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Innovation in European rivers – Celebrity reveals its new Compass and Seeker

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines

Published: 03 September 2025 03 September 2025

Celebrity Cruises, part of Royal Caribbean Group, is introducing transformative ships with open decks, spacious staterooms, multiple dining options and its signature elevated hospitality to the Rhine and Danube rivers – offering guests the chance to river vacation The Celebrity Way. Priority Booking Access is now open for 2027 sailings on the groundbreaking Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker.

"Starting today, guests can place a fully refundable $500 deposit to claim a stateroom on one of these two new ships, which combine the iconic design of Celebrity’s Edge Series ocean ships with European charm, and feature a patent-pending, industry-leading design that offers more space to vacation, all while ensuring a smoother, more relaxing sailing experience," the cruise line said in the press release.

“Celebrity River Cruises ships will be the most innovative on the river, with a patent-pending industry-leading design that offers more space to vacation while bringing guests even closer to destinations,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. “With about half of our guests having experienced or intending to take a river cruise, we know guests are going to love sailing Europe’s Rhine and Danube rivers The Celebrity Way on our fleet of elevated, cutting-edge ships.”

Revolutionary open decks expand guests’ horizons

Celebrity River Cruises features the intuitive design the brand is known for on ocean, connecting guests to the world around them like never before. Revolutionary open decks offer the most usable outdoor space of any river ship and remain accessible throughout the entire journey, immersing vacationers in uninterrupted, 360-degree views.

Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker offer guests the chance to dine floating above the river on the Magic Edge – the first-ever cantilevered dining pods – while enjoying regional, destination-driven culinary offerings. Transformative shade structures, furniture and a top-deck bar and grille, maximize guests’ time on deck while offering zones for every mood, whether it be socializing or disconnecting, in a space designed for year-round comfort. Plus, an infinity-edge plunge pool invites guests to cool off while taking in the sights. These flexible public spaces ensure guests enjoy more of their time outside at destinations, and on the journey in between.

Uniquely elegant staterooms offer more room to vacation

Innovative stateroom design delivers intuitive storage, enhanced configuration, king sized beds in every stateroom and spacious balconies to make guests feel at home on the river. Five boutique stateroom categories, each bathed in natural light and deeply connected to surroundings, are designed not just for staying but for living with residential interior design, king-sized beds, and the most in-room amenities on the river. All guests can enjoy complimentary stocked mini bars and destination-inspired amenities, which elevate a serene stay wrapped in the comfort of luxury linens, bedding, bathrobes and slippers. Suite guests also enjoy a dedicated, on-demand butler through ‘Butler Chat,’ complimentary exclusive dining, room service and happy hour experiences, complimentary laundry once each sailing, and priority booking for shore excursions.

Every detail is designed to bring guests closer to destinations, as Celebrity’s revolutionary Infinite Veranda concept, made famous on Edge Series ocean ships, connect guests to the breathtaking landscapes around them at the touch of a button. The first-ever Skylight Infinite Balcony Suites feature a separate living area and a ceiling window for unbeatable natural light. Vista Balcony Suites and Balcony staterooms offer private escapes with an enhanced design for more usable outdoor space to enjoy a coffee or unwind after a day on shore. Guests can discover new views without ever leaving their room from an Infinite Balcony stateroom that brings the outside in, while River View staterooms offer generous natural light for the perfect space to relax.

Introducing more flavors to savor on the river

Designed for every mood and any taste at any moment, guests will enjoy flavorful dining at eight restaurants and bars – including Celebrity-favorite venues Martini Bar, Sunset Bar and Café Al Bacio - offering the most choice and variety on the river, all served with the unmatched hospitality Celebrity Cruises is known for.

Destination-driven menus that evolve throughout each itinerary immerse guests in local delicacies – from locally baked morning pastries to regionally inspired dinners. Guests can savor the day on their own time with complimentary breakfast room service and flexible, all day dining access that offers the only 24/7 meal options on the river.

