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HKTB welcomes The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s luxury yacht Luminara to Hong Kong for a turnaround

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 13 January 2026 13 January 2026

Luminara from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection visits Hong Kong for the first time. Luminara, the newest superyacht from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, made its maiden call in Hong Kong today (13 January). The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) welcomed Luminara's inaugural arrival in the city, marking the yacht’s deployment from Hong Kong as a turnaround port. Over the coming months, the yacht will operate Asia-Pacific itineraries with Hong Kong serving as the embarkation and disembarkation destination. The deployment further showcases Hong Kong’s diverse appeal for cruise tourism and its ability to attract more high-end international visitors.

The yacht entered Victoria Harbour and docked at Ocean Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui this morning following the launch of its Asia-Pacific itineraries from Singapore in December last year. HKTB commemorated the occasion with a water salute, alongside energetic dragon and lion dances. A welcoming ceremony and luncheon were hosted on board, attended by Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law, Commissioner for Tourism Angelina Cheung, HKTB Executive Director Anthony Lau, and representatives from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, celebrating Luminara’s first arrival in Hong Kong.

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law said, “Hong Kong saw a total of 189 cruise ship calls in 2025, marking a 26% year-on-year increase. These included vessels from 22 cruise brands worldwide. The total cruise passenger throughput for the year was around 630,000, with 430,000 being inbound visitors. Both figures have shown an increase of 20% from the previous year. I am delighted to welcome the maiden call of a luxury cruise vessel from a leading international brand to Hong Kong as the new year begins. This demonstrates that Hong Kong not only attracts large and well-known cruises to Hong Kong, but has also drawn super-luxury vessels targeting high-end international visitors to our city, testifying Hong Kong’s diversity in cruise tourism. Looking ahead, the Tourism Commission and HKTB will continue to fortify Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s Cruise Hub. We will also work closely with the industry partners to drive the development of cruise tourism in Hong Kong.”

“With Luminara, we have raised the bar once again, uniting legendary service, elevated design, and an extraordinary onboard experience to further define our distinct approach to ultra-luxury travel at sea,” said Ernesto Fara, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. “Our Asia-Pacific itineraries invite guests to experience the region in a more intimate and unhurried way, pairing marquee cities with more secluded islands and offering opportunities for overnights that allow for deeper exploration ashore and by water. Expanding into Asia-Pacific marks an important step in how we continue to thoughtfully grow in the region and around the world.”

Luminara is the third and newest superyacht from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. From January through mid-April, the yacht will set out on turnaround trips between Hong Kong and Singapore or Tokyo, with port calls including Osaka in Japan, Bangkok in Thailand, Incheon in South Korea, and Ha Long Bay and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

Launched in July 2025, Luminara spans 794 feet (242 meters) and has a gross tonnage of 46,750. The yacht accommodates up to 452 guests across 226 spacious suites, all featuring private terraces. Designed to foster a closer connection to the sea, Luminara offers a refined yet relaxed onboard atmosphere, with thoughtfully designed spaces, five exceptional dining venues, seven bars, and an expansive Marina that provides direct access to the water for a range of activities, supporting an intimate and unhurried way of exploring the region by sea.

Photo credit: HKTB

Viking becomes official cruise line of the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 09 January 2026 09 January 2026

Viking and the PGA TOUR today announced a new multi-year marketing partnership that designates Viking as the Official Cruise Line of the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions.

The agreement, which currently runs through 2030, will center around a brand awareness campaign for Viking through media and digital placements on various PGA TOUR platforms.

“We are very pleased to be the Official Cruise Line of the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions,” said Richard Marnell, Viking’s Executive Vice President of Marketing. “Both golf and travel are important priorities in the lives of many Viking guests, so partnering with the PGA TOUR is a natural fit and builds on our continued commitment to support cultural programming and events.”

Viking was founded in 1997 with a vision that travel could be more destination-focused and culturally enriching. Today, Viking is a global leader in experiential travel, with a fleet of more than 100 ships, exploring 21 rivers, five oceans and all seven continents.

“We are excited to introduce Viking to our fans across the world as the new Official Cruise Line of the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions,” said Dan Glod, PGA TOUR Executive Vice President, Corporate Partnerships. “A universally recognized leader in the industry, we’re proud to partner with Viking as they are known for providing memorable and enriching travel experiences that resonate with our players and fans.”

Viking has a longstanding history of supporting cultural programming and events, partnering with prestigious institutions, such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the British Museum and the Metropolitan Opera. Viking also recently announced a long-term agreement with the Norwegian Football Federation, making Viking the main sponsor for the National Team Academy (Landslagsskolen) and Norway’s U-level national teams.

Windstar Cruises takes delivery of Star Seeker

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 15 December 2025 15 December 2025

Windstar Cruises has officially taken ownership of its newest all-suite yacht, Star Seeker, following a handover ceremony on December 15 at the WestSEA Shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal. The 224-guest yacht is the first new build in Windstar’s Star-class and marks a major milestone in the small ship cruise line’s ongoing fleet expansion.

