Top Headlines

We’re Live: Hello from Seatrade Cruise Global 2024

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 08 April 2024 08 April 2024

Join Cruise Business from Miami this week as we cover announcements, events, and discoveries from Seatrade Cruise Global 2024. Here’s what we’re especially intrigued about: The State of the Industry Global Industry Keynote (Tuesday), exploring the show floor to discover new destinations, an innovative panel that addresses the challenges – and victories – in which geo-political events have adapted to how regions and itineraries have changed, and sharing our insights on products and concepts. Stay tuned and bookmark this page as we’ll update it throughout Seatrade Global 2024.

Windstar to add two new Star-class ships to its fleet

Wednesday, April 10, 4:35 p.m.

Windstar Cruises, part of Xanterra, announced today at the Seatrade Cruise Global, that it will add two 224-guest Star-class ships to its fleet at the end of 2025 and end of 2026. The ships will be named Star Seeker and Star Explorer and the vessels were originally ordered by Portuguese Mystic Invest, which owns, among other Atlas and Nicko cruise brands.

The ships feature ice-strengthened hulls, which will allow Windstar to offersoft exploration in destinations, such as Alaska, Greenland, Norway.

Before the ships join the Windstar fleet, the ships will be customized with several Windstar signature items, such as marina.

The new ships will boost Windstar capacity approximately 30%.

(Capacity of the ships corrected on April 11, 4:30 p.m.)

MedCruise presents the Trends in the Med and the first results of the Environmental Monitoring Programme project

Wednesday, April 10, 9:55 a.m.

MedCruise made a significant impact during Seatrade Cruise Global 2024 in Miami on April 9th and 10th through various events: Figen Ayan led the "Trends in the Med" presentation, while Valeria Mangiarotti and Jamil Ouazzani presented survey findings on Mediterranean port sustainability.

Figen Ayan, President of MedCruise, took the stage on April 9th, at Seatrade Cruise Global 2024 in Miami to address key developments and trends within the cruise industry, focusing on both global and Mediterranean perspectives.

During the first half of the conference, Figen discussed the global trends shaping the cruise industry, particularly highlighting the major sailing regions and dominant cruise lines by market share during 2023 and 2024. She further examined trends specific to the Mediterranean and its surrounding regions: the Canary Islands, Trans-Atlantic and Red Sea. Figen also dedicated significant attention to analysing the evolving trends specific to MedCruise ports.

Notably, it was highlighted that the Mediterranean and its adjoining seas retain its position as the second-largest global cruise market, capturing a 21,5% market share and accommodating more than 7 million passengers. The region has returned to pre-pandemic levels, witnessing a 6.59% increase in passenger calls and a 7.91% rise in cruise calls in 2023 compared to 2019. Additionally, it is worth noting that all major cruise lines maintain their presence in the Mediterranean and its adjoining seas.

In the second half of her presentation, MedCruise’s President, addressed initiatives undertaken by MedCruise under her leadership, from 2021 to 2024. She emphasised the importance given during the mandate to fostering connections within the industry through activities and events organised by MedCruise, such as morning coffees, PDCs, General Assemblies and other events that facilitated networking opportunities among members, cruise lines, executives and media representatives. MedCruise's commitment to promoting a holistic sustainability approach within the industry was also highlighted, mentioning various projects and initiatives led during her mandate. As the cruise industry continues to navigate new challenges and opportunities, MedCruise remains pivotal in fostering connectivity, networking opportunities and sustainability.

MedCruise’s participation in Seatrade Cruise Global 2024 also included the presentation on April 9th of Valeria Mangiarotti, Technical Environmental Solutions Director, and Jamil Ouazzani, Ecosystems, Sustainability, Wildlife & Biodiversity Director, on the findings of the survey on Mediterranean port sustainability.

This survey, in which 51 Mediterranean ports took part, focused on the development of Environmental Monitoring Programs projects, Onshore Power Supply projects, port footprint evaluation, CSR and socio-economic impacts, as well as the availability of alternative fuels.

The survey aims to provide an overview of the situation in MedCruise member ports concerning the protection of the environment and biodiversity, as ports around the world are under increasing pressure to safeguard and maintain the integrity of their ecosystems, not only by reconciling port development and environmental protection but also by seeking to ensure positive relations between communities and ports.

Key findings from this survey reveal that 29% of Mediterranean ports currently provide Onshore Power Supply (OPS) for cruise ships, with 94% of non-providers expressing readiness to offer OPS before 2030. Additionally, 27% of these ports offer LNG bunkering and 81% intend to provide this service by 2030. Other noteworthy statistics indicate that 88% of surveyed ports have implemented Environmental Monitoring Programs, 92% are actively mitigating carbon emissions and 57% have monitoring initiatives aimed at safeguarding terrestrial and marine biodiversity.

CLIA releases State of the Cruise Industry report

Wednesday, April 10, 8:20 a.m.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has released its 2024 State of the Cruise Industry report. This year’s report includes the release of 2023 passenger volume, which reached 31.7 million – surpassing 2019 by 7%.The report also shows continued demand for cruise holidays, noting intent to cruise at 82%. The forecast for cruise capacity shows an increase of 10% from 2024 through 2028, as cruise lines make ongoing, concrete progress in pursuit of net- zero emissions by 2050.

