Top Headlines

Carnival Corporation orders three 230,000-gross-ton ships from Fincantieri

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 23 July 2024 23 July 2024

With consumer demand for cruise vacations at historic levels, Carnival Corporation & plc, the world's largest cruise company, today announced an order for three new ships for its namesake Carnival Cruise Line brand for a new class of vessel, at nearly 230,000 gross tons. The agreement with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri provides for the design, engineering, and construction of these liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered ships, which will be delivered in the summers of 2029, 2031 and 2033, respectively.

"We are proud to be known as America's cruise line with tremendous guest loyalty and an outstanding team that has enabled us to deliver memorable vacations to over 100 million guests," said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. "For this next generation ship, we are focused on creating innovative guest experiences that will take Carnival Cruise Line into the future with new fun features and excitement that we know our guests will love."

With today's order, there have been five new ship orders for Carnival Cruise Line announced in 2024. Earlier this year, Carnival Corporation placed its first newbuild orders in five years for two more Excel-class ships that will join the Carnival Cruise Line fleet in 2027 and 2028. The company also recently announced a series of strategic shifts to further optimize the composition of its global brand portfolio and to increase guest capacity for Carnival Cruise Line, transferring a total of five vessels from sister brands to the Carnival Cruise Line fleet between 2023 and March 2025.

"We are doubling down on the growth of Carnival Cruise Line – our highest-returning brand – to keep up with the incredibly strong demand we continue to see for the world's most popular cruise line," said Josh Weinstein, chief executive officer of Carnival Corporation & plc. "At this point, our newbuild pipeline is just one delivery in each of 2025, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2031 and 2033. We continue to take a disciplined approach to growth, strategically directing new capacity to the areas of highest demand at a rate of one to two new ships per year."

According to Weinstein, this order will take the company's overall measured capacity growth between 2025 and 2033 to an average of approximately 1.5% per year. "This gives us the headroom to strategically provide new capacity to the brands in our portfolio like Carnival Cruise Line, which provide outsized returns while continuing to execute against our responsible capital strategy, using our strong free cash flow over the next several years to improve our balance sheet, significantly reduce our debt, and continue to transfer value from debt holders to shareholders," he said.

With over 3,000 guest staterooms, the new ships will be the largest in the Carnival Corporation global fleet and will be able to deliver fun to more guests than any ship in the world when carrying almost 8,000 guests at full capacity. Once delivered in 2033, Carnival Corporation will have a total of 16 LNG-powered ships – including eight Carnival Cruise Line ships – making up almost 30% of Carnival Corporation's global capacity and delivering immediate greenhouse gas emission reductions. The new ships will also feature advanced energy efficiency, waste management, and emission reduction technologies to further reduce the company's environmental footprint.

"We are excited to join forces with Carnival Cruise Line to debut a new class of ship, which will be the largest cruise ship ever constructed by Fincantieri and the largest ship ever built in Italy. We are proud of the role Fincantieri has played in helping Carnival Corporation secure its position as the world's largest cruise company and look forward to continuing this success story together," said Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO, Fincantieri.

Design details and itinerary information for the new Carnival Cruise Line ships will be announced in the future.

This order is contingent upon financing, which is expected to be completed later this year.

Photo: The newbuilds will represent new class, but earlier this year Carnival contracted with Meyer Werft for two more Excel-class ships, similar to Mardi Gras. Credit: Teijo Niemela

Victory Cruise Lines opens reservations for inaugural Great Lakes season

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 23 July 2024 23 July 2024

Victory Cruise Lines, committed to all-inclusive, small ship, coastal cruising on The Great Lakes and Canadian Coasts, announces reservations for the 2025 inaugural season are now open. Comprised of the 190-guest Victory I and Victory II, these ships were purpose-built in Jacksonville, Florida, to cruise on all five Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence Seaway, and the French-Canadian Maritimes. The size and maneuverability of these ships are perfectly suited for coastal cruising in this region. Cruising connoisseurs can celebrate the christening celebrations of Victory I in Toronto on April 27 and Victory II at Chicago’s Navy Pier on May 12.

“As long-time enthusiasts of maritime adventures, my wife Claudette and I are thrilled for the team to open reservations of the inaugural season and we prepare to sail these magnificent waters,” shares Victory Cruise Lines Chairman and Founder, John Waggoner, who acquired the two ships in May 2024. “Our cruise experience will offer many special touches, including being the only cruise line to dock at Chicago’s Navy Pier, and most of all, our ships will be a home away from home exploring all five Great Lakes.”

