

The two new ferries will enter service on Stena Line’s route between Gothenburg and Frederikshavn, Denmark, in 2030.

“We have developed these state-of-the-art vessels together with Stena Line, enabling the future provision of completely fossil-free transport of passengers and cargo between Gothenburg and Frederikshavn,” says Per Westling, CEO of Stena RoRo AB.

“I am convinced that this vessel design will be developed further to suit a wide range of ferry routes. With our new battery concept, we are adding yet another dimension to our already highly flexible E-Flexer concept,” Per Westling adds.

With the two new orders, the E-Flexer series now comprises 17 vessels, seven of which will be operated by Stena Line and ten by external Stena RoRo customers.

Flexible and future-proof propulsion

In addition to batteries, the vessels are equipped with modern diesel engines that can run on various fuels, including biodiesel. The engines are prepared for operation on methanol.

Battery technology is developing rapidly, and the new vessels have therefore been designed to allow batteries to be installed in line with the ferry operators’ requirements and preferred pace. The amount of battery capacity installed may be determined by factors such as battery cost, energy density and fire safety, as well as the company’s environmental policy and, not least, developments in regulations.

Ten years cooperation with China Merchants Shipbuilding Industry, Weihai Shipyard

A ten-year partnership between Stena RoRo and China Merchants Shipbuilding Industry, Weihai has so far resulted in 21 vessels being ordered from the shipyard. The cooperation began in 2016 with an order for four E-Flexer RoPax vessels and has since grown to a total of 17 vessels of this type, 13 of which have now been delivered. In addition, four RoRo vessels of the Stena NewMax and C-Flexer classes have been ordered.

Stena RoRo is managing the newbuilding programme in Weihai. CEO Per Westling comments on the cooperation with the shipyard: “We are very pleased with our 10-year long cooperation with the CMI Weihai shipyard. For both Stena RoRo and CMI Weihai, it has been an extraordinary journey defined by technical developments, resilience and mutual success. Through close and sincere collaboration, the two sides have jointly forged a remarkable record of mutually beneficial cooperation and partnership. The shipyard has been highly successful in meeting our customers’ demanding requirements in terms of quality, delivery reliability and flexibility. All E-Flexer vessels have been delivered on time, which is extremely important, not least in giving our new customers confidence in working with Stena RoRo,” concludes Per Westling.

Turku shipyard marks 50 years in Perno

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 23 September 2026 23 September 2026

Yesterday marked the 50th anniversary of the start of operations at the Turku shipyard in Perno. The new shipyard was built to meet the needs of a rapidly growing shipbuilding industry and to enable the construction of increasingly large vessels. Launched in 1974, the construction project was one of the most significant industrial investments in Finland at the time, and the President of the Republic, Urho Kekkonen, inaugurated the new shipyard – then owned by Wärtsilä Oy – on September 22, 1976.

"We are marking this 50th anniversary by continuing our work and looking resolutely toward the future," says Casimir Lindholm, CEO of Meyer Turku Oy. "The Turku shipyard’s strength has always been its ability to reinvent itself. Our ongoing €200 million investment program strengthens our competitiveness, boosts productivity, and lays the foundation for success in the decades to come. At the same time, we are investing in a safer, smoother, and more pleasant working environment for everyone at the shipyard. We want to ensure that the world’s most advanced ships continue to be built in Turku in the future."

The shipyard’s facilities were originally designed for tanker construction; at the time, two ships could fit side-by-side in the 80-meter-wide building dock. Today, a single vessel from the state-of-the-art Icon-class fills the 365-meter-long building dock almost from end to end. Over the course of five decades, the Turku shipyard has grown into a driving force of the Finnish maritime industry and one of the world’s leading cruise shipbuilders. More than 2,300 Meyer Turku employees and an extensive partner network make the shipyard a significant employer and export industry player, with an impact extending across Finland and into international markets.

