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Cruising returns back to Philadelphia for the first time in 15 years

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 18 April 2026 18 April 2026

Norwegian Cruise Line announced on April 16 its long-awaited return to Philadelphia, becoming the first cruise line to sail from the city in 15 years. As the city of Philadelphia celebrates a momentous year with the country's 250th anniversary happening this summer, NCL has brought yet another significant milestone to this storied city with the return of the cruise industry.

“Norwegian Cruise Line’s return to Philadelphia marks an exciting and meaningful milestone for us and the region,” said Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “For the first time in over 15 years, travelers in the Mid-Atlantic area will once again be able to sail from their own backyard with us to experience everything NCL is known for. With Norwegian Jewel leading our reintroduction and Norwegian Pearl following her later this year, we’re proud to bring our signature freedom and flexibility back to this incredible city and deliver the exceptional experiences our guests know and love.”

To celebrate the historic milestone for Philadelphia, Norwegian Cruise Line hosted local officials aboard Norwegian Jewel on Thursday for a special ceremony attended by local and state government authorities including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro; Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker; Tinicum Township Board President, Patrick McCarthy; as well as PhilaPort Board Chairman, Michael Pearson.

“As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, Pennsylvania is at the center of the action – and I’m excited to welcome Norwegian Cruise Line as the newest addition to our Commonwealth’s fast-growing tourism industry,” said Governor Shapiro. “Tourism is big business in Pennsylvania, supporting 500,000 jobs and contributing $84 billion to our economy across the Commonwealth. That’s why my Administration has made it a priority to invest in and support PhilaPort’s expansion, so we can create jobs, attract more visitors, and bring incredible offerings like cruises from Norwegian Cruise Line to the people of Pennsylvania.”

In collaboration with PhilaPort and Tinicum Township, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH), the parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line, is currently building a brand-new terminal due to open this cruise season designed to welcome guests and facilitate an easy embarkation and disembarkation process.

“This is a defining moment for The Port of Philadelphia,” said PhilaPort Executive Director & CEO Jeff Theobald. “The arrival of Norwegian Cruise Line and Norwegian Jewel signals the beginning of a new chapter for our port, our city, and the entire region. As we continue to grow beyond cargo operations, this new cruise service strengthens our position as a gateway to global travel and commerce while delivering meaningful economic impact for Pennsylvania.”

Sun-soaked escapes or scenic getaways

Philadelphia’s convenient location makes it an ideal gateway for Mid‑Atlantic travelers. Through Aug. 27, 2026, Norwegian Jewel will sail a curated lineup of Bermuda itineraries designed to showcase the destination’s charm, culture and natural beauty. Seven-day sailings include an overnight at the Royal Naval Dockyard, along with a visit to either Charleston, South Carolina, or Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada known for its rich maritime history. For those seeking a longer escape, a nine-day voyage departing Aug. 27, 2026 features an extended overnight in Bermuda, plus calls to the Canadian ports of Saint John, Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick, and Halifax, Nova Scotia. Kicking off the fall season, Norwegian Jewel will offer 10‑ and 11‑day Canada and New England itineraries from Sept. 5 through Oct. 7, 2026, with embarkation options from Philadelphia or Quebec City—giving guests the opportunity to extend their stay pre‑ or post‑cruise. Ideal for fall foliage viewing, these immersive sailings visit history‑rich and scenic destinations throughout Maine, Massachusetts, and Eastern Canada.

Beginning in late 2026, Norwegian Pearl will replace Norwegian Jewel, offering a similar onboard experience while sailing from Philadelphia through April 2028 – reinforcing NCL’s commitment to choice, convenience and thoughtfully curated travel experiences for the region. Norwegian Pearl will continue voyages to Bermuda as well as Canada and New England, while expanding offerings to the Caribbean and Bahamas.

Select Bahamas sailings in February and March 2027 will also visit Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island, featuring a new pool, family splash zone, adults‑only Vibe Shore Club, and – beginning summer 2026 – the nearly six‑acre Great Tides Waterpark with 19 waterslides, industry‑first cliffside jumps, Splash Cay, and the 800‑foot Wandering River, faster and more exhilarating than a typical lazy river.

Pre- or post-cruise tour opportunities

Guests can extend their journey ashore with NCL’s Cruisetours, immersive land experiences led by local experts that highlight each destination’s history, scenery and culinary traditions – while preserving the brand’s signature freedom and flexibility. Available on select Norwegian Jewel sailings this year, the Philadelphia Cruisetour features guided visits to iconic sites including Elfreth’s Alley, the Betsy Ross House, Christ Church, Carpenter’s Hall, the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, along with time at the Philadelphia Museum of Art for an enriching introduction to the city before embarkation.