World-class destinations experienced like never before

33 seven-night sailings on the Rhine and Danube rooted in place, culture and connection will take guests through the heart of Europe’s culture, history and unforgettable cities, and invite guests to taste regional wines, walk cobbled village streets, and enjoy the new perspective each day offers. Guests will enjoy a tale of many cities as multiple ports per day – combined with overnight experiences – invite them to explore in a whole new way.

From private wine tastings in Austria to thermal baths in Budapest, or cycling the riverbanks of the Danube, every experience is designed to bring out what is rare, real, and remarkable. Guests will see Budapest lit by night, sail the Wachau Valley, and discover hidden gems that feel like their own.

Plus, elevated pre- and post-cruise stays – available to book in early 2026 – extend guests' time in iconic cities like Prague and Budapest, all seamlessly arranged and elevated The Celebrity Way.

Industry-leading ship design offers an uninterrupted experience

With an unrivaled exterior profile, Celebrity River Cruises will turn heads while maintaining respect for the scenery and history of destinations. Celebrity River Cruises will set sail with an innovative hull, delivering a lightweight versatile design that improves river navigation, delivering the most seamless vacation experience in the industry.

Pushing the boundaries of leisure travel, Celebrity’s fleet of river ships advances Royal Caribbean Group’s decades-long commitment to sustaining the planet. The ships are equipped with the best-in-class hybrid propulsion system, as well as waste management systems, alongside advanced technology to reduce noise and vibration.

Hurtigruten reports strong growth in North American summer sales and global financial results

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines

Published: 28 August 2025 28 August 2025

Following a successful restructuring earlier this year – including its split from expedition cruise company HX – Hurtigruten, the leading operator of Norwegian coastal voyages, is now charting its own course as a standalone company. With a fleet of 10 ships serving Norway’s coast and land-based tour operations in Svalbard, Hurtigruten has reported its first financial results since the separation.

In North America, this summer’s sales momentum has been especially strong, with booked revenue from June 1 to August 28 up 15% year-over-year. This growth has been driven by a remarkable 72% increase in Signature product series bookings, underscoring the appetite from U.S. and Canadian travelers for authentic, immersive experiences along Norway’s iconic coastline and Svalbard.

“North America remains one of Hurtigruten’s most exciting growth markets, and we’re delighted to see such powerful momentum this season. Travelers are increasingly seeking destination immersion and meaningful exploration – and that’s exactly what we deliver 365 days a year,” comments Carly Biggart, Head of Hurtigruten in the Americas.

Globally, Hurtigruten has released its first-half 2025 figures, reporting a 60% increase in EBITDA, up from EUR 27 million to EUR 43 million compared to the same period the previous year. Total revenue grew 14% to EUR 250 million, with occupancy rates improving from 66% in H1 2024 to 70% in H1 2025.

“This growth is a testament to the successful establishment of the 'new' Hurtigruten, which now solely serves the Norwegian coast and Svalbard. Our commitment to providing the iconic experience of Norway has resonated with our guests, and we are excited about the future as we continue to see strong demand,” said CEO Hedda Felin.

“We would like to thank our guests for choosing Hurtigruten, our partners for their collaboration, and our dedicated employees for their commitment. Together, we are setting new standards in the travel industry and creating unforgettable journeys through Norway's breathtaking landscapes in a time where more sustainable destinations become increasingly popular,” Felin added.

Well positioned to meet strong demand

Looking ahead, Hurtigruten expects continued growth in EBITDA and occupancy rates, reflecting strong demand and positive booking trends. As of August 26, Hurtigruten’s booked ticket sales for the full current year are up by 11% compared to the same time in 2024. Similarly, Hurtigruten’s booked ticket sales for 2026 are up by 12% compared to the year ahead bookings at the same time last year.

During the first half of 2025 Hurtigruten restructured and significantly strengthened its balance sheet. The book equity now stands at EUR 85 million and the Company’s EUR 411 million term loans matures in 2030. The Group’s total cash position was EUR 112 million at the end of the first half of 2025.

