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Atlas Ocean Voyages to build luxury expedition sailing yacht

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; 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.

Corazul Cruceros introduces a new cruise brand in Spain

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 20 January 2026 20 January 2026

Corazul Cruceros announces the launch of a new cruise brand developed specifically for the Spanish market. The brand is designed for families and groups of friends seeking a warm, human way of travelling that reflects the Mediterranean way of living well. The first sailings are scheduled for July 2026.

Following the disruption caused by the pandemic, the Spanish market has not seen the return of a cruise offering truly aligned with its language, culture and way of enjoying travel. Corazul Cruceros has been created to respond to this gap with a project conceived from within, rather than as an adaptation of existing international models.

The brand places people, relationships and shared life at the centre of the experience, under- standing cruising as a time to enjoy everyday moments together, naturally and without artifice.

Corazul Cruceros has been designed to encourage closeness, conviviality and shared enjoy- ment. The layout of the ship, onboard rhythms and service philosophy reflect a social, relaxed way of travelling, focused on spending time together.

Spanish will be the primary onboard language, followed by Portuguese and English. Shore ex- cursions will be conducted in Spanish, allowing for a more natural and comfortable connection with destinations. The concept is oriented towards multigenerational travel, with spaces and services designed for guests of all ages.

At Corazul Cruceros, the Mediterranean is not a visual theme, but a way of living well. Light, sea, open spaces and an atmosphere designed for unhurried enjoyment, shared conversations and simple moments that stay with you.
Gastronomy, public areas and onboard programming reinforce this idea of shared well-being, based on warmth, joy and human connection, far removed from distant luxury or empty aspiration.

Corazul Cruceros approaches the market with a collaborative mindset towards travel profes- sionals, offering an attractive commercial framework and recognising the importance of the trade in the development of the brand within the Spanish cruise market.

Corazul Cruceros will be present at FITUR Madrid (21–25 January 2026), where its sales team will be available to meet with travel agents, tour operators and industry professionals interest-ed in learning more about the brand and potential cooperation opportunities.

Corazul Cruceros will debut with Buenavista as the first ship in its fleet. The vessel will accom-modate 2,000 passengers and has been conceived to support the brand’s philosophy: sharing life on board and enjoying the sea in a natural, relaxed way.

Buenavista is scheduled to enter service in July 2026. The inaugural cruise, planned for 8 July, will mark the official operational launch of Corazul Cruceros.

Production of the fifth Icon-class ship started at Meyer Turku Shipyard

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 20 January 2026 20 January 2026

On Monday, 19 January 2026, production of the fifth vessel in the Icon Class began at the Meyer Turku shipyard. The ceremonial event held in the steel hall was attended by representatives of the ship’s owner Royal Caribbean Group, the Meyer Turku organization, and the classification society.

The traditional steel-cutting ceremony marked the start of more than two years of construction and outfitting work, involving thousands of professionals across different fields. Once completed, the vessel—whose name will be revealed later—will take on an important role within the Royal Caribbean Group fleet as part of the pioneering Icon Class that enables entirely new kinds of holiday experiences.

“Icon 5 is further proof of Meyer Turku’s unique ability to design and build cruise ships of the future. Together with our partner Royal Caribbean and the entire maritime industry network, we learn from every Icon ship and are able to build vessels more efficiently and with even higher quality as the series progresses. The €150 million investment program initiated by our company further strengthens the shipyard’s capabilities to develop its operations.

Each Icon ship is valued at approximately €2 billion, of which, thanks to the high domestic content, 70 percent remains in Finland. In addition, every vessel of this size creates 13,000 person-years of employment in our country,” says Meyer Turku CEO Casimir Lindholm.

Icon 5 is scheduled to be delivered in summer 2028.

Meyer Turku is currently building the third and fourth Icon Class vessels as well. The third ship, Legend of the Seas, to be delivered this coming summer, will—unlike its predecessors—begin cruising in the Mediterranean in July. The vessel will operate in the Caribbean during the winter and return to Europe again for the summer season of 2027.

Meyer Turku also holds options for the sixth and seventh Icon Class vessels. Last autumn, Meyer Turku and Royal Caribbean signed a cooperation agreement to build ships at the Turku shipyard until 2036.

In addition to the Icon vessels, Meyer Turku is building two multifunctional offshore patrol vessels at its partner shipyards. These vessels will be delivered to the Finnish Border Guard during 2026.

