Top Headlines

MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean Group invest in new cruise terminal at Naha, Okinawa

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 06 October 2026 06 October 2026

Naha Port Authority, Cruise Port Naha G.K., Royal Caribbean Group and MSC Cruises, celebrated the groundbreaking of a new cruise terminal at Naha Port, marking a significant milestone in the continued growth of cruising in Japan and across the East Asia region.

Cruise Port Naha G.K. is a joint venture between CTL Maritime and RCL Cruises Ltd., representing the respective interests of MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean Group. Under the Cruise Hub Formation Agreement concluded with the Naha Port Authority in August 2026, Cruise Port Naha G.K. will develop and operate the new terminal, with completion and the start of operations targeted for March 2028.

The new terminal will provide modern, purpose-built facilities designed to enhance the guest experience, improve operational efficiency, and support the long-term growth of cruise tourism in Okinawa.

As one of Japan's most strategically located ports, Naha offers year-round accessibility and serves as an ideal gateway for cruise itineraries throughout the region. Once completed, the new terminal will provide enhanced passenger facilities, strengthening the port's ability to accommodate some of the most advanced cruise ships in the world, thereby supporting increased passenger capacity and growing demand for cruise vacations in Asia. 

Jason Liberty, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, said, "For Royal Caribbean Group, Japan is one of the most important cruise markets in Asia - not only as a destination, but as a long-term partner in our global business. We do not simply bring guests here, we also invest here and with Naha Okinawa, we are investing in infrastructure that will benefit the local community for years to come. The future of cruising in Japan is about shared ambition, collaboration, and responsible innovation, and we are honored to be a part of it."

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, MSC Group, Cruises Division, said, "Okinawa is uniquely positioned at the crossroads of some of Asia’s most exciting cruise destinations, and we see real potential for its future. This project forms part of our long-term vision to expand our presence in the region and create new opportunities for guests of MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys to enjoy Asia year-round. As we continue to develop our itineraries and invest in infrastructure, we are making cruising more accessible for both international and Asian travelers while strengthening connections across the region. We are proud to partner with Royal Caribbean Group and the Naha Port Authority in bringing this vision to life, and I thank all those whose commitment, collaboration and shared ambition have made today's milestone possible. Together, we are investing not only in a port, but in the future growth of cruise tourism in Okinawa and across Asia."

The project follows Naha Port’s designation by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as an International Cruise Ship Hub Formation Port in 2019 and represents an important public-private collaboration to support the long-term development of tourism in Okinawa.

The groundbreaking included a traditional Japanese ceremony at the future terminal site, marking the formal start of construction and bringing together several esteemed public officials for the event, including Okinawa Governor Genta Koja and representatives from the Cabinet Office of Japan, alongside representatives from Naha Port Authority, Cruise Port Naha G.K., MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean Group.

Image: From left, Preston Carnahan, vice president, Destination Development, Royal Caribbean Group; Hon. Genta Koja, Governor of Okinawa Prefecture, president, Naha Port Authority; Oliviero Morelli, president, Japan, Korea, and South East Asia, Cruise Division of MSC Group; Javier Rodriguez Sanchez, vice president, Business Development, Ports & Destinations, CTL Maritime

PortMiami announces new lineup of ships for 2026–2027 cruise season

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 05 October 2026 05 October 2026

PortMiami is welcoming an array of ships for the 2026–2027 cruise season, representing a wide range of global cruise brands.

The upcoming schedule features vessels from Ponant Explorations L’Austral and Explora Journeys Explora III in October 2026; Orient Express Sailing Yachts Orient Express Corinthian, Silversea Silver Shadow, The Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection Ilma, and Emerald Cruises Emerald Sakara in November 2026; Silversea Silver Ray, Azamara Cruises Quest, Four Seasons Yachts Four Seasons I and Silversea Silver Dawn in December 2026; Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber and Silversea Silver Nova in January 2027; Silversea Silver Spirit and Carnival Cruise Line Carnival Firenze in February 2027; Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Aura in June 2027; and Royal Caribbean Hero of the Seas in August 2027.