Reducing environmental impact

As a part of Hurtigruten’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint, the company is continuously looking at ways to modernize the fleet. During the first half of 2025, MS Nordlys completed a significant upgrade to battery-hybrid propulsion, making it the fourth Hurtigruten ship to run on hybrid power. In addition, Hurtigruten reduced its Scope 1 emissions per guest by 9%, and significantly reduced SOx emissions by 45% (2024 figures compared to 2023).

Carnival's next new ship to sail 6- and 8-night Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines

Published: 13 August 2025 13 August 2025

Carnival Cruise Line today announced that reservations are now open for Carnival Festivale, its exciting new ship launching in 2027, and revealed further details of the ship’s features set to transform the cruise experience into a non-stop celebration of music and family fun.

Carnival Festivale will make its way home to Port Canaveral with a 15-day transatlantic voyage from Southampton, England on May 2, 2027. This maiden voyage features calls to some of Europe's most captivating destinations including La Coruña and Vigo, Spain; Funchal on Madeira Island, Portugal, as well as Tenerife in the Canary Islands, before crossing the Atlantic Ocean, visiting Grand Turk and arriving to its Port Canaveral homeport on May 16, 2027.

On May 19, 2027, Carnival Festivale will begin cruising from Port Canaveral with its first sailing – a 4-night Bahamas cruise featuring visits to Carnival's exclusive private destinations, Celebration Key and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. The ship’s primary cruise schedule will offer a comprehensive selection of 6- and 8-night Eastern and Southern Caribbean cruises. Itineraries feature destinations such as Amber Cove; San Juan; St. Thomas; St. Maarten; as well as the award-winning RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. All Carnival Festivale sailings will offer a visit to Celebration Key, Carnival’s newest exclusive destination on Grand Bahama. Southern Caribbean sailings will also include the islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. A special 7-night New Year's cruise departing December 27, 2027, is also among the more than 50 voyages opened for sale today aboard the new ship.

Transformative zones create perfect soundtrack of family vacation

Continuing the Excel-class tradition of sharing its name with a classic Carnival ship, the all-new Carnival Festivale will further innovate on the popular Excel platform and represents a new chapter for the award-winning class.

"Music is the universal language that brings families and friends together, and Carnival Festivale will amplify that unique connection. The experiences we’ll deliver will appeal to every generation," said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. "Everyone – no matter their age or interest – will find their rhythm on this ship.”

Duffy said the ship will deliver truly immersive environments, where the love of music inspires a variety of unique experiences across three transformative zones:

Just beyond the ship’s Grand Central atrium, which serves as the main hub, as well as a three-deck-high live entertainment venue, is Studio 724: a first-of-its-kind celebration of the creative music-making process. Through interactive experiences powered by technology, the vibrant zone reacts in real time to sound with synchronized lights and animations to capture the creative energy of mixing, recording, and listening to music, inviting guests to become part of the musical journey rather than simply observe it.

One of the zone’s highlights is The Spark on Deck 6, where guests will enjoy a vibrant setting designed to embody the art of songwriting, as well as cocktails inspired by iconic songs and nightly live music performances. The zone also features Carnival’s signature Alchemy Bar on Deck 6, famous fleetwide for its craft cocktails and molecular mixology. On Carnival Festivale, Alchemy Bar will offer an enhanced experience, with its own dedicated space adjacent to the atrium, and features an expanded lounge with a stage for live music performances. Already a celebration of music fleetwide, Carnival Festivale’s Piano Bar 88 will be right at home on Deck 6 as well.

At Mix Bar on Deck 7, guests can enjoy creatively named cocktails like the Synth and Hi-Fi, or craft their own unique drink by layering flavor “tracks” beneath a turntable-themed bar. Also on Deck 7 is Limelight Lounge, another venue where guests are brought together by music across the fleet. Carnival Festivale’s iteration of the lounge will bring a completely redesigned look and feel to match the music-inspired theme of Studio 724.

