Top Headlines

Meyer Turku delivers Star of the Seas

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 10 July 2025 10 July 2025

Meyer Turku has today handed over the Star of the Seas to Royal Caribbean. Star of the Seas is the second Icon class ship built at the Meyer Turku shipyard. Star of the Seas will leave the shipyard in mid-July and will later in the summer start sailing on the Caribbean from its base port in Port Canaveral.

Casimir Lindholm, CEO of Meyer Turku said, "Star of the Seas is already the second cruise ship of the world's most advanced Icon class to be built at our shipyard. In good cooperation with the customer and our network companies, we were able to draw on the lessons learned during the prototype ship building process and Star was completed in record time and with high quality.

Star of the Seas is the largest single industrial product ever built in Finland. At the same time, the ship is another important step towards the green transition, which is the shipyard's main competitive advantage. Such a demanding project is made possible by the high level of expertise and quality project management of Meyer Turku and the companies of the entire maritime cluster."

Star of the Seas' eight different neighbourhoods include the largest water park in the seas, the Central Park with live plants, the AquaTheatre with water acrobatics and around 40 different places to eat. The cabin and entertainment solutions of this state-of-the-art ship have been developed in cooperation with long-standing partners of Meyer Turku Shipyard.

“The delivery of Star of the Seas marks another bold step forward in Royal Caribbean Group’s journey to reimagine the future of vacations. Star and the Icon Class are a symbol of what’s possible when innovation, imagination and our relentless focus on delivering exceptional experiences come together, ultimately creating unforgettable memories for millions of families and vacationers,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “We’re proud to bring this next-generation vacation experience to life with our valued partners at Meyer Turku.”

The third ship in the series, Legend of the Seas, will after the summer be floated out from the dry dock to the outfitting pier.

Fincantieri delivers Viking Vesta

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 26 June 2025 26 June 2025

Viking Vesta, the second of a new series of cruise ships that Fincantieri is building for the Viking, has been delivered today at the Ancona shipyard.

The ceremony was attended by Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking and by Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of the Fincantieri Merchant Ships Division.

The unit is placed in the small cruise ship segment. With a gross tonnage of about 54,300 tons, Viking Vesta is equipped with 499 cabins, and is able to accommodate 998 passengers on board. The unit is the 14th ship delivered by Fincantieri to Viking, including the two expedition cruise vessels built by the Norwegian subsidiary Vard.

Considering the ships ordered to date, and the contracts and options agreements signed in the last months, whose finalization is subject to access to financing as per industry practice, the strong and long-lasting relationship between Fincantieri and Viking encompasses 28 ships.

Fincantieri and Viking, also, recently announced the first cruise ship in the world to be powered by hydrogen stored onboard for both propulsion and onboard electricity generation, the Viking Libra, with delivery scheduled for late 2026. This ship is also currently under construction at the yard in Ancona and will be capable of navigating and operating with zero emissions, allowing it to access even the most environmentally sensitive areas. Her sister ship, the Viking Astrea - under construction at the same yard and set for delivery in 2027 – will feature the same innovative hydrogen-based technology.

The Viking ships are all built according to the latest navigation and safety regulations. They are equipped with high-efficiency engines and systems that minimize exhaust gas pollution, meeting the strictest environmental standards.

Viking Line conceptualizes the world’s largest electric passenger-car ferry

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 06 June 2025 06 June 2025

Viking Line is preparing to launch entirely emission-free service between Helsinki and Tallinn. The shipping company's groundbreaking vessel concept is proof that a green maritime corridor across the Gulf of Finland could be realized as early as the beginning of the 2030s. Upon realisation, the concept, named Helios, would be the world’s largest electric passenger-car ferry.

The Helios vessel concept developed by Viking Line shows what the world's largest fully electric passenger-car ferry would look like. With a battery capacity of approximately 85–100 megawatt hours (MWh), Helios could transport 2,000 passengers across the Gulf of Finland in just over two hours. The length of the concept vessel is 195 metres, the width 30 metres and the speed approximately 23 knots. The freight capacity on board is approximately 2 kilometres. Compared to the silhouette of traditional vessels, Helios mainly stands out due its lack of a funnel.

Helios is based on a research collaboration between Viking Line and Rauma Marine Construction as well as other partners. The concept is specifically designed for the Helsinki–Tallinn route, as the 80 kilometre, or 43 nautical mile, route is ideally suited for electric vessel traffic. The electric vessel is always charged when the ship is in port. The vessel requires a charging capacity of over 30 megawatt hours.

