American Cruise Lines to introduce 10 new U.S. built ships through 2028

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 27 October 2025 27 October 2025

American Cruise Lines today announced 10 new ships for the U.S. market beginning with American Pioneer debuting in Florida on October 31st. American Pioneer is the 2nd new Patriot Class ship the company has launched this year. The balance of the order will be delivered over the next 3 years, underscoring the company’s commitment to the development and modernization of the U.S. market. All American’s new boats will continue to sail domestically, operating itineraries across the Line’s growing portfolio, including the Mississippi River, Alaska, and the East Coast. The new ships will also accelerate American’s expansion into new niche markets such as the Great Lakes, the Arkansas River, and National Parks cruises.

“American’s order book reflects our confidence in the domestic cruise market and the product we have pioneered in the U.S.,” said Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines. “The new ships will roll out at an average pace of one every four months and keep us on a disciplined growth trajectory.”

Following American Pioneer’s inaugural sailing, the company’s orderbook will feature 5 new American Riverboats, and 4 more Patriot Class ships which are a part of the Line’s ongoing Project Blue series. The Project Blue ships to date have included 4 innovative new Coastal Cats and Patriot Class flagship, American Patriot, which launched in June 2025.

American Cruise Lines 10 new ships through 2028:

– American Pioneer, small Patriot Class ship, 2025
– American Encore, modern American Riverboat, 2026
– American Maverick, small Patriot Class ship, 2026
– American Ranger, small Patriot Class ship, 2026
– American Anthem, modern American Riverboat, 2027
– American Mariner, small Patriot Class ship, 2027
– American Navigator, small Patriot Class ship, 2027
– American Grace, modern American Riverboat, 2028
– (American’s 29th ship): modern American Riverboat, 2028
– American’s 30th ship): modern American Riverboat, 2028

New Patriot Class ships

This week, American Pioneer begins sailing the company’s new 16-Day Grand Florida Coast & Keys cruise, from Amelia Island to St. Petersburg, Florida. Both American Pioneer and American Patriot will be sailing several of the company’s popular, new Florida coastal itineraries through April 2026.

The next 4 new Patriot Class ships are American Maverick and American Ranger, launching in 2026, and American Mariner and American Navigator, launching in 2027. American Maverick and American Ranger will begin sailing the company’s domestic East Coast itineraries in June and September 2026, respectively. American Mariner and American Navigator will also sail an array of the company’s East Coast itineraries beginning in June and July 2027.

Featured amenities include: 130 guest capacity; 5 decks; luxurious Singles, Doubles, and Suites with private balconies; multiple guest lounges, including a top deck lounge with fresh-air walking track; bow terrace/observation area; fitness center; a grand dining room and casual café; complimentary laundry room; and elevator access to all decks.

New modern American riverboats

American Cruise Lines launched American Song in 2018, the flagship in the company’s acclaimed American Riverboat™ series and the first modern riverboat in the country. Following its debut, American Song was lauded by TIME Magazine as one of The World’s Greatest Places. Since then, the company has introduced 5 more American Riverboats, including 2023’s American Encore – the first U.S. built riverboat to be named Best New Riverboat of the Year by Cruise Critic.

2026 will mark the highly anticipated debut of American’s 7th new modern riverboat, American Encore. The 180-guest riverboat will sail the Columbia and Snake Rivers beginning in May 2026. American Encore is the latest iteration in the company’s growing fleet of state-of-the-art new American Riverboats for U.S. cruising, and will be quickly followed by sister ships, American Anthem in 2027 and American Grace in 2028 (also slated to operate on the Columbia and Snake Rivers where demand continues to grow, especially for American’s exclusive National Parks cruises). Two more presently unnamed American Riverboats will follow American Grace in 2028.

Featured amenities include: 180 guest capacity; 5 decks; stunning multi-story glass atrium at the center of the ship; 100% private balcony accommodations, including the first-ever Signature Suite (1,000 sq/ft); a grand dining room and casual café; multiple indoor and outdoor lounges, including top deck lounge and outdoor walking track; fitness center; complimentary laundry room; and elevator access to all passenger decks.

American’s cruises, including those operated by these new ships, are open to book now. Full cruise schedules are available on the company’s website through 2028.