“The upcoming season reflects the enduring strength of cruise tourism in Miami Dade County,” said Miami Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Cruising has deep roots here. It began in Miami and continues to flourish. These new ship arrivals demonstrate how PortMiami remains at the forefront of the industry and a defining gateway for travelers from around the world.”

“The port’s continued momentum highlights our longstanding partnerships with cruise brands. Miami has long been recognized as the heart of modern cruising. Welcoming this diverse array of ships reinforces that legacy and underscores how PortMiami continues to shape the cruise experience while supporting tourism and economic growth throughout the region,” said Jonathan Daniels, PortMiami Director and CEO.

To help ensure a smooth start to their trip, travelers are encouraged to park in the designated garage or surface lot assigned to their ship. PortMiami also reminds passengers to arrive only at their scheduled embarkation time and to use the appropriate entrance for their cruise terminal:

– Passengers accessing Cruise Terminals AA, A, B, C or D should enter through the PortMiami Tunnel.
– Passengers accessing Cruise Terminals E, F, J or V should enter through the PortMiami Bridge.

These guidelines help maintain steady traffic flow and support a more efficient arrival experience for all travelers.

Explora Journeys chooses Den Breejen Shipyard for its luxury river cruise ships

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 24 September 2026 24 September 2026

Explora Journeys has signed a Letter of Intent with Dutch shipbuilder Den Breejen Shipyard for the construction of its first luxury river ships, marking the brand’s planned entry into river cruising.

"Since launching, Explora Journeys has sought to change the way people experience ocean travel through its Ocean State of Mind philosophy — combining the freedom and discovery of traveling by sea with the elegance and refinement of European hospitality and design. The brand now intends to bring that same approach to Europe’s most iconic rivers," the company said in a statement.

Further details regarding ship design, onboard experiences, delivery schedules and initial itineraries will be announced in due course with sales planned to open in 2027.

Cunard's Queen Mary 2 to undergo extensive refurbishment

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 09 September 2026 09 September 2026

British cruise line Cunard has announced a refurbishment of Queen Mary 2, marking a new chapter for the world's only ocean liner as it prepares to enter dry dock in spring 2027.

As the flagship of the Cunard fleet and the only ship in the world offering regularly scheduled Transatlantic Crossings between Southampton and New York, Queen Mary 2 occupies a unique place in maritime history. The 2027 refurbishment represents Cunard's continued investment in the future of luxury ocean travel, ensuring she remains the benchmark for Transatlantic travel for generations to come.

The refurbishment will introduce new Grill Suites, an elevated wellness offering, enhanced retail spaces and carefully refreshed guest areas, while preserving the ship's distinctive Art Deco identity and her place as the icon of Transatlantic glamour.

The ship will enter dry dock at Damen Shiprepair Brest in France, on March 31, 2027, returning to service on May 9, 2027.

Elevated accommodations and public spaces

Thirty-one new staterooms will be added across the ship, including 16 new Cunard Princess Grill Suites, with the remaining 15 new staterooms in the Britannia category.

Every existing Grill Suite will be refreshed with elegant new interiors, furnishings and finishes, and newly designed luxurious bathrooms will be introduced across all Grill Suite categories, with a sophisticated new look and premium spa-inspired features. The Queens Grill and Princess Grill restaurants will also be refreshed to ensure they continue to offer the same exceptional sense of space, comfort and exclusivity.

Guests will also be able to enjoy additional outdoor deck space, with places to relax, watch the sunset, and take in the sea air. Classic deck games, along with paddle tennis and pickleball, will continue to be part of the Queen Mary 2 experience.

Queen Mary 2's famous kennels, the only dedicated kennels at sea, will also be enhanced. Improvements will include redesigned kennels, increased capacity, a refurbished owners' lounge and an expanded outdoor walking area, further elevating the experience for guests crossing the Atlantic with their pets.

