Birka Gotland to cruise to Gdansk in summer 2026

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 10 November 2025 10 November 2025

Reservations opened for Birka Gotland's cruises for the 2026 season last week. The big news is two cruises to Gdansk in Poland, which will take place just as late summer turns into autumn. At the same time, the focus on an extended Visby season with more activities for families with children continues.

Birka Gotland, the Baltic Sea's only dedicated year-round cruise ship, will mainly sail between Stockholm, Mariehamn and Visby. In 2026, longer voyages to Baltic Sea destinations such as the High Coast, Bornholm and Riga will also be offered. Brand new are two departures to Gdansk in Poland, which will take place on 30 August and 13 September 2026, respectively.

During the port call in Gdansk, passengers can choose from several excursion packages and, for example, combine the historically important Hanseatic city with the seaside resort of Sopot, experience traditional amber crafts and enjoy Polish coffee at the magnificent Art Nouveau hotel Grand.

"Gdansk has long been in demand by our travelers. Being able to now add one of the Baltic Sea region's most magnificent cities, also via Visby, makes the cruise a unique experience," says Daniela Nikander, Product Manager Gotland Alandia Cruises.

After the success of the extended Gotland season in 2025, Birka Gotland will continue with departures from Easter to the beginning of autumn next year as well. New is an investment in more Gotland excursion destinations adapted for families with children.

"Our new Pelle Svanslös concept that we have during the school holiday periods has attracted even more families with children to discover Birka Gotland. That is why we are broadening the range on land with, among other things, Kneippbyn as a novelty for younger travelers. Of course, we are also continuing with the popular option to cruise between Mariehamn and Visby," says Daniela Nikander.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings confirms newbuild order for third Prestige-class ship for Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 10 November 2025 10 November 2025

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., a leading global cruise company operating Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, today announced it has confirmed a newbuild order with Fincantieri to construct a third vessel in the Prestige-class series for its ultra-luxury brand, Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The ship is scheduled for delivery in 2033, marking the continued expansion of the company’s growth strategy in the luxury segment.

Following the debut of the highly anticipated Seven Seas Prestige in 2026 and a second Prestige Class ship in 2030, the third vessel will build upon the hallmark design and elevated guest experience that has defined the brand’s legacy in all-inclusive, unrivaled cruising.

“This newbuild order continues our measured, strategic expansion within the luxury space, providing guests with yet another way to experience the unrivaled aboard The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet,” said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “It reflects our confidence in the growing demand for Regent’s best-in-class offering and reaffirms our long-standing partnership with Fincantieri, one rooted in craftsmanship and shared pursuit of perfection.”

“Our long-term strategic expansion with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., established over the past years through multiple successful orders, continues to strengthen our collaboration, especially within the ultra-luxury segment represented by Regent Seven Seas Cruises,” commented Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri. “This latest contract confirms the trust NCLH places in Fincantieri’s expertise to deliver innovative, sustainable, and exquisitely crafted ships that meet the evolving aspirations of the luxury cruise market.”

Regent’s Prestige-class ships begin a new legacy in ultra-luxury travel, marking Regent’s first new ship class in 10 years, following the tremendous success of the line’s Explorer-class vessels. Seven Seas Prestige will be 40 percent larger than previous Regent ships yet accommodates only 10 percent more guests, delivering truly Unrivaled Space at Sea. At 77,000 tons and carrying just 822 guests with 630 dedicated crew members, the ship offers one of the highest space-to-guest and crew-to-guest ratios in the cruise industry. Beautifully appointed all-balcony suites usher in a new era of ultra-luxury accommodation with 12 distinctive categories, including four all-new suite types, including the largest all-inclusive, ultra luxury cruise ship suite in history: the Skyview Regent Suite, and two-level Skyview and Grand Loft Suites. Elegant public spaces are thoughtfully designed from the sophisticated, light-filled Starlight Atrium to the art-inspired Galileo’s Bar. Offering Regent guests the chance to indulge in Epicurean Perfection like never before, Seven Seas Prestige provides a curated culinary journey across 11 dining experiences with a further brand-new dining venue being revealed at a later date. These include Azure, a new mezze-style Mediterranean concept, and signature favorites like Chartreuse, Prime 7, and Pacific Rim.

Star Princess officially named in stellar ceremony

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 07 November 2025 07 November 2025

In a radiant evening celebration illuminated by celestial hues and filled with unforgettable moments, Star Princess – the newest and most innovative ship from Princess Cruises – was officially named by godparents, Camila and Matthew McConaughey.