Meyer Werft strengthens the management board

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 24 October 2025 24 October 2025

The Management Board of Meyer Werft GmbH, consisting of Bernd Eikens and Ralf Schmitz, is being expanded by two additional positions: The Supervisory Board of Meyer Werft GmbH has appointed Melanie Freytag and Jörg Heidelberg to the Management Board.

With this reinforcement, the course is being set to consistently continue the restructuring course in the coming years and position the company for the future.

Melanie Freytag will serve as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) within the Management Board effective November 1, 2025. She will take over this area of ​​responsibility from Ralf Schmitz, who will fully concentrate on his role as Chief Restructuring Officer (CRO) within the Management Board in the future. Jörg Heidelberg will be appointed to the Management Board in his role as Chief Operating Officer effective January 1, 2026.

Dr. Klaus Richter, Chairman of the Supervisory Board: "The expansion of the management team is a significant step on the path to restructuring the Group. With Melanie Freytag and Jörg Heidelberg, we are gaining two personalities for the management team whose experience and expertise will make a decisive contribution to making the company future-proof and competitive."

Celebrity Cruises takes delivery of Celebrity Xcel and names next ship Celebrity Xcite

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 23 October 2025 23 October 2025

Today Celebrity Cruises took delivery and welcomed its newest ship – Celebrity Xcel – and announced the name of its sixth Edge Series ship – Celebrity Xcite – as the ship’s first piece of steel was cut and construction commenced at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire. Celebrity Xcite is expected to set sail in 2028, continuing the brand’s legacy of redefining premium cruising.

“Celebrity Xcel represents the next bold step in our journey to transform the way the world experiences premium travel," said Royal Caribbean Group president and CEO Jason Liberty. "Each ship in the Edge Series has reimagined what's possible at sea through elevated design and experiences that deepen the connection to the destinations being visited. With Celebrity Xcel now joining the fleet and Celebrity Xcite on the horizon, we're continuing to set new standards for excellence and innovation alongside our trusted partners at Chantiers de l'Atlantique."

“Celebrity Xcel has been designed with our guest as our north star, we even involved them in the design process through the Xcel Dream Makers program, so we know she will be the happy place of vacationers globally,” continued Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. “We’re thrilled to welcome guests aboard next month and are excited to further expand these offerings on Celebrity Xcite.”

“Celebrity Xcel and the entire Edge Series is the result of close collaboration between our teams,” shared Laurent Castaing, general manager of Chantiers de l'Atlantique. “Our continued partnership with Royal Caribbean Group on Celebrity Xcite reflects a shared commitment to excellence and innovation.”

Celebrity Xcel officially joins Celebrity Cruises’ fleet

Royal Caribbean Group executives and Celebrity Cruises crew gathered to celebrate the handover of Celebrity Xcel from Chantiers de l’Atlantique.

Welcoming the newest addition to the Celebrity Cruises fleet were Liberty, Hodges Bethge, Castaing, and captain Kyriakos Matragkas, captain of Celebrity Xcel. Executives were also joined by more than 1,600 Celebrity Xcel crew members in the celebration.

The milestone was marked with time-honored maritime traditions, including a formal signing ceremony, the symbolic changing of flags aboard the vessel, and a celebratory toast in the ship’s spectacular three-story Grand Plaza.

Celebrity Xcel will set sail in November with seven brand new spaces – from erasing the line between ship and shore to creating even more ways to restore and explore while on vacation.

Celebrity Xcite becomes sixth ship in Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Series

Celebrity Cruises also ushered in its next era of excellence, as it revealed the name of Celebrity Xcel’s sister ship – Celebrity Xcite. The name was unveiled during a steel cutting ceremony, marking the official start of construction. Executives from Royal Caribbean Group and the shipyard were present to celebrate this milestone.

Celebrity Cruises’ sixth Edge Series ship, Celebrity Xcite will continue to elevate the guest experience, furthering the innovative experiences coveted in her sister ships designed to deliver an unmatched premium vacation.

Celebrity Xcel and Celebrity Xcite will connect guests to the breathtaking world around them like never before.