Azamara Cruises to refurbish its entire fleet

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 16 January 2026 16 January 2026

Azamara Cruises – the small-ship cruise line known for its late nights, overnights, and destination immersion – yesterday announced Azamara Forward, an enhancement program across its fleet representing the most extensive renovations and refurbishments in the company's history. Across the fleet, Azamara Forward brings a comprehensive series of onboard enhancements, including brand new Chef's Table experience (pictured above), a reimagined cocktail lounge, refreshed staterooms and suites, and upgraded public spaces. Additionally, debuting exclusively on Azamara Quest, the program introduces 12 all-new premier suites exclusive to the ship. Together, these enhancements mark a bold evolution for the brand's upscale small-ship experience.

Among the highlights of Azamara Forward is an entirely new Penthouse Deck exclusively on Azamara Quest's highest level, introducing the all-new Grandview and Panorama Suites. As Azamara Forward is launched across the entire fleet, guests will experience a newly dedicated Chef's Table restaurant, a reimagined Discoveries Restaurant, debut of a recrafted Atlas Bar across all four ships, a full transformation of The Cabaret Lounge, thoughtfully curated updates to every stateroom and suite, and much more. Launching with Azamara Quest's sailing on December 18, 2026, Azamara Forward marks a defining evolution for the ship and a significant step forward for Azamara's high-end small-ship experience.

"Azamara Forward is Azamara Cruises' vision for thoughtfully elevating the onboard experience while honoring the hallmarks that have long defined the brand," said Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara Cruises. "This transformation reflects years of listening to our guests and travel partners and an extraordinary amount of creativity and collaboration across our teams. From the new Panorama and Grandview Suites aboard Azamara Quest to reimagined dining and ship-wide enhancements across our fleet, Azamara Forward is designed to deepen destination immersion, elevate comfort, and create even more meaningful moments at sea. It's celebrating our heritage while introducing new experiences to take us into the future."

Timed to debut ahead of the highly anticipated 2027 World Cruise, Azamara Quest was the natural choice to introduce Azamara Forward. The ship's itineraries and guest demand created the ideal opportunity to unveil these enhancements and deliver an even more elevated guest experience. Azamara Onward will be the next ship to receive Azamara Forward renovations in 2027, with timelines for Azamara Journey and Azamara Pursuit to be announced at a later date.

Emerald Kaia completes sea trials in advance of the inaugural 2026 season launch

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 15 January 2026 15 January 2026

Emerald Cruises & Tours has reached a significant milestone in the build of Emerald Kaia, following the successful completion of sea trials in Halong Bay, Vietnam. This major step brings the next-generation super yacht closer to entering service and reflects Scenic Group’s commitment to quality, innovation and delivering unique luxury guest experiences across its growing fleet.

The yacht’s first trials in open water, have confirmed performance, manoeuvrability and overall seaworthiness. Conducted from the group’s shipyard in Halong Bay, Emerald Kaia’s trials are in advance of her inaugural Cyprus to the Acropolis sailing, the 11-day itinerary departing Limassol on April 4, 2026.

Designed for a relaxed luxury yacht experience, Emerald Kaia welcomes only up to 128 guests, purpose-built, with expansive lounges, terraces and decks, featuring Missoni decor and furnishings. New interconnecting suites, provide added flexibility for families and groups, while generously sized staterooms and suites deliver contemporary comfort.

Guests will enjoy an all-new Observation Sun Deck featuring an additional Spa Pool, sun loungers and shaded areas – an inviting space to take in sweeping coastlines, unwind between ports and toast sunset at sea. The innovative indoor/outdoor gym featuring state of the art wellness equipment is located adjacent to the marina platform, for guests to stay active with fresh sea air and then cool off with a refreshing swim directly from the platform.

Emerald Kaia will also debut a new design for signature restaurant La Cucina. Guests will enjoy a vibrant open kitchen that brings added energy and connection to the culinary experience, alongside the new Night Market Grill – an intimate private dining experience for just eight guests. Night Market Grill dining is available for guests at an additional cost.

“This milestone is a testament to the dedication of everyone involved in the project. Operationally, this sea trial has delivered excellent results and allows us to proceed with the final phase of commissioning with confidence. We look forward to welcoming guests on board Emerald Kaia in April 2026,” said James Griffiths, Scenic Group General Manager, Ocean Operations.

With sea trials now complete, the next milestones for Emerald Kaia include final fittings, delivery and its inaugural sailing in April 2026. Emerald Kaia will join Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara in the Emerald Yacht Cruises fleet, ahead of future sister yachts Emerald Raiya (2027) and Emerald Xara (2028).