The ceremony formalized the transfer of ownership. Representing Windstar were President Chris Prelog, Chief Operating Officer Stijn Creupelandt, Chief Commercial Officer Janet Bava and Vice President of Expansion Projects John Gunner, who oversaw the shipbuilding program. Also in attendance were Captain Tom Schofield and his team who have been instrumental in preparing Star Seeker for delivery, reflecting the dedication and expertise of Windstar’s crew – an essential part of the brand’s guest experience. They were joined by senior representatives of the Portuguese shipyard that brought the yacht to life.

“Taking delivery of a new ship is one of the most meaningful moments in a shipbuilding journey,” says Prelog. “From the float out to the handover, we’ve seen Star Seeker take shape with extraordinary craftsmanship. The WestSEA team and Mario Ferreira with Mystic Invest Holding team have been incredible partners throughout this process, and our crew, led by Captain Schofield, has worked tirelessly to ensure the yacht is delivered in exceptional condition. We cannot wait to welcome guests aboard in just a few short weeks.”

“Watching Star Seeker evolve from concept to completion has been a point of pride for everyone at WestSEA,” says Ferreira. “Windstar challenged us to build a yacht that could reach new destinations, deliver exceptional comfort and operate responsibly. We’re proud to hand her over today knowing she will bring guests closer to the world in ways only a small ship can.”

Star Seeker now enters its final preparations ahead of its December 2025 debut, beginning with a Maiden Voyage from Málaga, Spain, across the Atlantic to Miami, now home to Windstar Cruises’ corporate headquarters, where a christening ceremony is scheduled to take place on January 15th. Star Seeker will then venture to the Caribbean for a celebratory inaugural season before its highly anticipated return to Alaska and Japan later in the year.

[Editor's note: We are scheduled to be onboard the Star Seeker on December 21 onwards, so please follow us in our social media and of course this website.]

Meyer Werft appoints Dr. André Walter new CEO

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 12 December 2025 12 December 2025

The Supervisory Board has appointed Dr. André Walter as the new CEO of Meyer Werft, effective July 1, 2026. Dr. Walter will succeed Dr. Bernd Eikens, who is handing over the reins of the company as planned and at his own request.

With Dr. André Walter, Meyer Werft gains an experienced manager who will consistently drive the company's further development. He has been Chairman of the Management Board of Airbus Aerostructures GmbH and Airbus GmbH in Hamburg since 2022. His career at Airbus began in 2006 with various technical and management positions. Among other roles, he headed the Airbus sites in Bremen and Hamburg.

Dr. Klaus Richter, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Meyer Werft, on the upcoming change in management: “Meyer Werft expresses its sincere gratitude to Dr. Bernd Eikens. Dr. Eikens took over the management of Meyer Werft in a difficult financial situation. With great foresight, he initiated the restructuring process and set the course for a successful turnaround. We are pleased to have gained Dr. André Walter as the new Managing Director for Meyer Werft, who, with his experience, will continue on this path and further advance the shipyard. Dr. Walter brings exceptional expertise in corporate management.”

Heiko Messerschmidt, Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board: “We thank Dr. Eikens for his trustworthy cooperation. The employee representatives on the Supervisory Board also warmly welcome Dr. Walter to his new role. We continue to rely on a partnership between the Works Council, IG Metall, and management. We are already familiar with this approach from Dr. Walter's time at Airbus and look forward to continuing it at Meyer Werft.” "To be able to build on the Meyer Werft experience."

Marc Kazlauskas is new President of Norwegian Cruise Line

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 11 December 2025 11 December 2025

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. today named travel industry veteran Marc Kazlauskas as President of Norwegian Cruise Line (Norwegian), effective Jan. 19, 2026. He joins the company with more than 30 years of senior leadership experience across sales, operations, and innovation in the global travel industry.

Kazlauskas most recently served as CEO of Avoya Travel, one of the largest travel companies in the U.S. and a leading travel platform and host agency. Prior to this, he served as President of FROSCH and Managing Director of Chase Travel Group, a JP Morgan Chase company, one of the world’s leading travel companies with more than $11 billion in sales and a global footprint, where he led large teams, managed multi-billion-dollar operations and oversaw key partnerships across airlines, tour operators and cruise lines. He has a strong proven track record in driving commercial performance, customer-experience enhancements and major modernization initiatives that align with Norwegian’s continued focus on disciplined pricing, operational efficiency and elevated guest offerings.

“Marc is a proven leader with deep commercial expertise and an unwavering commitment to the guest experience,” said Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. “His appointment comes at a pivotal time for the Norwegian Cruise Line brand as we continue to see healthy demand for cruise, execute on our newbuild program and make significant progress on major initiatives, including enhancements to our private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay. Marc will be instrumental in further advancing the brand’s long-term performance and growth.”

“I am honored to join Norwegian Cruise Line at such an exciting moment,” said Marc Kazlauskas, incoming president at Norwegian Cruise Line. “The momentum already underway sets NCL up for continued success, and I look forward to building on the company’s strong performance alongside its incredible team. With robust booking trends, the upcoming debut of Norwegian Luna, as well as the company’s strong pipeline of newbuilds through 2036 and major enhancements to Great Stirrup Cay, the company is well positioned for future success. As I step into this new role, I’m deeply grateful for my time at Avoya Travel and the remarkable people who’ve helped shape my journey leading to this exciting next chapter.”