Princess Cruises orders Voyager-class ships from Fincantieri

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 16 April 2026 16 April 2026

Princess Cruises, a leading global cruise line of Carnival Corporation & plc, the world's largest leisure travel company, yesterday announced three new shipbuilding agreements with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri to build three new cruise ships on a next-generation platform designed to further enhance the line's already world-class vacation experience for its guests. The new builds are slated to be delivered in late 2035, 2038 and 2039, respectively.

The new vessels will seamlessly blend the most desired and highest-rated experiences and venues Princess Cruises is known for, with completely reimagined outer decks, staterooms and Piazza designs that cater to the brand's global travelers and diverse deployments. These new ships will build upon the award-winning Sphere Class platform and continue to leverage the latest guest-facing and marine technologies. Similar to the highly successful Sun Princess and Star Princess, the Voyager class ships will be dual-fuel powered – primarily by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), the best readily available advanced fuel technology that delivers immediate GHG reductions, significantly reducing air emissions compared with other widely available conventional marine fuels. The new ships, which will be the largest by capacity in the Princess Cruises fleet, will be built at Fincantieri's shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.

"The Voyager class will delight both our loyal guests and attract the next generation of Princess guests. We have been leveraging extensive customer and agent research to strike the right balance between evolving our proven winners and introducing new concepts and partnerships grounded in what matters to our current and future guests," said Gus Antorcha, Princess Cruises President. "From exceptional dining and inviting pool environments to elevated entertainment and beautifully reimagined spaces throughout the ship, we are leaving no area untouched as we thoughtfully evolve the Princess experience."

The three ships will be 183,000 gross tons and will accommodate approximately 4,700 guests. Specification details for the ship design, along with anticipated features and amenities of this all-new platform design for Princess Cruises will be shared in the future.

Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, commented "We are delighted to announce this new agreement with Princess Cruises, which confirms the strength of a long-standing and forward-looking partnership. These new orders secure a robust workload for our shipyards through 2039 and further support the profitable development of our cruise business, as outlined in our 2026–2030 Industrial Plan. With the new Voyager-class ships, we are once again leveraging Fincantieri's distinctive expertise in sustainable, next‑generation shipbuilding, supporting Princess Cruises in its growth trajectory and reaffirming our role as a trusted industrial partner for the evolution of the cruise industry."

The agreements for Princess Cruises' next-generation cruise ships represent what will be Carnival Corporation's 19th, 20th and 21st LNG-based vessels and is part of the company's ongoing fleet enhancement strategy, aimed at creating excitement in the vacation market while accelerating demand for cruising, the fastest growing segment in the vacation industry. In addition to these three ships scheduled for delivery in late 2035, 2038 and 2039, Carnival Corporation has seven additional new ships under contract that are scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2033.

World-class delights converging at Asia’s premier cruise destinations

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 14 April 2026 14 April 2026

At today’s annual industry luncheon during Seatrade, global cruise companies were presented with limitless possibilities to create one-of-a-kind programmes, leveraging next-level cruise infrastructure and diverse experiences collectively showcased by Hong Kong, Korea, the Philippines, Shanghai and Xiamen.

The destinations jointly showcased “A Journey Through Asia’s Finest Moments”. Be it luxurious or culturally immersive, Asia’s top cruise destinations deliver ultimate experiences spanning world-best bar and hotel in Hong Kong, new exciting ports in Korea, compelling expedition cruises in the Philippines, seamless ship-to-shore hospitality in Shanghai and the "One-Hour Tourism Circle" in Xiamen.

Hong Kong promises world-best experiences and year-round excitement

Home to World No. 1 Bar, Bar Leone, World Best Hotel, Rosewood Hong Kong, and top two Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, The Chairman and Wing, as well as 77 Michelin-starred restaurants, Hong Kong is the ideal getaway for luxuriating in indulging hospitality and culinary delights.

Shore excursions soar to new heights with premium experiences such as VIP helicopter rides, private docent tours at world-renowned M+ and Hong Kong Palace Museum, glamorous horseracing parties in private boxes, and more. Colourful mega events and festivals curated throughout the year ensure exceptionally eventful visits.

Marilyn Tham, General Manager, Mega Events, MICE & Cruise, Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), said, “As cruise lines are assured of top-notch shore experiences in Hong Kong, more and more are picking the city as the destination for staging memorable gala events. The HKTB also collaborates closely with cruise lines to integrate local events into guests’ onshore experiences, putting together fresh and novel ideas for elevating shore visits.”