Royal Caribbean Group to acquire 50% stake of Sandals Resorts

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 23 September 2026 23 September 2026

Royal Caribbean Group and Sandals Resorts today announced the signing of an agreement to form a partnership in the all-inclusive resort space with a 50% investment from Royal Caribbean Group. Building on Sandals and Beaches Resorts' more than four decades of leadership in Caribbean hospitality, the joint venture will create new opportunities for continued resort growth while broadening the experiences across Royal Caribbean Group's vacation platform.

Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, and Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts, mark the signing of an agreement to form a landmark partnership that expands Royal Caribbean Group into the all-inclusive resort space and supports the future growth of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. The signing took place at Royal Caribbean Group's new headquarters in Miami, with the city's skyline in the background.

The partnership brings together two of the travel industry's most celebrated vacation companies, pairing Sandals and Beaches' all-inclusive resort expertise with Royal Caribbean Group's vacation platform, including industry-leading brands – Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea – a portfolio of private destinations, new river cruising offering, and an industry-first loyalty program. United in a shared history in the Caribbean and connected by a love for their communities, the companies will offer travelers an unparalleled collection of cruise, private destination and resort experiences, serving guests across more vacation occasions and establishing their undisputed leadership in Caribbean vacations.

The joint venture expands Royal Caribbean Group into an adjacent vacation category, growing its participation in the approximately $2 trillion global vacation market, and meets the growing global demand for Sandals and Beaches Resorts by accelerating their expansion. The partnership will include Sandals and Beaches' collection of premier all-inclusive properties across the Caribbean, and the companies will explore opportunities to broaden distribution, deepen guest engagement, and make it easier for travelers to discover vacation experiences offered across both portfolios.

"For nearly 60 years, we've reimagined what a vacation can be, constantly expanding the ways we inspire our guests to explore, connect and create lifelong memories," said Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. "We have been building a vacation platform that brings joy to millions of people around the world and creates meaningful relationships that last with our guests. Our partnership with Sandals and Beaches Resorts is an important next step on that journey - bringing together two iconic leading vacation companies to further strengthen and grow one of the most admired resort portfolios in the world. The Stewart family has created powerful and beloved brands, and we are honored to build on that legacy. Together, we see tremendous opportunity to expand the reach of Sandals and Beaches Resorts and continue turning the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations."

"My father, Gordon 'Butch' Stewart, founded Sandals Resorts with the belief that a company built in the Caribbean could stand on the world stage alongside the most respected names in hospitality. Today is proof of how far that vision can go," said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts. "This partnership is the natural next step in building on that conviction. It gives us the ability to grow faster with a partner that shares our values of exceptional hospitality, long-term investment, and the power of enduring brands. Together, we will introduce more guests to Sandals and Beaches Resorts while creating even more extraordinary experiences for those who have made our resorts part of their lives for decades." Stewart added, "As we continue to grow, we will remain true to what has always defined us: delivering authentic vacations that exceed expectations while creating opportunities for our team members, travel advisor partners and the communities we call home. The future has never been brighter, and I know this moment would make my father incredibly proud."

The joint venture will be governed by a board under the shared leadership of Stewart and Liberty. Stewart will maintain a leadership role in guiding the company's long-term strategic growth as Executive Chairman of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. Existing reservations, loyalty programs, resort operations and cruise operations will continue as usual, with the partnership bringing additional resources to support future opportunities.

Under the terms of the agreement, Royal Caribbean Group will acquire a 50% equity interest in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for approximately $3 billion, representing a forward EBITDA multiple of approximately 10x. Royal Caribbean Group has secured committed debt financing from Morgan Stanley to fund the investment. The transaction is expected to close in early 2027, subject to customary approvals and closing conditions, and is expected to be accretive to earnings next year.

BofA Securities and PJT Partners acted as financial advisors, and Latham & Watkins and Jones Day acted as legal advisors to the Sandals Group. Perella Weinberg Partners and Morgan Stanley acted as financial advisors and Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal advisor to Royal Caribbean Group.