The Festival: Outdoor music festival energy at sea

The Festival on Deck 8 captures the authentic social atmosphere and energy of outdoor music festivals in a cruise ship setting. An inviting, brightly colored promenade connects guests to several food and beverage venues through an atmosphere that transforms from day to night with evolving lights and sounds.

In this zone, guests will find Festival Grounds Coffee & Bar, which anchors the space with specialty coffee creations and festival-inspired cocktails. Dynamic lighting and music shift the venue from an energetic daytime vibe to a mellow nighttime ambiance. Pizza Palooza delivers fresh pizzas, which Carnival guests know and love fleetwide as a quick bite that’s perfect for sharing among friends. Rhythm & Rolls Deli rounds out the casual dining options with gourmet sandwiches. The pizza and deli venue designs are inspired by festival food trucks and complement the energetic atmosphere with specialty cocktails that capture the spirit of summer music festivals.

Sunsation Point: The ultimate family adventure zone

Spanning three decks 16-18, Sunsation Point represents the crown jewel of family fun and entertainment at sea. This area is anchored by Carnival WaterWorks Ultra, the most family-friendly water park at sea – and biggest in Carnival history.

Deck 16 is the place to relax as well as a hub of family-friendly activities and dining options designed to cater to all ages. At Sunsation Sips, everything from craft cocktails to slushies will be served up to cater to all ages and cravings. The vibrant Vista Pool is also perfect for any age group and features a baby splash pad for the littlest cruisers in swim diapers. Guests can enjoy familiar favorites like Big Chicken and Swirls ice cream, signature offerings across the Excel class.

Decks 17 and 18 take entertainment and adventure to the next level. Deck 17 is a place to rewind with nostalgic elements, including the Vault Retrocade, which combines retro charm with modern arcade games. The Scenic Overlook, a bar with breathtaking aft sunset views, TVs for sports, and outdoor games like pool and giant Jenga complements the adjacent new mini golf course that will be illuminated at night. This deck will also be home to the Treehouse, an all-new concept that features an adventure trail with netted bridges high above the deck filled with fun obstacles and a dry slide. Nearby, a toddler playground provides climbing fun for little ones.

Deck 18 is also home to Carnival WaterWorks Ultra, where families can enjoy thrilling slides, splash pads, and shaded play areas for all ages. This expansive aquatic playground features six thrilling water slides designed for different age groups and adventure levels, including two innovative family raft rides, SunSoaker and Turning Tides. Guests can also enjoy thrills and some friendly competition on the dueling Racing Currents slides. The Mini Racers double-slide and Mini Twister are perfect for kids.

Sunsation Point, as Carnival previously announced, will introduce the first nighttime WaterWorks operations. Activating the multi-deck zone with vibrant illumination and a live DJ, water park hours will be extended on special evenings for guests of all ages to enjoy more fun together.

Carnival Festivale will feature 1,000 interconnecting rooms, nearly 70 percent more than on the first three Excel-class vessels. The ship will also introduce a dedicated space for Carnival’s Turtles program which is for children six months to two years, and more experiences for its youngest cruisers on the open decks, in addition to the enhancement of all youth spaces to support additional programming.

Carnival Festivale will sail year-round from Port Canaveral, where it joins Excel-class sister ship Mardi Gras, adding more variety and more capacity to the popular homeport. Additional deployment plans for the 2027/28 cruise schedule will be announced for Port Canaveral soon.

The 182,015-gross-ton Carnival Festivale will be constructed at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany.

Princess Cruises to deploy two ships in Japan in 2027

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines

Published: 07 August 2025 07 August 2025

In a historic first, Princess Cruises announces its most expansive Japan season ever in 2027, featuring two Japanese-built, sister ships – Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess – sailing from the Tokyo region throughout the entire season.

Marking a major milestone for the brand’s legacy in Asia, the 2027 program includes 78 departures across 50 unique itineraries, with voyages ranging from seven to 28 days, making it Princess’ most robust Japan deployment to date. The March – December 2027 Japan season opens for sale August 20, 2025.