Victory Cruise Lines will mark the inaugural season with a special New England & Canada 2025 Reunion Cruise Portland to Toronto departing April 16, 2025. Hosted by John and Claudette Waggoner, the 10-night cruise through the St. Lawrence Seaway and Canadian Maritimes will reunite friends from past voyages featuring notable guest entertainers, Phil Westbrook, and Greg and Lindy Pendzick.

Victory Cruise Lines voyages along magnificent coastlines, journeys through seaways and lakes, navigates hidden harbors and calls on downtown marinas with ease.

– Victory Cruise Lines is the coastal cruising product on the Great Lakes that docks at Navy Pier in Chicago.

– Victory Cruise Lines offers 36 voyages on the Great Lakes in a single season.

– Victory Cruise Lines has the most coastal cruises in a single season that hit all 5 Great Lakes in one cruise, 33 voyages.

– Victory Cruise Lines is the only coastal cruising product that includes a 1-Night Pre-Cruise Hotel at a premium property plus ground transfers to the ships for ALL voyages.

Onboard, guests will enjoy the Victory Cruise Lines’ own LakeLorian lecture program including engaging, destination-oriented historians and naturalists who share their vast knowledge and expertise of the history, ecology, and culture of each port of call. Victory I and Victory II feature a home-away-from-home atmosphere with gathering spots including the Compass Lounge, home to a grand piano and a favorite locale for old fashioned sing-alongs. The English-style Tavern is another favorite onboard venue to share stories and laughter with friends and fellow travelers. Guests may lounge on the aft deck on the Observation and Sun Deck with cushioned outdoor sofas, the perfect place to celebrate a successful excursion, gather for afternoon cocktails, amber sunsets, or late-night stargazing.

Victory Cruise Line chefs bring exclusive culinary delights to the table with menus of local specialties and fresh fish, when available. The wine selection reflects the routes and never fails to impress with fine wines from the various regions. The Coastal Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily from the chef’s menu of regionally inspired dishes. The Grill serves buffet breakfast, lunch, and seated dinner. Guests will also find a variety of healthy dining alternatives that meet their dining needs.

Each Victory Cruise Lines voyage includes 1-night pre-cruise hotel stay with complimentary ground transfers between the hotel and vessel; all oceanview accommodations, some with veranda; an included shore excursion in every port from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland to the Henry Ford Museum in Detroit; acclaimed cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner served in multiple venues plus culinary events throughout each cruise; gourmet selections including freshly prepared lobster and regionally-inspired dishes; unlimited beverages including an extensive wine list, choice spirits, local craft beers and specialty coffees; open bars and lounges throughout the vessel; unlimited Wi-Fi; live, daily onboard entertainment and enrichment with our own LakeLorians; hiking sticks.

Meyer Werft receives cruise ship order from Oriental Land Company

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 09 July 2024 09 July 2024

It is an important signal for Papenburg as a shipbuilding location: the Oriental Land Company (OLC) has commissioned Meyer Werft to build a Disney Wish-class cruise ship for the Japanese market. Bernard Meyer signed the shipbuilding contract today in Tokyo. The new ship is scheduled to be delivered in 2028. OLC, which operates the Disney theme parks in Japan, is expected to commence operation of the ship by early 2029.

The Oriental Land Company reached a decision to enter into the cruise business in Japan, and has concluded an agreement with Disney. to bring the magic of Disney cruise to the Japanese market for the first time.

“I am very happy to sign this contract today and win OLC as a new customer from Japan. This order contributes to the long term development of shipbuilding in Papenburg," says Bernard Meyer.

"With this new order, we look forward to continuing our relationship with Disney and working with Oriental Land Company, which also has a long-standing relationship with Disney, as a new customer. This is a strong signal for shipbuilding in Papenburg and shows that companies from all over the world rely on the quality of Meyer Werft," says Bernd Eikens, CEO of the Meyer Group.

“We have long-term relationships with both Meyer Werft and the Oriental Land Company. We are delighted to be working with both of them to create a Disney cruise experience for the Japanese market,” said Thomas Mazloum, president, Disney Signature Experiences.

Meyer Werft has already delivered the Disney Wish, the first ship in the Wish class, to Disney Cruise Line in 2022. The two sister ships Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny are already under construction in Papenburg and will be delivered in 2024 and 2025.

Crystal selects Fincantieri as a builder of its two new ocean ships

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 27 June 2024 27 June 2024

Crystal announced today the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with renowned Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. This agreement marks the commencement of the construction of two groundbreaking ships that will redefine high-end travel on the seas.

The 690-passenger (based on double occupancy), 61,800-gross-ton ships will feature a host of amenities and innovative designs, ensuring unparalleled comfort and indulgence for guests. Prominent architectural firms Studio Ibsen led by Prof. and Architect Adriana Granato and Studio Gem headed by Naval Arch. Giacomo Mortola and Naval Eng. Lorenzo Mortola will be leading the design efforts, along with a third international design firm yet to be appointed. The interior design will feature the most precious marbles, Italian fabrics and natural materials, offering a level of research and sophistication typically reserved for high-end private residential properties.

A standout feature will be a promenade extending through the whole ships’ perimeter, similar to those loved by guests on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, for leisurely strolls with stunning ocean views. Culinary enthusiasts will be delighted by a variety of dining options, showcasing a variety of world-class cuisines including Umi Uma, the only Nobu at sea as well as recently announced Beefbar. Additionally, Crystal will continue its legacy of offering exclusive entertainment along with a sophisticated casino that includes an array of gaming options in an elegant setting.

Wellness and relaxation will be at the heart of the new ships, with a comprehensive Spa and state-of-the-art fitness center available to all guests. Families traveling with children will appreciate a dedicated area, designed to provide engaging activities and a safe space for younger guests.

The new ships will feature all-suite accommodations, with private verandas including a popular single occupancy category, with veranda, designed for solo travelers. This commitment to comfort is complemented by one of the highest crew-to-passenger ratios in this segment, ensuring personalized service and attention to detail.

“This order is another milestone in the 40 years of productive collaboration between Fincantieri and my family that started with Sitmar Cruises, continued with Silversea and now is flourishing again with Crystal,” said Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, Executive Chairman of A&K Travel Group.

“Our aim is to continue setting a new standard in cruising, offering our guests an unmatched level of service and sophistication. These new ships will receive the same level of attention I have reserve to my own house,” added Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group.

“This order not only highlights the robust recovery of the cruise sector, in line with our Industrial Plan, but also reaffirms Fincantieri’s leadership, thanks to the operational excellence of our shipyards and the execution quality of our world-class supply chain,” stated Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of Fincantieri. “We are thrilled to partner with Crystal in our pursuit of innovation and excellence, under the guidance of a shipowner who has always been close to our Group, like Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio."

The expected delivery of the first ship will be in the Spring of 2028. The construction and delivery timeline on the second ship will be announced at a later date.

The announcement comes two years after A&K Travel Group acquired Crystal in 2022, marking a new chapter for the cruise line. Under A&K Travel Group’s leadership, Crystal has been focusing on enhancing its offerings both at sea and on shore and expanding its fleet to provide unparalleled experiences for its guests.

Crystal has also secured the option to build a third sister ship with delivery in 2032.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises unveils first look at next generation ultra-luxury ships

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 22 June 2024 22 June 2024

Regent Seven Seas Cruises, a major player in the ultra luxury cruise segment, has unveiled the name of its new ship, Seven Seas Prestige, along with new exterior images and video, providing a glimpse into a brand new class of vessel.

Seven Seas Prestige, which will be delivered in 2026, is Regent’s first new ship class in 10 years, following the successful Explorer-Class vessels which were launched in 2016, 2020 and 2023.

“This is a truly historic moment for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, as we name the next ship to join The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet as Seven Seas Prestige and reveal her sleek exterior design,” said Andrea DeMarco, President of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “Seven Seas Prestige, debuting in 2026, continues our legacy of revolutionizing ultra luxury travel as she will transcend luxury in every way. This incredible new ship will be the epitome of timeless elegance, exemplifying Regent’s commitment to excellence which is reflected in every aspect of her elevated design and exuding an ambiance of sophistication and refinement.”

At 77,000 gross tons and hosting up to only 850 guests, Seven Seas Prestige will boast one of the highest passenger to space ratios in the cruise industry, offering more Unrivaled Space at Sea than ever before in beautifully appointed suites, and lavish, thoughtfully designed restaurants, bars and lounges and public areas.

DeMarco continued, “Unrivaled Space at Sea is a key pillar for Regent and a primary desire for luxury travelers. Seven Seas Prestige was designed with this in mind, maintaining the intimate and luxurious service our guests love, while also providing even more space throughout the ship, allowing for new suite categories and new experiences.”

Seven Seas Prestige will be the first of two Prestige-Class ships, the second of which will be launched in 2029. The new ship class will introduce brand new accommodation categories, including a reimagination of the palatial Regent Suite, plus new dining experiences, all of which will be revealed at a later date.

These new features will further enhance The Most Inclusive Luxury Experience that Regent is known for with inclusions such as flights and transfers, gourmet cuisine in a range of specialty restaurants and al-fresco dining venues, fine wines and spirits, entertainment, unlimited internet access, free valet laundry, gratuities, one-night, pre-cruise hotel packages for guests staying in Concierge-level suites and higher and more.