Cruise News Page 31
ROYAL CARIBBEAN GROUP SECURES SHIPBUILDING SLOTS AT MEYER TURKU THROUGH 2036
Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL), a global vacation leader that is redefining the future of vacations, today announced a long-term framework agreement with Meyer Turku that secures Royal Caribbean Group's rights to build at the yard through the next decade. As part of this agreement, Royal Caribbean Group also confirms an order for Icon 5 to be delivered in 2028, subject to financing, and adds an option to build Icon 7 (in addition to the previously announced option to build Icon 6). This multi-year agreement strengthens Royal Caribbean Group's relationship with Meyer Turku, one of the world's largest and most modern shipyards specializing in cruise ships, and readies Royal Caribbean Group for a new, game-changing class of ship beyond Icon.
Viking strengthens cultural travel offerings in Vietnam and Cambodia with launch of Viking Tonle
Viking has expanded its Southeast Asia fleet with the introduction of the Viking Tonle, a purpose-built river ship that will operate exclusively on the Mekong River. Designed for the 15-day Magnificent Mekong itinerary through Vietnam and Cambodia, the vessel accommodates 80 guests in 40 staterooms and reflects Viking’s signature Scandinavian design, with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, open-air verandas, and light-filled interiors. Guests will also enjoy onboard amenities including a pool, spa, fitness center, and Sky Bar.
AmaWaterways Expands European Orderbook with Eight New Ships
AmaWaterways, the largest cruise line dedicated exclusively to river cruising, today announced plans to expand its European orderbook with eight new ships scheduled for delivery by 2030. With these additions, the company's global fleet will grow to more than 40 vessels – doubling its vessel count since 2020. This expansion reflects the surging demand for AmaWaterways' immersive river cruise experiences.
Oceania Cruises® Unveils 2027-2028 Collection of Voyages
Oceania Cruises®, the world's leading culinary- and destination-focused luxury cruise line, presents more than 230 thoughtfully curated voyages, each offering immersive experiences in some of the world's most alluring and desirable destinations. Encompassing more than a year of itineraries across seven intimate, luxurious ships, sailings range from 7 to 96 days across all seven continents, including a 59-day South Pacific Grand Voyage from Miami to Sydney and a three-month epic adventure from Auckland to Rome, both aboard the highly acclaimed Oceania Vista®. Itineraries run through April 2028 and are open for reservations.
SEABOURN ENCORE TO MAKE MAIDEN ALASKA DEBUT IN 2026
As Seabourn wraps up its 2025 season in Alaska and British Columbia, the leader in ultra-luxury voyages and expedition travel is already looking ahead to 2026, when Seabourn Encore will sail to the region for the very first time.
Princess Cruises Promotes Carmen Roig to Senior Vice President of Sales
Princess Cruises have announced the promotion of Carmen Roig to senior vice president of sales, further cementing her leadership role in expanding consumer demand through strong trade relationships.
AmaWaterways offer two complimentary nights in Europe
Prefer not to fly on Christmas Eve or December 25th? This year, AmaWaterways are gifting their guests up to two extra nights in Europe, when they book select New Year's Cruises. Make a booking for any of the included cruises and enjoy a complimentary pre-cruise stay at a beautiful 4- or 5-star hotel with breakfast and an included transfer to your ship the following day. Then, depending on the departure date, either stay on the ship one extra night to celebrate New Year's Eve, or sleep in on January 1stand be treated to an additional evening on board. For either post-cruise option, all meals will be included, as well as an airport transfer if your flight has been reserved through AmaWaterways.
New Survey Uncovers 'Travel Dysmorphia': 7 in 10 Americans Feel Behind on Their Travel Goals
In recent years, "revenge travel" dominated headlines, signaling a global rush to reclaim missed moments post-pandemic. But for many Americans, that wasn't the reality. New research commissioned by Scenic Group reveals that seven in 10 Americans (69%) say they feel behind on their travel goals – especially when comparing themselves to others. This emotional tension now has a name: travel dysmorphia. It reflects the disconnect between the trips people once envisioned and those still unrealized. In response, Scenic Group is offering a new way forward for those ready to stop waiting and start exploring.
Villa Vie Residences Launches Month-to-Month Living at Sea -- With Rent-to-Own
Villa Vie Residences, the world's leading residential cruise line, today unveiled Month-to-Month at Sea with a Rent-to-Own benefit, a flexible way to live aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey starting at $2,999 per person, per month. Introduced by popular demand, the program lets travelers "try the lifestyle" without a long commitment—while earning real credit toward future ownership.
Suncruise presents CITCA 2025 at Seatrade Europe
Suncruise has participated in Seatrade Europe, the benchmark trade fair for the international cruise industry, held in Hamburg. The association, which brings together the ports of general interest of Andalusia along with Ceuta and Melilla, took advantage of this strategic forum to officially present to the international community the International Congress on Cruise and Nautical Tourism (CITCA 2025), which will take place from October 15 to 17 in Motril and Granada.
The World, Residences at Sea Announces 2026 Journey
The World, the largest privately owned residential yacht on earth, is proud to unveil its 2026 Journey — its most ambitious voyage yet. Sailing to 90 destinations across 20 countries on six continents, this once-in-a-lifetime journey invites Residents to experience a year filled with wonder, adventure, and discovery. As the only ship of its kind currently in operation, The World offers an ultra-luxury lifestyle of global exploration from the comfort of home at sea. Renowned for charting courses to the planet's most remote frontiers as well as to its most dazzling cosmopolitan cities, The World will begin its 2026 Journey amidst the unspoiled beauty of Tasmania, Australia, and conclude the year in vibrant Singapore.
Princess Announces New Mexican Riviera Shore Excursions For 2025-2026 Sailing Season
Princess Cruises, the leading cruise line on the West Coast celebrating 60 years of sailing to the Mexican Riviera, today announced 13 new shore excursions in Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, Manzanillo, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta. New activities in food & beverage, nature & wildlife, adventure, culture and history include a Princess exclusive in Cabo San Lucas – Todos Santos Wine Experience – exclusively available to Princess guests through January 2026.