Crystal names its newbuild as Crystal Grace

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 13 November 2025 13 November 2025

Crystal announced today the name of its new ship: Crystal Grace. This is the first ocean new build for the brand in 25 years and under the ownership of AKTG (Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group).

Scheduled for delivery in May 2028, Crystal Grace will embark on her inaugural voyage on June 11, 2028, following a series of preview sailings. The ship will represent a bold and industry-leading evolution of Crystal’s celebrated heritage, blending innovation, sophistication and timeless style, while signaling the next chapter in Crystal’s journey to redefine luxury at sea.

As part of the launch campaign, the brand created a digital word game shared across all social channels inviting fans to guess the name of the ship themselves before the big reveal.

“Crystal Grace is more than a name; it’s a promise. It reflects the effortless elegance, generous spirit, and sense of tranquility that define the Crystal experience. Crystal Grace is the embodiment of why we were awarded the World’s Best Cruise Line by Travel + Leisure, combining the best food, service, space, entertainment and shore experiences (by Abercrombie & Kent). With this ship, we are honoring our heritage while continuing to evolve for a new generation of guests," said Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group.

The name Grace was chosen to reflect the ship’s refined aesthetic, seamless onboard experience and the graceful way in which Crystal ships navigate the world’s most breathtaking destinations. The 650-passenger (based on double occupancy), 61,800-gross-ton Crystal Grace will offer spacious all-suite accommodations, entertainment and world-class dining including Umi Uma, the only Nobu restaurant at sea, the only Beefbar at sea and menus designed by the Michelin-starred Italian Alajmo brothers at Osteria d’Ovidio, all included in the voyage price. Guests will be pleased to find a promenade extending the whole ship’s perimeter, perfect for leisurely strolls with stunning ocean views. The ship will still offer one of the highest crew-to-passenger ratios in this segment, ensuring the personalized service and attention to detail that has made Crystal an award-winning brand for more than three decades.

On land, Abercrombie & Kent will curate a series of exceptional land experiences and events across the world, powered by its network of integrated DMCs: Crystal is the only cruise line with this global, in-house capability.

Details around Crystal Grace’s suite categories will be announced in December, with additional news on the inaugural voyages, design features and new onboard offerings, unveiled in the coming months.

Celestyal expands ‘Iconic Arabia' shore excursion program, introduces new tours in Ras Al Khaimah

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 12 November 2025 12 November 2025

Celestyal has expanded the shore excursion program for its upcoming new-for-2025 “Iconic Arabia” itineraries on its second ship to visit the region, Celestyal Discovery.

New tours include experiences in Ras Al Khaimah – as the cruise line makes it maiden visit to the port – and additional options in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The 1,360-guest Celestyal Discovery will officially launch the line’s new 3-, 4- and 7-night “Iconic Arabia” cruises from December 12, 2025, sailing roundtrip from her winter homeport in Abu Dhabi.

Ports of call include maiden visits to Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, in addition to Doha, Qatar; Khasab, Oman; Dubai, UAE; and Sir Bani Yas Island. Prices for three nights start at $339 per person; four nights from $429pp; and from $689pp for the 7-night itinerary. Fares include all meals, soft drinks, WiFi, port fees and gratuities.

The shore excursion program has a range of half-day, full-day and two-day options. It also offers “Authentic Encounters”, which provide unique experiences with local people and attractions, and smaller group sizes.
Highlights include:
– “Journey to the Soul of Ras Al Khaimah”: A guided tour through the diverse landscapes of Ras Al Khaimah, starting with a scenic drive through desert dunes, followed by a visit to the royal camel racing stables, an Emirati date farm, and a mountain village. Full-day tour from $260pp.
– “Ras Al Khaimah and Suwaidi Pearls Farm, Authentic Encounter”: Starting with a tour of the House of Pearls by Suwaidi Pearls, including a journey on a traditional pearl fishing boat, and visiting Dhayah Fort and Ras Al Khaimah’s Old Town. Full-day tour from $123pp.
– “Dubai from its Eye”: Starting with a scenic drive to Zabeel Palace, the residence of Dubai’s royal family, and visiting the Museum of the Future; Bluewaters Island for a ride on Ain Dubai, the world’s tallest observation wheel; and Kite Beach. Half-day tour from $79pp.
– “Delicious Dates and Tasty Cakes”: Explore the food and culture in Abu Dhabi, touring the must-see highlights of the city, including the dates market. Half-day tour from $139pp.
– “Yas Waterworld, Yas Island”: A full day at Abu Dhabi’s iconic water park, located on Yas Island. Full-day tour from $153pp.

In April, Celestyal signed a three-year agreement with the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. The multi-year partnership, agreed at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, promotes Ras Al Khaimah as a key destination among Celestyal’s guests, further establishing the cruise line’s affiliations with the Arabian Gulf region.

Lee Haslett, Chief Commercial Officer at Celestyal, said: “Our new ‘Iconic Arabia’ shore excursions offer what we call a true backstage travel pass to the Arabian Gulf – giving guests insider access to the rich tapestry of culture, history and natural beauty that defines the region. From the futuristic skyline of Dubai to the serene shores of Sir Bani Yas Island and the treasures of Ras Al Khaimah, each experience, led by our incredibly knowledgeable team, connects travellers with the authentic spirit of the destination.”

Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam brings first cruise guests to Ocho Rios following Hurricane Melissa

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 11 November 2025 11 November 2025

Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam arrived at Ocho Rios, Jamaica, this morning, bringing aid, team member volunteers and guests as the country continues its recovery following Hurricane Melissa.

During its visit, the ship offloaded nearly 5,000 boxes of relief supplies, including food, water, bedding, clothing, and mattresses.