“Helios heralds a new era in maritime transport, just like the first sail, steam, and motor ships did in their time. The concept proves that large-scale emission-free maritime transport is no longer a utopia. The world’s largest fully electric passenger-car ferries could be in operation as early as the beginning of the next decade. We are strongly committed to realizing the ambitious vision that Helios represents,” says Viking Line’s CEO Jan Hanses.

Over the years, Viking Line has paved the way for low-emission shipping by investing hundreds of millions of euros in groundbreaking technologies. Viking Grace, delivered in 2013, was the world’s first passenger ship to use both liquefied natural gas and biogas as fuel. In 2022, Viking Grace was paired with an even more climate-smart vessel, Viking Glory. Through these ship investments, Viking Line’s travellers can now choose biofuel for an additional fee, thereby reducing the emissions from their trip by 90 per cent. In addition, Viking Line’s first freight customers have signed agreements to use biofuel. Emission-free shipping in the Gulf of Finland is promoted by the FIN-EST Green Corridor project, launched by the cities of Helsinki and Tallinn, whose founders and members also include the ports of Helsinki and Tallinn, Estonia’s Ministry of Climate and the companies Viking Line, Rederi AB Eckerö and Tallink Grupp.

“It is great that both cities and their ports have committed to creating a green maritime corridor. Electric shipping is not created solely by ship investments. It also requires efficient, reliable charging infrastructure in ports. The home port for the new electric vessels would be Jätkäsaari, where the Port of Helsinki has a development and expansion programme underway until 2032. The progress of this project is extremely important for our own plans,” states Jan Hanses.

Even now, most passenger and freight traffic from the Port of Helsinki is destined for Estonia. According to the Port of Helsinki's forecasts, passenger traffic between the city’s West Harbour and Tallinn will increase from 5.5 million passengers in 2024 to 11.6 million by 2040. Also cargo volumes are expected to grow significantly.

"The Helsinki–Tallinn route performed particularly well last year, and we believe volume will continue to increase – there is strong demand, based on need, for connections between Finland and the Baltics. EU emissions trading fees and tightening regulations place an ever larger burden on fossil fuel-based maritime traffic every year, but emission-free technology would enable us to increase capacity on the route. Our goal is to order two electric ships for the route, which would double our current capacity year-round," says Jan Hanses.

The newly announced electric passenger-car ferry concept serves as a basis for continued planning and for the invitation to tender to shipyards. This spring, Viking Line submitted a funding application to the EU's Innovation Fund for the construction of a ferry.

Viking Helios concept ferry

– Length: Approx. 195 m
– Width: Approx. 30 m
– Power source: Electricity (100%)
– Battery capacity: 85–100 MWh (charging power requirement >30MWh)
– Speed: Approx. 23 knots
– Passengers: Approx. 2,000
– Private cars: Approx. 650
– Cargo capacity: Approx. 2,000 freight metres

Regent Seven Seas provides first look of 77,000-gross-ton Prestige

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 09 May 2025 09 May 2025

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has unveiled detailed renderings and a spectacular “fly-through” video of select public spaces on board Seven Seas Prestige. The new images and video of the Starlight Atrium and Galileo’s Bar hint at the exquisite elegance and comfort that will be found on board Seven Seas Prestige, scheduled to launch in late 2026, beginning a new legacy for all-inclusive, ultra luxury cruising.

Drawing on inspiration ranging from classical and Renaissance architecture, both the Starlight Atrium and Galileo’s Bar were designed by Studio DADO, who were also the creative drive behind the cruise line’s highly successful Explorer-Class ships. Now, with Seven Seas Prestige, the DADO team has captured the essence of The Most Inclusive Luxury Experience, building on Regent’s rich heritage which will inspire guests to embrace each moment with awe and delight.

“With Seven Seas Prestige being Regent’s first new ship class in 10 years, we are delighted to share these first glimpses of this incredible vessel,” said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer for Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “Hosting only 822 guests on a ship that could fit hundreds more means we will offer Heartfelt Hospitality in Unrivaled Space at Sea like never before. I truly cannot wait for this magnificent ship to join The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet and the new legacy of all-inclusive, ultra luxury cruising that begins with it.”

The visuals offer a peak into what’s in store for future reveals with the introduction of brand-new accommodation categories – including a reimagination of the palatial Regent Suite – plus new dining experiences, coming soon.

Starlight Atrium

Embodying a blend of old-world elegance and modern sophistication, the Starlight Atrium recalls an era of quality craftmanship and style, illuminated by a glass-enclosed ceiling that allows sunlight and starlight to grace the space.

