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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.