“We are honored to return to Ocho Rios and deeply grateful for the collaboration with the port, local community and tour operators,” said Beth Bodensteiner, president, Holland America Line. “The decision was made with care and respect, knowing that tourism is vital to Jamaica’s recovery and future. Our guests are excited to bring much-needed support to the local economy.”

“On behalf of the people of St. Ann, and also representing Minister of Tourism Hon. Edmund Bartlett today, I want to sincerely thank Holland America Line for this incredibly timely donation of 20 pallets of food items and water to our tourism corridor,” said Hon. Matthew Samuda, Member of Parliament of Northeast St. Ann, Jamaica. “St. Ann is a vital part of that corridor, and as we work to restore full services – especially water – this support helps us keep workers, families and small businesses going through a very tough period. It also sends a clear message: cruise partners aren’t just coming to enjoy Jamaica, they are standing with us in recovery. Every ship that returns to Ocho Rios strengthens jobs, protects livelihoods and helps our community bounce back stronger, and we value this kind of real, practical partnership.”

Zuiderdam is the first of two cruise ships arriving at Ocho Rios today and is carrying more than 1,900 guests. Before disembarking passengers at the Turtle Bay Pier, the ship stopped at Reynolds Pier to deliver aid to Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management. The delivery included pantry-safe food items, baking ingredients, water, toiletries, cleaning supplies, bedding and clothing. In addition, the ship delivered a large supply of canned meat donated by Holland America partner AlphaOne USA.

Thirty volunteers from Holland America Line’s shipboard and shoreside teams partnered with Chukka Caribbean Adventures and its nonprofit Chukka Foundation for a beach cleanup in Seville, near Ocho Rios. Later this week, guests and crew will take part in an On Deck for a Cause 5K walk aboard the ship, raising money for Direct Relief’s Hurricane Melissa relief fund. Direct Relief provides medicine and other resources to people impacted by the hurricane.

Disney Cruise Line christens Disney Destiny in Port Everglades

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 11 November 2025 11 November 2025

A hero’s welcome awaited the new Disney Cruise Line ship, the Disney Destiny, Monday evening during the christening celebration at its homeport of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The Disney Destiny Christening combined the spirit of a high-energy concert with the theatricality of a Disney spectacular, including a multi-tiered set, drone special effects and scenic projections on the ship itself, alongside a live band and a dozen dazzling vocal performers. The waterfront production featured a custom, pop rock-inspired arrangement of iconic music from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Hercules,” “The Lion King” and “Frozen,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther” and more — a tribute to the legendary Disney Animation, Pixar Animation Studios and Marvel stories guests can experience aboard the new ship.

“For more than 100 years, we have entertained our fans in new and innovative ways, connecting them to the Disney stories they love,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, during the celebration. “Disney Cruise Line is a powerful part of that legacy because our ships become brand ambassadors that travel the globe and bring joy to our guests in ways only Disney can. Now, the Disney Destiny makes its own extraordinary entry into our growing fleet.”

The evening culminated in a sparkling pop of champagne and the ceremonial christening blessing bestowed by Susan Egan, godmother of the Disney Destiny. The prolific Broadway performer who embodies the spirit of the ship with her close ties to beloved Disney stories – from lending her distinctive voice to bring to life the witty banter and dry humor of Megara in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Hercules” to originating the role of Belle in “Beauty and the Beast” on Broadway – recited the blessing to kick off a glittering grand finale of heroic proportions and ready the ship to set sail.

“The Disney Cruise Line team, alongside our Disney Imagineers, have invested years of their expertise, creativity and dedication into this beautiful ship,” emphasized Joe Schott, President of Disney Signature Experiences. “They have created something truly spectacular.”

Inspiring students to discover their destiny through arts

To further celebrate the launch of the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line is working with local organizations in Florida and The Bahamas to inspire students through the arts with the “Discover Your Destiny” initiative. This program brings the magic of theater into classrooms, offering students a behind-the-scenes look at entertainment careers. By engaging with Disney Cruise Line’s creative professionals, students will explore their talents, learn about exciting opportunities in the industry, and be encouraged to dream boldly about their futures.

Disney Cruise Line continues expansion plans

The Disney Destiny is the newest ship to join Disney Cruise Line’s growing fleet, marking a significant milestone in the cruise line’s multi-year expansion plans to bring the magic of Disney cruises to new audiences around the world. This expansion will grow the fleet to 13 ships by 2031, and also includes the Disney Adventure, which will homeport in Singapore beginning in March 2026; a fourth ship in the Wish class expected in 2027; the introduction of a brand-new class of ships in 2029; and an agreement with Disney and Oriental Land Co., Ltd. (OLC) to introduce Disney cruise vacations to Japan in 2029.

The sister ship to the Disney Wish (2022) and the Disney Treasure (2024), the Disney Destiny draws on the legacies of larger-than-life heroes and villains from Disney, Pixar and Marvel to offer new and guest-favorite experiences steeped in legendary Disney lore. Highlights include an original Broadway-style adaptation of “Hercules;” entertaining dining experiences inspired by “The Lion King” and the Marvel Universe; immersive meet-and-play experiences with beloved characters; a Mickey Mouse-themed water attraction; one-of-a-kind lounges inspired by Cruella de Vil and Doctor Strange; imaginative kids’ clubs; and signature fireworks at sea.

The Disney Destiny embarks on its maiden voyage on Nov. 20, followed by an inaugural season of four- and five-night cruises to The Bahamas and Western Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale – home to Disney Cruise Line’s newest year-round terminal, which opened in November 2023 and offers even more options for guests.