“The Starlight Atrium is where the grandeur of Renaissance architecture meets modern luxury, creating a space that feels both timeless and contemporary,” said Yohandel Ruiz, Founding Partner, Studio DADO. “Our goal was to get people to stop in their tracks, awe-struck by its sheer scale and magnificence.”

Not only a place for quiet contemplation while enjoying a glass of Champagne, or practical matters with essential guest services, the Starlight Atrium’s generous space connects multiple guest amenities across decks 4 & 5, such as Galileo’s Bar, the Casino, Prestige Lounge, Meridian Lounge, Coffee Connection, concierge desk and reception.

The two-story Starlight Atrium features twin spiral staircases, beginning on deck 4, which combine on deck 5 and gracefully lead all the way up to deck 11.

On deck 5, alcoves with sculptural furniture and curated art offer breathtaking ocean views – the perfect place to watch the sun rise or slip beyond the horizon at the end of a perfect day. Designed with a neutral palette of dusty rose, taupe, and cream, combined with embellished trims and fringed pillows, the alcoves harken back to old-world detailing.

The reception area, also on deck 5, features pleated leather panels and a light fixture crafted from handblown glass and ceramic pearls. From the lifts, looking back towards Galileo’s Bar, walls are framed with paneling and artwork, creating a traditional yet modern aesthetic.

Galileo’s Bar

Named in a nod to Regent’s beloved Seven Seas Navigator which will soon leave the fleet, Galileo’s Bar is strategically placed to serve both the Prestige Lounge and adjacent casino. The bar’s ceiling is a canvas displaying a contemporary masterpiece styled like an oil painting, framed by fretted metal detailing.

The base of the bar features fluted elements, and the bold, striped floor highlights the bar’s footprint, creating a focal point for the Starlight Atrium; it is the place for guests to indulge in complimentary premium beverages that come as standard with a Regent sailing.

From the bar, views of the spiral staircases extend back into the Starlight Atrium on both port and starboard sides. The walls, clad in a limestone texture, are adorned with sconces designed to resemble jewelry, adding a touch of glamour.

Seven Seas Prestige, Galileo Bar

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises launches new spring 2025 campaign, marking the next stage of its brand relaunch

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 25 April 2025 25 April 2025

Following the successful launch of its new brand identity at the turn of the year, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is consistently pursuing its strategic direction in spring 2025. The new campaign will run from April 22, 2025 (media) and April 28, 2025 (sales) until mid-June and is a continuation of the successful Wave Season campaign.

The aim is to further sharpen the brand identity, inspire new target groups and, at the same time, activate them with attractive booking incentives. The 2025 spring campaign focuses on individual travel experiences of the highest standard, with a focus on destinations such as the USA & Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, Antarctica, the South Seas & South America, and Scandinavia in winter. The campaign centers on moving motifs, emotional imagery, and the ships that were once again named the world's best cruise fleet by Insight Guides 2025 with a five-star rating.

Emotional itineraries – new stories for new guests

The voyages take passengers to destinations including the icy worlds of Antarctica, the island paradises of the South Seas, and the colorful markets and cultures of Southeast Asia. The far north is also increasingly coming into focus with selected voyages to the Nordic countries. “We are deliberately focusing on a strong connection between brand and destination,” says Clas Eckholt, Vice President Commercial TUI Cruises. “Every region has its own magic – and our ships provide the perfect setting to experience it intensively and individually.” The focus remains on setting standards in luxury cruising while meeting the growing expectations of a new, younger target group.

Strong brand presence with a focus on variety of experiences

The new campaign and the claim “Unforgettable with all your senses” reflect the core brand message of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises: unparalleled variety, excellent service, and emotional travel experiences of the highest quality. Whether on the luxury ships Europa and Europa 2 or on the three Hanseatic expedition ships, every voyage is characterised by individuality, a spirit of discovery, and enjoyment with all the senses. Ines Bizi, Director of Marketing at Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. “Our guests don't just travel – they experience with all their senses. The new spring campaign picks up on precisely this need and brings the unique spirit of our ships and destinations to life across all channels.”

The campaign will run across all digital and analogue media: digital out-of-home (DOOH), social media, online video, CTV, print, CRM, and via a dedicated landing page at www.hl-cruises.com/senses. Parallel to the media launch, sales activation will also start on April 28 with customized POS materials, social media packages, and a comprehensive campaign folder for travel agency partners. Selected voyages on the five ships of the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises fleet – the Europa, Europa 2 and the three expedition ships Hanseatic inspiration, spirit and nature – will be advertised with a price advantage of up to 35% until June 16, 2025.

Photo: Hanseatic nature in Chilean fjords. Photo credit: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises