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Sapphire Princess returns from drydock with enhancements and new specialty restaurants

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

Following a two-week drydock in Portland, Oregon, Sapphire Princess has set sail unveiling new guest experiences, including the addition of two popular specialty restaurants – Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill. Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill will be open for guests starting November 16, 2025.

The 115,875-gross-ton ship, which carries 2,670 guests, underwent general refurbishments and enhancements, highlighted by the transformation of two venues into specialty dining experiences.

Following its acclaimed debut aboard Sun Princess and Star Princess, Makoto Ocean has been added to Sapphire Princess, in place of the former Internet Café located on Deck 7. The restaurant brings the authentic artistry of Chef Makoto Okuwa’s Edomae-style sushi to sea. Guests can enjoy a premium menu of specialties, including truffle salmon, snow crab temaki, and toro tartare, alongside handcrafted cocktails such as the Genmai Negroni (a refined Japanese twist on the classic) and Kodai No Hana (blending yuzu juice with Doburoku, an ancient sake).

Another highlight of the drydock is the addition of the award-winning Crown Grill, now occupying the former Savoy Dining Room on Deck 5. The Crown Grill is a longtime guest favorite, serving premium aged beef, chops and fresh seafood. With warm, elegant design and attentive service, the restaurant has been recognized as one of the “Best Cruise Ship Steakhouses at Sea.”

Both dining experiences are priced at $60 per person and included as a specialty dining option for guests who book the Princess Premier package.

Upcoming itineraries for Sapphire Princess

Fresh from her revitalization, Sapphire Princess sets sail to Mexico before repositioning for a season of South America/Antarctica cruises, followed by Mediterranean and Northern Europe voyages in spring and summer 2026. In fall 2026, she will sail a series of Canada/New England cruises.

In a historic first for the cruise line, March 2027 will mark the reunion of sister ships Sapphire Princess and Diamond Princess in Japan. Both ships – built in Japan – will sail from the Tokyo region for Princess Cruises’ most expansive Japan season ever, running March through December 2027.

“With the addition of Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill, our guests aboard Sapphire Princess will enjoy two of our most popular dining experiences, elevating the culinary journey across her itineraries,” said Sami Kohen, Princess Cruises Vice President of Food and Beverage. “We’re especially proud to bring these enhancements as Sapphire Princess prepares for remarkable seasons ahead, including our historic dual-ship deployment in Japan in 2027.”

Ponant announces the appointment of Benoît-Etienne Domenget as Group CEO

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 13 October 2025 13 October 2025

Benoît-Etienne Domenget is appointed as Group CEO, effective November 3, 2025. He takes over from Hervé Gastinel, who is leaving the Group to pursue new professional projects.

With 25 years of experience in hospitality, luxury, travel, and tourism, Benoît-Etienne Domenget will have the mission to further drive the Group’s continued international development and further strengthen its hallmark of hospitality excellence, while honoring Ponant’s unique maritime savoir-faire and the industry’s highest environmental standards.

François-Henri Pinault stated: "I am delighted to welcome Benoît-Etienne Domenget. His extensive and diversified experience and expertise in strategic fields for our company will give him all the assets to make Ponant Explorations Group an ever-stronger and more innovative player in the luxury and responsible cruise sector. He will be able to rely on a highly talented team." He added: "We warmly thank Hervé Gastinel for his unwavering commitment to the Group. Under his leadership, the fleet has grown from 12 to 20 ships, and Ponant Explorations Group has successfully diversified its activities, in particular by entering river cruises and new formats such as the Spirit of Ponant."

Camila and Matthew McConaughey named godparents of New Star Princess

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 04 October 2025 04 October 2025

Princess Cruises revealed earlier this week that Camila and Matthew McConaughey will serve as godparents of the new Star Princess, carrying forward a tradition that has included cultural icons such as Princess Diana, Audrey Hepburn, and Sophia Loren. The McConaugheys will christen the cruise line's most innovative ship, marking the next generation of cruising for Princess.

"We're honored to be godparents of the Star Princess," said Camila and Matthew McConaughey. "With Princess, it's not just a vacation – it's time well spent, families and friends coming together, meeting new folks, and making memories. This ship's got that spirit built right in, and we're proud to be part of her story from the beginning."

Camila and Matthew McConaughey, co-founders of Pantalones Organic Tequila, bring their dynamic spirit and creativity to this time-honored maritime tradition. Together they exemplify the values of passion, generosity and innovation that resonate deeply with Princess Cruises.

"We are delighted to have Camila and Matthew McConaughey serve as the godparents of Star Princess," said Gus Antorcha, Princess Cruises President. "Their passion for life, dedication to giving back, and unmistakable charisma make them the perfect pair to christen our newest ship. With their signature warmth and spirit, Camila and Matthew embody the values that define Princess, and we are delighted to welcome them into our family in such a meaningful way."

Across the fleet, Princess serves signature cocktails featuring Pantalones Organic Tequila, founded by the pair, including the guest favorite 24K Gold Margarita. Their tequila is also part of Princess' Love Line Premium Liquors collection, which includes a selection of thoughtfully curated wines and spirits, offering both spirited selections and non-alcoholic* creations.