“This upcoming 2027 season is more than an expansion – it’s a homecoming,” said Gus Antorcha, President of Princess Cruises. “Our story in Japan has deepened over time and experience and in 2027, we return promising unforgettable experiences, including the renowned Cherry Blossoms, seven spectacular festivals and journeys that immerse you in the awe and wonder of this destination.”

2027 deployment overview:

– Two Japanese-built ships: 2,670-guest Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess – both built at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries shipyard in Nagasaki
– 45 cruise destinations across 6 countries
– 78 total departures and 50 unique itineraries from the Tokyo region

Itinerary highlights:

– Cherry Blossom Voyages (9–24 days): Timed to follow the blooming season from south to north across all four of Japan’s main islands.
– Festival Cruises (8–24 days): Celebrate Japan’s most vibrant summer festivals including the Aomori Nebuta, Tokushima Awa Odori, and Kochi Yosakoi with late-night stays.
– Circle and Grand Japan Voyages (9–28 days): Circumnavigate the country with visits to Osaka, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and more.
– Okinawa & Taiwan Itineraries (9–18 days): Explore the subtropical beauty of Okinawa and the cultural richness of Taipei and Hualien.
– Japan Explorer Cruises (9–13 days): Discover iconic cities like Shimizu (for Mt. Fuji), Kobe (for Kyoto), and Kagoshima.
Exclusive Festival Experiences:

Guests can experience seven spectacular festivals with late-night stays in port, including:

– Aomori Nebuta Festival (Aug 2 and Aug 7) - Towering illuminated floats, traditional music and energetic dancers.
– Hakodate Minato Festival (Aug 3) - A maritime celebration with a historic parade with spectacular floats.
– Akita Kanto Festival (Aug 6) - Performers balance towering bamboo poles with candlelit lanterns to festive flute and drum music.
– Yamagata Hanagasa Festival (from Sakata) (Aug 7): A colorful celebration featuring 10,000 local dancers to the rhythm of taiko drums.
– Kochi Yosakoi Dance Festival (Aug 12): One of Japan’s largest festivals, with vibrant dance teams and audience participation.
– Tokushima Awa Odori Dance Festival (Aug 13): A centuries-old dance event known for the joyful “Fool’s Dance” performed throughout the city.
– Kumano Fireworks Festival (Aug 17): A dazzling display of over 10,000 fireworks.

More time ashore:

With 12 More Ashore late-night ports, guests enjoy extended evenings in vibrant destinations like Osaka, Hiroshima, Hakodate, Sakata, and Halong Bay.

Cultural enrichment & world heritage sites:

Princess guests can visit 21 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as:

– Mount Fuji (from Shimizu)
– Itsukushima Shrine & Hiroshima Peace Memorial (from Hiroshima)
– Ancient Kyoto Monuments (from Kobe or Osaka)
– Jomon Prehistoric Sites (from Aomori or Hakodate)

Scenic sailings:

Marvel at iconic sights from sea:

– Sail past Mount Fuji in Shimizu Bay
– Cruise the Kanmon Straits and Japan Inland Sea
– Admire Sakurajima Volcano from Kagoshima Bay
– Legendary Cities & Cultural Gems:
– Experience Japan’s vibrant contrasts - from the electric streets of Tokyo’s Ginza district to peaceful Zen gardens in Kyoto, bustling fish markets in Shimizu, and the powerful reflection of Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park.

Japanese touches onboard:

Guests sailing on Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess will come back from an immersive day in port to enjoy Japanese touches onboard, such as:

– Regional dishes including noodles and freshly prepared sushi
– Spirited drinks like fine Japanese whiskeys, sake and shochu
– Delight in the 400-year tradition of storytelling known as “rakugo”
– Join in an evening of karaoke and watch folkloric dancers bring Japanese culture to life

Guests booking by August 27, 2025, will enjoy Captain’s Circle Savings up to $200 per stateroom.