From November, Celebrity Xcel will sail her inaugural season from Fort Lauderdale, offering 7-night itineraries alternating between The Bahamas, Mexico, Cayman Islands, and Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. In Summer 2026, Celebrity Xcel will set sail on her inaugural European season where guests can immerse themselves in the Mediterranean like never before on seven- to 11-night journeys out of Barcelona and Athens, including all new overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal.

Mitsui Ocean Cruises releases new 2026 Japan itineraries in North America for Mitsui Ocean Fuji

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 23 October 2025 23 October 2025

Mitsui Ocean Cruises, Japan’s premier luxury cruise brand, released 22 new 2026 itineraries onboard Mitsui Ocean Fuji offering “FUNATABI – Beautiful Encounters with Japan.”

Now open for booking in North America, these sailings deliver a truly genuine cultural experience - one that only a Japanese cruise line can provide - inviting guests to connect with Japan’s people, natural wonders, and time-honored customs.

“Our new 2026 Japan itineraries are perfect for discerning travelers and groups seeking to explore Japan in an extraordinary and authentic way,” said Joe Maloney, Head of Sales, North America, for Mitsui Ocean Cruises. “Aboard Mitsui Ocean Fuji, guests experience heartfelt omotenashi service on Japan’s most luxurious all-suite cruise ship. From cherry blossoms and Golden Week to summer festivals, fireworks, and holiday voyages, our 2026 program offers unforgettable journeys and lifelong memories.”

Sailing from March through December 2026, and ranging in length from five to 11 days, each voyage is thoughtfully designed to showcase the beauty of Japan’s four seasons, beloved local traditions, and tranquil coastal scenery. With convenient roundtrip departures from Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, and Kobe, highlights of the season include:

Spring

– Sakura Serenade (March 18, 2026): Six nights roundtrip from Nagoya with Kochi, Uwajima, Nakatsu and Busan
– Petals & Ports (March 30, 2026): Seven nights roundtrip from Tokyo featuring Ibusuki, Sasebo, Busan and Kobe
– Echoes of the Sea (April 6, 2026): Nine nights roundtrip from Tokyo with Kagoshima, Yatsushiro, Fukue, Hamada, Busan and Hososhima
– Golden Week (April 29, 2026): 11 nights roundtrip from Yokohama sailing to Miyako, Matsumae, Akita, Nanao, Busan, Matsuyama and Shimizu

Summer

– Nebuta Summer Festival (July 30, 2026): Nine nights roundtrip from Yokohama featuring Beppu, Busan, Akita, Aomori and Miyako
– Southern Japan Fireworks (August 16, 2026): Nine nights roundtrip Tokyo with Kumano, Kochi, Jeju, Kagoshima and Tanegashima

Fall

– Autumn Equinox in Southern Shores (September 19, 2026): Eight nights roundtrip from Kobe sailing to Hakata, Busan, Yatsushiro, Ibusuki, Naze and Tanegashima

Winter

– Coastal Japan Christmas (December 17, 2026): Eight nights roundtrip from Yokohama featuring Nagoya, Osaka, Beppu, Sasebo, Busan and Shimizu

On every cruise, a hand-selected shore experience with English-speaking guide is included in most ports - sometimes a half-day tour, sometimes a full-day tour with lunch, or convenient port shuttles - so guests can explore with ease at no extra cost.

In addition, Mitsui Ocean Fuji voyages are inclusive of beverages – including specialty coffees, cocktails, beer and wine – WiFi and more. All 22 new 2026 itineraries are on sale now and the full program can be found at https://www.mitsuioceancruises.us/itineraries.

Launched in December 2024, the 32,477-gross-ton, 458-guest Mitsui Ocean Fuji delivers a one-of-a-kind cruise vacation, sailing with Japanese guests and crew, to organically feel the culture in a way that is genuine to how the locals enjoy leisure travel. An inclusive atmosphere paves the way for guests to find their own time and space to enjoy delicately flavored and beautifully presented cuisine, lively entertainment and exciting ports of call to explore ashore.

In North America, Distinct Cruises International serves as the General Sales Agent (GSA) for Mitsui Ocean Cruises, led by Albert Hartigan, Executive Vice President of Partner Marketing, and Joe Maloney, Head of Sales.