News in Brief: Seatrade Cruise News Latest Headlines

 

'Small ships are where the magic happens': Ponant's Sam Chamberlain Sam Chamberlain's been on the go in his first three months as Ponant's CEO for the Americas, meeting with travel partners and his dispersed team, attending events and experiencing the product. Full article

Fincantieri confirms pair of Viking newbuild orders Fincantieri announced orders for two Viking ship deliveries, one in 2028 and 2029, which are believed to have already been disclosed. Full article

'Lifestyle by Norwegian' e-commerce site offers essentials and accessories Norwegian Cruise Line launched an e-commerce site offering items to order at home that reflect the shipboard experience. Full article

Explora II is delayed until September, five cruises canceled Explora Journeys' second ship is delayed until September by mutual agreement between MSC Group and Fincantieri. Full article

Port of San Diego achieves Green Marine recertification The Port of San Diego earned recertification by Green Marine, North America’s largest voluntary environmental certification program for the maritime industry. Full article

Belfast’s titanic cruise efforts Hosts of Cruise Britain’s summer meeting, Belfast Harbour and Visit Belfast, received praise from destination experience experts for their joined up approach and strategic partnership in working with the cruise industry. Full article

Environmental report shows MSC on track to slash carbon intensity 40% by 2030 MSC Cruises published its 2023 Sustainability Report with a performance review of the 12-month period in the areas of environment, social and governance. Full article

Princess Cruises doubles loyalty points for those who buy Plus, Premier Princess Cruises is giving Captain's Circle loyalty members the chance to double their cruise credits by buying the inclusive Princess Plus and Premier packages. Full article

Holland America Line sweetens cruises with Lindt chocolates A new collaboration with Lindt & Sprüngli (USA), the makers of Lindor truffles, will see special turndown service treats and Lindt chocolate desserts aboard Holland America Line ships. Full article

HX forms strategic partnership with Air Greenland HX formed a strategic partnership with Air Greenland to enhance the travel experience for passengers and promote connectivity between Greenland and the rest of the world. Full article

Oceania Cruises adds more relaxed (yet refined) dining options Oceania Cruises introduced sushi and Indian cuisine offerings at Terrace Café and a revamped poolside lunch menu at Waves Grill. Full article

ORCA report presents key findings on whale and dolphin activity ORCA published its State of Cetaceans 2024 report offering a glimpse into how the world’s whales and dolphins are coping with human impacts on the ocean. Full article

Atlas adds stargazing and astronomy workshops plus eclipse cruises Atlas Ocean Voyages introduced stargazing and astronomy workshops on select 2024 and 2025 expeditions and will feature two solar eclipse cruises in 2026. Full article

Disney Cruise Line’s third season in Australasia Disney Cruise Line’s 2,400-passenger Disney Wonder will return to Australasia for a third season from October 2025 until February 2026. Full article

Celestyal announces speciality dining discounts and set menus Celestyal will offer new set menus and combination discounts on speciality dining across its two-ship fleet. Full article

Port Everglades' new director is Joseph Morris from Massport Massachusetts Port Authority Port Director Joseph Morris will be taking the helm at Port Everglades in mid-July. Full article

GPH weighs takeover bid from its largest shareholder Global Ports Holding is considering a takeover proposal from its controlling shareholder, Global Investments Holding (GIH). Full article

Azamara Cruises appoints several new executive leaders Azamara Cruises tapped Meg Lee as global chief marketing officer, Paulette Haedo as chief information officer and Minas Miliaras as chief maritime officer, while Capt. Nico Corbijn takes the new role of chief administrative officer. Full article

Aqua partners with CDF to support conservation in Galapagos Aqua Expeditions entered into a partnership with the Charles Darwin Foundation to support conservation efforts in the Galapagos, including through fundraising. Full article

Mitsui Ocean Fuji's new look and public room names Mitsui Ocean Cruises unveiled new names for the dining, entertainment and wellness spaces aboard Mitsui Ocean Fuji. Full article

Azamara Cruises' advertised pricing to reflect total fare Azamara became the latest cruise line to notify customers it will start advertising the full fare, including taxes, fees and port charges, globally. Full article