Wellness, culture and entertainment at sea

Mareel Wellness & Beauty will be transformed as part of the refurbishment, creating an updated space designed to revive, refresh and restore. A new collection of luxury stores will also be introduced, bringing a boutique-style shopping experience to the ship.

The ship's world-class cultural and entertainment offerings will also be refreshed. Illuminations, the largest planetarium at sea, will receive a major digital upgrade, delivering more immersive, state-of-the-art experiences beneath its dome. The Royal Court Theatre will continue to host West End and Broadway productions, while Cunard's award-winning Insights program will continue to welcome notable speakers and cultural figures on board.

The design vision, led by Chris Finch, one of Queen Mary 2's original designers, draws on the cinematic glamour of classic Hollywood, balanced with the refinement of British lineage and tradition. The result is a design that feels renewed while remaining instantly recognizable as Queen Mary 2.

Cunard has partnered with acclaimed illustrator Tanu Vasu to capture the vision for Queen Mary 2's refurbishment through a bespoke collection of illustrations. Known for her work with heritage and luxury brands, Vasu's artistic interpretation captures the atmosphere, elegance and sense of occasion that have long defined the Cunard experience.

"Growing up in Australia, I remember seeing Cunard ships arrive in port and being struck by their scale and presence, so this felt like a particularly meaningful project to be part of," said Tanu Vasu. "In an era dominated by digital renderings, illustration offers an opportunity to tell a more human story – one that captures the design of Queen Mary 2 along with the elegance, artistry and enduring sense of wonder that have made her an icon of ocean travel."

The refurbishment follows a landmark year for Queen Mary 2, when she took center stage in New York Harbor for Sail 4th 250, the centerpiece of the United States' 250th Independence Day celebrations.

"Queen Mary 2 is more than a ship, she is an icon of modern luxury travel and the only true ocean liner in the world," said Katie McAlister, President of Cunard. "This is a significant investment in Queen Mary 2, and every decision has been approached with deep respect for her heritage, her character and the sense of occasion that only Queen Mary 2 can offer. We are not reinventing what guests love about her; we are refining it beautifully and ensuring she carries it forward."

New suites and staterooms went on sale on May 18, 2026, for voyages departing from May 2027. Queen Mary 2 offers her signature Cunard experience on iconic Transatlantic Crossings, including special Event Voyages, as well as itineraries throughout the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Canada and the Caribbean.

SeaDream Yacht Club to introduce its first new yacht in 25 years

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 01 September 2026 01 September 2026

SeaDream Yacht Club, the family-owned luxury yachting company headquartered in Palm Beach, today announced SeaDream III, the first new yacht to join its fleet in the company’s 25-year history. Reservations for SeaDream III’s inaugural voyages open today.

Debuting in July 2029, SeaDream III will introduce the SeaDream experience to more of the world while remaining rooted in the defining qualities that have shaped the company for the past quarter century: intimate yachting, highly personalized service and a distinct sense of family.

“SeaDream III represents the next chapter for SeaDream,” said Atle Brynestad, founder and owner of SeaDream Yacht Club. “She will carry forward the same DNA as SeaDream I and SeaDream II: personalized service, exceptional cuisine, a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and the genuine feeling of being on your own yacht. With SeaDream III, the whole world becomes our destination.”

At approximately 151 meters, or 495 feet, in length, SeaDream III will welcome around 200 guests, cared for by a crew of nearly equal number, preserving the intimacy and highly personalized service that has defined SeaDream for 25 years.

Guest accommodations will span five decks and include a greater selection of suites, Commodore staterooms and connecting configurations, with private balconies across four guest decks. Larger suites and staterooms will provide more space to settle in, whether joining SeaDream for a single voyage or an extended journey.

The yacht’s design will place open-air living at its center, with expansive upper decks, a dedicated pool deck and multiple indoor and al fresco spaces for dining, gathering and relaxing. Three dedicated watersports marinas will provide direct access to the sea, building upon one of the signature experiences aboard SeaDream I and SeaDream II.