While Star Princess was alongside at Port Everglades last night, the vibrant couple christened the ship during a ceremonial maritime tradition dating back centuries, breaking a celebratory bottle of Pantalones Organic Tequila, the brand they co-founded, to wish the ship, guests and crew good fortune on the seas.

Hosted by travel and lifestyle TV personality Dawn McCoy, the star-studded naming ceremony took place in the ship's spectacular Princess Arena, where guests enjoyed an evening of inspiring tributes from Princess President Gus Antorcha and Star Princess Captain Gennaro Arma and live entertainment. The celebration continued with a special performance by nine-time Grammy Award-winning singer songwriter Sheryl Crow. To cap off the event, a shimmering drone show filled the starry sky paying tribute to Star Princess' upcoming itinerary to The Great Land of Alaska.

"It's an honor to follow in the footsteps of past godparents and welcome Star Princess into the Princess fleet," said Camila and Matthew McConaughey. "We are excited to share this moment with the guests who step aboard – coming together with family and friends, making new memories, and sharing a Pantalones cocktail, or two."

The McConaugheys, who embody a passion for life, creativity, and giving back, reflect the very essence of Princess Cruises. Their organic tequila brand, Pantalones, is also featured across the Princess fleet, including in the popular 24K Gold Margarita and the Love Line Premium Liquors Collection.

"Today's naming ceremony is a milestone filled with pride and joy for everyone at Princess Cruises," said Gus Antorcha, Princess Cruises President. "Star Princess is a stunning reflection of our legacy and our future – bringing together incredible design, exceptional experiences, and the spirit of discovery our guests love. We're grateful to Matthew and Camila McConaughey for joining the Princess family and know their warmth and infectious spirit will always be felt throughout Star Princess."

Camila and Matthew McConaughey join an illustrious group of Princess Cruises godparents including Princess Diana; Catherine, Princess of Wales; Audrey Hepburn; and Sophia Loren.

The 177,800-gross-ton Star Princess, accommodating 4,300 guests, showcases Princess Cruises' legendary guest service and dedicated crew, along with distinctive dining and bar venues, elevated entertainment and activities, and luxurious accommodations.

Villa Vie Residences launches 5-Year Ownership Plan from just $49,999

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 06 November 2025 06 November 2025

Villa Vie Residences, the pioneering residential cruise line redefining life at sea, yesterday announced a groundbreaking 5-Year Ownership Plan starting at just $49,999 giving travelers, retirees, and digital nomads the opportunity to own their oceanfront residence and sail the world aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey.

This new plan offers flexible, affordable ownership for those who want to experience full-time or part-time life at sea – without the long-term commitment of permanent ownership. Owners enjoy five full years of global travel across 140+ countries and 425+ destinations, as part of Villa Vie's signature world-circumnavigation itinerary.

"This 5-Year Ownership Plan brings the dream of living at sea within reach for thousands of people who crave freedom, adventure, and connection," said Mikael Petterson, Founder & Chaiman of Villa Vie Residences. "For roughly the price of a car, you can own your home on a ship that travels the world – complete with all the luxuries of a resort and the camaraderie of a global community."

Accessible global living — with full ownership benefits

Owners receive:
– Guaranteed private villa ownership for 5 years aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey
– Access to the full global itinerary, visiting 140+ countries
– Onboard amenities and concierge services, including dining, wellness, entertainment, and healthcare
– Flexible transfer or upgrade options, including the ability to sell, gift, or convert toward lifetime programs such as the Endless Horizons or Golden Passport

This program is ideal for travelers who want the stability of ownership without a decades-long financial obligation. With villas beginning at just $49,999, Villa Vie's new offering opens the door to a new demographic of explorers seeking both lifestyle freedom and investment value.

Expanding the future of residential cruising

Villa Vie Residences continues to expand its residential cruise platform, building on the success of the Villa Vie Odyssey and introducing flexible models that meet virtually every budget.

There are now several ways to join Villa Vie Odyssey:

– Ownership: Purchase a villa for as low as $129,999 for the life of the ship or $49,999 for a 5-Year Term
– Month-to-Month Rentals: No ownership required. Rates start at $4,800/month single or $6,000/month double.
– Rent-to-Own: Try it first, then convert to ownership later.
– Endless Horizons & Golden Passport: Pay one lump sum up front payment and live aboard indefinitely without monthly fees.

"This is a major step in our mission to make global residence at sea accessible to everyone," added Petterson. "We're not just selling cabins — we're creating an entirely new way to live."