Korea heralds in more ports and smoother processes

Marking a new leap for its cruise industry, Korea has added two new ports for cruises – Masan and Saemangeum, in addition to well-established Incheon, Seosan, Yeosu, Jeju, Busan, Pohang and Sokcho. With new additions of attractive smaller ports ideal for boutique and luxury cruise vessels, Korea’s diverse ports give cruise operators greater flexibility in designing itineraries.
Convenient immigration processes such as pre-arrival screening allow for smoother embarkation and disembarkation. Other facilitation such as 24-hour pilot-operated terminals, expanded discounts on port fees and elevated passenger services also contribute to the overall enhanced experiences.

Jong-geun Lee, Deputy Director, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of Korea, said, “As Korea aims to continuously improve cruise-related policies and infrastructure, with the expansion to nine major cruise ports as well as a wide range of attractive destinations and tourism content, cruise passengers are encouraged to enjoy a more convenient and comfortable travel experience.”

The Philippines zeros in on expedition cruises for full cultural immersion

Capitalising on its inherent geographic advantage as an archipelagic nation of more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines is strategically advancing the expedition cruise segment, enabling access to a wide range of remote, less-travelled destinations to offer high-value experiences for discerning travellers.

With its extensive coastline, rich marine ecosystems and globally recognised biodiversity, the country is well-positioned to cater to the growing demand for small-ship, expedition-style cruising that emphasises sustainability, cultural immersion and nature-based exploration.

Dr. Paulo Benito S. Tugbang, Director for Product Development, Philippine Department of Tourism, said, “In support of this direction, the Philippines is strengthening its destination readiness, enhancing inter-agency coordination, and promoting sustainable tourism practices to ensure that expedition cruise development is both environmentally responsible and economically beneficial to host communities.”

Shanghai upgrades Baoshan cruise hub and diverse shore experiences

With a comprehensive upgrade of cruise hub services, Shanghai Baoshan District drives an intelligent clearance system that streamlines customs procedures to just 3-10 seconds, ensuring an efficient world-class travel experience.

The seamless experience continues onshore, with a scenic 6.8-kilometre waterfront shoreline featuring jogging paths and cycling routes, and Shanghai’s first cruise-themed integrated complex “Sea World” offering an indoor snow park, surfing experiences as well as premium hotels, complemented by signature events such as the UIM F1H2O World Championship and the Shanghai Cruise Culture and Tourism Festival.

Qi Xin, Secretary, Party Working Committee of Youyilu Sub-district, Baoshan District, said: “Baoshan will continue to enhance cruise-related infrastructure, enrich its portfolio of vacation offerings and expand itinerary options for international cruises. We are committed to building Baoshan into China’s top cruise destination with high-quality services and distinctive experiences for an unforgettable cruise journey.”

Xiamen opens new terminal within its "One-Hour Tourism Circle"

Following the opening of the new terminal of Xiamen International Cruise Center in April 2025, Xiamen offers customs clearance efficiency enhanced by more than 50%, allowing cruise passengers to clear customs in comfort.

In the city’s newly developed concept for cruise tourism development, the "One-Hour Tourism Circle" allows cruise passengers to easily reach key scenic attractions such as Gulangyu Island, and “Meet Minnan · Time Fantasy”, China’s first Minnan-themed immersive marine cultural tourism project that dynamically displays 84 forms of intangible cultural heritage artistry in Xiamen.

Wang Guodi, Deputy Director of Xiamen Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, said, “With its first-class hardware facilities, unique cultural and tourism offerings and signature homeport cruise itineraries, Xiamen is rapidly emerging as one of the most culturally distinctive international cruise ports in China.”

Each boasting unique port and destination appeal, Hong Kong, Korea, the Philippines, Shanghai and Xiamen excite the imagination of cruise planners, giving them diverse options to curate the best of the best ship-to-shore experiences for even the most seasoned cruise vacationers.

Meyer Werft to present a concept of battery-electric cruise ship

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

At Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami, USA, the Meyer Werft Group is presenting Project Vision, the world’s first 100% battery‑electric cruise ship with a size of more than 80,000 gross tons. The concept study demonstrates how sustainable innovations can redefine the future of cruise industry.

“We asked ourselves how we can use innovation to reduce CO₂ and contribute to decarbonization — not in 50 years, but much sooner. We enable a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of up to 95%,” explains Tim Krug from the Meyer Werft Concept Development Group. Every year, Meyer Werft presents an entirely new and innovative concept at Seatrade Cruise Global, the world’s largest industry trade show, underlining its position as a technological leader.

Johannes Bade, responsible at Meyer Werft for the development program behind Vision, adds: “With battery‑electric cruise ships, we offer a competitive product that relies on existing technologies. We are opening up entirely new opportunities for our customers to operate sustainably and profitably in the long term.” Project Vision is 275 meters long, accommodates 1,856 passengers, and has a size of around 82,000 gross tons.