SeaDream III will also feature expanded spa, fitness and wellness offerings, reflecting SeaDream’s continued focus on promoting a healthy lifestyle at sea.

For SeaDream, the experience has never been defined by size alone. It is found in the freedom to dine indoors or outside on deck, personalized cuisine, a relaxed atmosphere without formal evenings and the ability to spend each day entirely on one’s own terms.

“SeaDream has never been about size for its own sake,” Brynestad said. “Our focus is creating fantastic days and unforgettable experiences for every guest. SeaDream III gives us the opportunity to bring that experience to more places around the world.”

A maiden season beginning in Asia

SeaDream III will embark on its maiden voyage from Hong Kong on July 10, 2029, sailing through the Ryukyu Islands and along Japan’s Pacific coast before arriving in Tokyo for its official christening on July 21.

The 10-night maiden voyage will feature extended stays in Ishigaki and Yakushima, along with calls in Okinawa, Amami Oshima, Kochi and Shimizu.

Her inaugural season will continue with a collection of voyages exploring Japan and South Korea. Four 14-night round-trip voyages from Tokyo will combine northern and western Japan with South Korea, followed by a 15-night voyage from Tokyo to Hong Kong through Japan’s southern islands.

Highlights include Hakodate, Aomori, Akita, Kanazawa, Hiroshima, Kobe and Osaka; Mount Fuji views from Shimizu and Tagonoura; Japan’s Inland Sea; Busan and Jeju in South Korea; and the islands of Yakushima, Amami Oshima and Ishigaki.

Following her first season in Japan, SeaDream III will continue to Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand. Voyages will feature Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Bali, Komodo, the Great Barrier Reef and Tasmania, culminating in a New Year’s celebration in Sydney.

“SeaDream III has been designed not only to travel farther, but to bring guests closer to the places she visits,” said Brynestad. “Her size will allow her to reach distinctive harbors and sail globally while maintaining the highly personalized experience our guests expect. This deployment reflects the spirit of SeaDream: unhurried exploration, exceptional service and access to places best experienced by yacht.”

From Asia to the Arctic and the Great Lakes

During her first 24 months, SeaDream III will sail to six continents, 73 countries, and 364 ports.

In 2030, the yacht will sail west from Asia to India, the Arabian Peninsula and the Mediterranean before arriving in London. From there, she will explore the British Isles, the Baltic, coastal Norway, Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland.

SeaDream III will then sail the North Atlantic to Canada, continuing through the St. Lawrence and into the Great Lakes. Voyages will include Montreal, Chicago, Toronto and Detroit, with calls throughout Georgian Bay, Lake Superior, the Niagara Peninsula, Prince Edward County and the St. Lawrence.

The yacht will continue along the American East Coast before arriving in West Palm Beach, near SeaDream Yacht Club’s U.S. headquarters in Palm Beach. From there, she will begin a series of voyages exploring the Caribbean, Central America, Colombia’s Caribbean coast and Panama.

Throughout her inaugural years, SeaDream III will be presented in a series of global yacht showcases, including Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore, Auckland, Sydney, Mumbai, London, Oslo, Boston and West Palm Beach.

A 180-night World Voyage

On January 5, 2031, SeaDream III will depart West Palm Beach on a 180-night World Voyage to London.

The voyage will transit the Panama Canal before following the Pacific coast of South America through Ecuador, Peru and Chile. SeaDream III will then journey through the South Pacific, visiting Easter Island, French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, Niue, Tonga, Fiji and Vanuatu before continuing to Australia, Indonesia and Southeast Asia.

From there, the World Voyage will continue to Sri Lanka, the Maldives, India and the Arabian Peninsula before visiting Egypt and Jordan and transiting the Suez Canal. Its final chapters will unfold throughout the Mediterranean and along Europe’s Atlantic coast, concluding in London on July 5, 2031.

Reservations for SeaDream III open September 1, 2026.