The 177,800-gross-ton, 4,300-guest Star Princess, sister to the award-winning Sun Princess, features 30 distinct dining and bar venues, curated entertainment and activity offerings, and luxurious accommodations across a wide range of categories. Unique to Star Princess and Sun Princess is The Sanctuary Collection, an elevated private escape at sea with access to an exclusive restaurant; the Sanctuary Club, a tranquil, adults-only pool deck; and thoughtfully curated amenities that set a new standard for luxury at sea.

With over 1,500 balcony staterooms, guests can enjoy panoramic views from the privacy of their own rooms. Standout venues include The Dome, a next-generation relaxation and entertainment space; The Princess Arena, Princess' most technologically advanced theater yet; and The Piazza, the architectural centerpiece of the ship with its dramatic curves, floor-to-ceiling windows, and sweeping ocean vistas.

On October 4, 2025, Star Princess will debut in the scenic Mediterranean, sailing roundtrip from Barcelona before crossing the Atlantic to begin a season of Caribbean voyages from Ft. Lauderdale on November 7, 2025. Following her Caribbean season, she will sail through the Panama Canal heading west to begin her inaugural Alaska Season. 2025-, 2026- and 2027-Star Princess voyages are now available for booking.

Camila Alves McConaughey is an entrepreneur, NYT best-selling author, and founder of Women of Today. Actor and author Matthew McConaughey is known for his award-winning performances, best-selling books, and his off-screen philanthropic work.

Fincantieri and TUI Cruises sign contract for two new ships

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 29 September 2025 29 September 2025

Fincantieri and TUI Cruises (a joint venture between TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd) today signed a contract for the design and construction of two new cruise ships. This order replaces the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed in March 2025 with TUI AG for the construction of two cruise ships for their Marella Cruises brand.

The ships, which will be delivered in calendar year 2031 and 2032 respectively, will be sister ships to Mein Schiff Relax and Mein Schiff Flow – part of the InTUItion class – and will be powered by dual-fuel engines (LNG and MGO). With a gross tonnage of approximately 160,000 tons, the vessels will be larger than the ones originally planned for the Marella Cruises configuration and will be built according to the latest environmental standards.

The value of the contract, subject to financing and other typical terms and conditions, is higher than the one foreseen in the initial MoA for the Marella Cruises brand, but remains within the threshold communicated on March 31, 2025.

Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, commented: “We are delighted to expand our partnership with the TUI Cruises brand, further enhancing our relationship both with TUI and Royal Caribbean. This contract reaffirms the trust built over the years and the successful cooperation already achieved with the first two InTUItion class ships. It also confirms Fincantieri’s capability to support the fleet growth of the world’s most prominent cruise operators, combining innovation, sustainability, and the Italian shipbuilding excellence.”

TUI Cruises published the following statement: "We are pleased to order two further newbuild vessels at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy. This move strengthens TUI Cruises' platform for long-term growth and enables us to gradually expand further also into other markets, in particular in Northern Europe. We look forward to leveraging our solid financial position and proven market expertise to deliver outstanding experiences for our guests. As the delivery of the new ships is scheduled for 2031 and 2033, there are currently no further details to share. Over the coming months, we will work on the next steps for this exciting project and will share updates as soon as they are available."

Star Princess officially delivered to Princess Cruises

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 26 September 2025 26 September 2025

Star Princess – the second Sphere-Class ship in the Princess Cruises fleet – was officially delivered today during a celebratory handover ceremony at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. The stunning Star Princess is the 17th ship in the cruise line's dynamic line up of vessels sailing worldwide.

The Star Princess handover ceremony was attended by Gus Antorcha, President of Princess Cruises; Star Princess Captain Gennaro Arma; Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri; Biagio Mazzotta, President and Chairman of Fincantieri; Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of the Fincantieri Merchant Ships Division; Cristiano Bazzara, Director of the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, and local government officials. The ceremony signifies the official transfer of the ship from Fincantieri to Princess, marking the completion of construction and the beginning of final preparations ahead of its inaugural sailings.

"Today is a proud moment for Princess as we welcome the new Star Princess to our incredible fleet," said Gus Antorcha, Princess Cruises President. "This remarkable vessel is a testament to the innovation and craftsmanship of our long-standing partners at Fincantieri, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to the shipbuilding team for bringing our newest ship to life."

With her 1,600 crew now onboard preparing to welcome the first guests, Star Princess will depart the shipyard and sail to Barcelona ahead of her inaugural voyage, an 11-day Western Mediterranean cruise departing October 4.

The 177,800-ton, 4,300-guest Star Princess – sister to the award-winning Sun Princess – will feature 30 distinct dining and bar venues, curated entertainment and activity offerings. Unique to Star Princess and Sun Princess is The Sanctuary Collection, an elevated private escape at sea with access to an exclusive restaurant; the Sanctuary Club, a tranquil, adults-only pool deck; and thoughtfully curated amenities that set a new standard for luxury at sea.

With over 1,500 balcony staterooms, guests will enjoy panoramic views from the privacy of their own rooms. Standout venues include The Dome, a next-generation relaxation and entertainment space; The Arena, Princess' most technologically advanced theater yet; The Piazza, the architectural centerpiece of the ship with its dramatic curves, floor-to-ceiling windows, and sweeping ocean vistas; and Spellbound by Magic Castle, the captivating speakeasy experience born from a collaboration with the famed Hollywood icon, The Magic Castle™.