MSC Cruises and Meyer Werft sign landmark agreement for six next-generation cruise vessels

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines

Published: 15 December 2025 15 December 2025

Today, MSC Cruises announced a major new order for four next-generation cruise vessels and two additional options from Meyer Werft in Papenburg marking the launch of its new “New Frontier” platform – a brand-new class of ships. The order will secure full capacity at the shipyard well into the next decade.

The announcement was made today at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy in Berlin by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Katherina Reiche and Energy Minister-President Lower Saxony, Olaf Lies, MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago and Meyer Werft’s CEO Dr. Bernd Eikens.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises, said: “Meyer Werft’s track record, expertise and proud history make it a true beacon of European shipbuilding. Together, we will create vessels that redefine the cruise experience while preserving the craftsmanship that keeps Germany at the forefront of maritime engineering. The New Frontier class will enable us to design new and exclusive itineraries, offer exceptional guest experience and will feature next-generation environmental technologies that will advance our net-zero 2050 commitment.”

Dr. Bernd Eikens, CEO of Meyer Werft said: “This new order marks a significant milestone in the 230-year history of Meyer Werft. We are delighted to welcome MSC Cruises as a new customer and strategic partner, and we are truly honored by the trust they have placed in us. This long-term partnership with MSC Cruises ensures sustainable growth and job security for many years to come. Today is a truly positive and significant day for everyone at Meyer Werft – our employees and our partners alike.”

With a maximum passenger capacity of 5,400 and approximately 180,000 gross tons, the “New Frontier” ships will be delivered annually starting in 2030.

This order represents a decisive boost for the regional economy. It secures thousands of jobs in Germany, particularly in Lower Saxony and Papenburg, where Meyer Werft is a cornerstone employer and sustains work for the shipyard’s extensive supplier network. More than 3,200 people are directly employed at Meyer Werft, with over 20,000 jobs in the wider region linked to its operations.

With delivery schedules stretching into the 2030’s, the agreement reinforces Papenburg’s role as a strategic hub for global cruise shipbuilding and ensures continuity for one of Europe’s most advanced maritime manufacturing ecosystems.

Hong Kong Tourism Board welcomes return of Spectrum of the Seas, expects cruise ship calls to increase

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines

Published: 25 November 2025 25 November 2025

Royal Caribbean International cruise ship Spectrum of the Seas arrived in Hong Kong on November 23, 2025, and is set to embark on voyages around the region with the city as its homeport again. The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) welcomed the cruise ship’s return and announced Hong Kong is on course to receive almost 190 ship calls in 2025, a year-over-year increase of more than 25%.

HKTB Chairman Dr Peter Lam said, “From January to September 2025, the total cruise passenger throughput reached approximately 270,000, a 22% increase compared with the same period last year. I am delighted that Spectrum of the Seas of Royal Caribbean International has once again chosen Hong Kong as its homeport. It is also encouraging to see numerous international cruise brands choosing Hong Kong as homeport or turnaround port this year, or visiting Hong Kong as port of call, attracting more international visitors to our city. For the full year, Hong Kong is projected to record close to 190 cruise ship calls, which is equivalent to a 26% year-on-year increase. This involved 22 different international cruise brands, reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as Asia’s Cruise Hub.”

Hong Kong welcomes 10 ships from nine international cruise lines in November

As Hong Kong enters the peak season for cruise tourism, the city welcomed 10 cruise ships from nine international cruise lines in November alone, offering a total of 19 calls. Of these, five made Hong Kong their homeport or turnaround port – Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Solstice, Costa Cruises’ Costa Serena, Astro Ocean Cruise’s Piano Land, and StarCruises’ Star Voyager, in addition to Royal Caribbean International’s Spectrum of the Seas. Other international cruise ships visiting Hong Kong in November include:

– Celebrity Millennium (Celebrity Cruises)
– Westerdam (Holland America Line)
– Norwegian Spirit (Norwegian Cruise Line)
– Seven Seas Explorer (Regent Seven Seas Cruises)
– Seabourn Quest (Seabourn)

Hong Kong adds cruise experiences for meetings and incentives

Cruise travel is not only a popular choice for leisure travelers but also offers an exciting new experience for corporate meetings and incentive travel groups. In October, HKTB added a new theme dedicated to cruise to its thematic experience guide, the Hong Kong Incentive Playbook, further diversifying options for corporate meetings and incentive travelers. The Playbook section highlights how cruise tourism injects new elements to meetings and incentive travel, such as on-board meetings, teambuilding, fine dining, entertainment, and shore excursions. These elements offer a one-stop sea-and-land itinerary and enrich visitors’ business travel experience, strengthening Hong Kong’s reputation as Asia’s Cruise and MICE hub.