The battery system is supplied by Corvus Energy from Norway. “We are pleased to have Corvus Energy — the pioneer in safe and reliable battery systems for ships, having equipped more than half of the world’s hybrid and fully electric seagoing vessels — at our side. The technology is available today. If ordered this year, we could already deliver the first ship in 2031,” says Thomas Weigend, Chief Sales Officer at Meyer Werft.

“Our close collaboration with Meyer Werft and the combination of our capabilities demonstrated with the ‘Vision’ is the natural evolution of battery technology — and a defining moment for the cruise industry. Scaling to fully electric cruise ships shows the world that the technology is safe, mature and ready to change the game”, adds Fredrik Witte, CEO of Corvus Energy.

With the battery system, a large portion of typical European cruise routes can be covered, for example the route from Barcelona to Civitavecchia near Rome. By 2030, around one hundred ports across Europe will offer the required charging infrastructure. Upon request, the ships can also be built as hybrids with small generators, enabling, for example, transatlantic crossings.

Project Vision also introduces new architectural approaches to cruise ship design: the vertical shaft running through the ship for exhaust treatment and the funnel — which usually occupies parts of the sun deck — can be completely eliminated. This enables an entirely new sun deck design with unobstructed views. The Vision concept study is designed as an all‑weather ship and includes fully glazed, weather‑protected areas. For example, the typical aqua park has been arranged as an indoor area at the stern, making it usable year‑round.

Another major advantage of the fully battery‑electric power system and the elimination of main engines: the onboard comfort improves significantly, with even fewer engine noises and vibrations on the Vision.

Fincantieri and Viking float out the world's first hydrogen-powered cruise ship

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 20 March 2026 20 March 2026

Viking yesterday announced that the Viking Libra, the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship capable of operating with zero emissions, was floated out, marking a major construction milestone and the first time the ship has touched water. Scheduled for delivery in November 2026, the Viking Libra will spend her inaugural season sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

“The float out of the Viking Libra represents another milestone for Viking and our continued partnership with Fincantieri,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “From the beginning, our approach to ship design has focused on reducing fuel consumption, and the Viking Libra is our most environmentally friendly vessel yet. Investing in hydrogen was a principled choice for Viking, offering a true zero‑emission solution, and we look forward to welcoming the world’s first hydrogen‑powered cruise ship to our fleet.”

The float out ceremony took place at Fincantieri’s Ancona Shipyard and is significant because it denotes a ship moving into its final stage of construction. The float out of the Viking Libra began when a ceremonial cord was cut that signaled water to flow into the ship’s building dock. Following a two-day process that will set the Viking Libra afloat, she will then be moved to a nearby outfitting dock for final construction and interior build-out. The ceremony was attended by Fincantieri’s Gilberto Tobaldi, Director of the Ancona Shipyard, as well as members of the Viking team, including Karine Hagen, Executive Vice President of Product, and Enrico Prunotto, Senior Vice President of Ocean Passenger Operations, who thanked the shipyard on behalf of Viking.

Classified as a small ship, as are all Viking ocean ships, the Viking Libra has a gross tonnage of approximately 54,300 tons, with 499 staterooms that can host 998 guests. While considered a sister ship in Viking’s award-winning ocean fleet, the Viking Libra will have a propulsion system based partially on liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells. This hybrid propulsion system will make its capable of navigating and operating with zero emissions, which would allow her to access even the most environmentally sensitive areas. Enabled by Isotta Fraschini Motori (IFM), Fincantieri’s subsidiary specializing in advanced fuel cell technology, the ship’s state-of-the-art propulsion system will be capable of producing up to six megawatts of power. The Company’s subsequent ocean ship, the Viking Astrea, which is also under construction and scheduled for delivery in 2027, will also be hydrogen-powered and capable of operating with zero emissions.

With a clear focus on creating experiences For The Thinking Person, Viking does not try to be all things to all people. This approach resonates with guests, and recently Viking was rated #1 for Oceans and #1 for Rivers by Condé Nast Traveler for the fifth consecutive year in the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking is also rated a “World’s Best” by Travel + Leisure—no other travel company has simultaneously received such honors by both publications. Additional recognition includes eight awards in Cruise Critic’s 2025 Best in Cruise Awards and, for the fifth year in a row, top rankings from U.S. News & World Report as “Best Luxury Line,” “Best Line for Couples” and “Best Line in the Mediterranean.” Viking also earned AOL’s Best Cruise Line for 2025 and continues to receive “Recommended” ratings for its ocean ships in Forbes Travel Guide.