Other highlights include the forecast for cruise capacity through 2028 and a summary of the 2024 – 2028 cruise orderbook, as well as the latest cruise trends, which include.

– The number of new-to-cruise is increasing – 27% of cruisers over the past two years are new-to-cruise, an increase of 12% over the past year.
– Cruises are a top choice for multi-generational travel – with more than 30% of families traveling by cruise with at least two generations and 28% of cruise travelers traveling with three to five generations.
– Expedition and exploration are the fastest-growing sectors of cruise tourism, with a 71% increase in passengers traveling on expedition itineraries from 2019 to 2023.
– Accessible tour excursions are on the rise—with 45% of cruise passengers booking an accessible tour for their most recent cruise.
– 73% of cruise travelers say that travel advisors have a meaningful influence on their decision to cruise.

Taiwan promotes its ambitions to be the  cruise industry’s leading home port in Asia

Wednesday, April 10, 6:40 a.m.

The Taiwan Tourism Administration (TTA), in collaboration with Taiwan International Ports Corp. (TIPC) and the Maritime and Port Bureau, MOTC (MPB),unveiled the Taiwan Pavilion at the world-renowned Seatrade Cruise Global 2024, the premier event for the cruise industry, hosted at the Miami Beach Convention Center from April 8-11, 2024.

Innovatively blending tradition and ambition, the Taiwan Pavilion is designed in the likeness of a Taiwanese sky lantern. Each facet shares an aspect of Taiwan, including its rich culture, exquisite delicacies, breathtaking nature, and key ports, inviting cruise industry executives to choose Taiwan as their cruise lines’ next port of call.

The booth’s inauguration was marked by an exclusive VIP reception that saw the attendance of senior officials from TTA, TIPC, and MPB. The event was graced by luminaries from global cruise lines, industry associations, and port authorities from adjacent countries. The reception put Taiwan’s best foot forward, with speeches delivered by TTA Deputy Director General, Trust Hsin-Jen Lin, a performance by dancers from Taiwan’s indigenous Amis tribe, a presentation on Taiwan’s cruising prospects, a fusion of Taiwanese and Western snacks, and a sky lantern launching ceremony. With Taiwan's officials and international industry leaders inscribing their hopes for Taiwan’s cruise sector on an inflatable lantern, and symbolically launching it into the exhibition hall’s 'sky', they together created a visible spectacle of shared dreams and mutual prosperity.

Dr. Trust Lin, Deputy Director-General of Taiwan Tourism Administration underscored the Taiwan’s successful recovery of its cruise industry: "Prior to the pandemic, Taiwan was the second largest source market for cruise passengers in Asia. In 2019, over a million passengers embarked on cruises from Taiwan, with over 600 cruises calling in Taiwan or using it as a home port, generating an economic value of approximately US$1 billion. As of 2024, Taiwan’s cruise industry has recovered to around 70% of the pre-pandemic levels. Taiwan Tourism Administration (TTA), Taiwan International Ports Corporation (TIPC), and the Maritime and Port Bureau (MPB) have all introduced incentives to invite more cruise ships to call at Taiwan or use Taiwan as a home port."

Taiwan's endeavor to promote its ports at Seatrade Cruise Global 2024, particularly Keelung and Kaohsiung as home ports, leverages its position as the 2nd largest source market for cruising in Asia. This initiative underscores the potential for leading cruise lines to anchor their Asian operations within Taiwan's welcoming shores, offering travelers unparalleled access to the myriad of experiences that The Heart of Asia has to offer.

Taiwan, with its picturesque landscapes nestled between mountains and sea, boasts rich biodiversity and a vibrant tapestry of cultures. Throughout the year, it hosts a plethora of themed events, each season bringing its own unique charm. From the north to the south and everywhere in between, Taiwan's charming towns showcase rich local traditions and captivating cultural heritage, exuding an irresistible allure.

Taiwan's stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and diverse culture make it a captivating destination year-round. From north to south, charming towns offer unique traditions and cultural experiences. Additionally, Taiwan's culinary scene, ranging from vibrant night markets to Michelin-recommended restaurants, is a highlight for cruise passengers. Explore more about Taiwan's cruise industry at bit.ly/CruiseTaiwan.

Four Asia destinations team up in “The Rebound” at Seatrade Cruise Global

Tuesday, April 9, 10 a.m

For the first time since the pandemic, the Asian destinations of Hong Kong, Korea, the Philippines and China’s Xiamen hosted a joint lunch yesterday in Miami’s South Beach to proclaim the rebounding of Asia in the cruise space.

What’s important, said Kenneth Wong, General Manager, MICE & Cruise at the Hong Kong Tourism Board (pictured above), who spoke for the group, “is that destinations across this region collaborate and innovate. Asian destinations are continually improving and updating through very strong partnerships and this represents a very bright future.”

The four destinations spotlighted at the luncheon featured, all total, 18 ports of call, including Korea’s Incheon, Busan, Sokcho, Yeosu, Jeju and Gangjeong, and Xiamen’s international cruise terminal. Also highlighted were Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Cruise Terminal and its Ocean Terminal, as well as details on its role as being pivotal to flight traffic (visa-free entrance to 170 countries, an airport with three runways and 170 different airlines). In the Philippines, the presentation centered on the archipelago’s offerings in culture, cuisine, and nature.

Also noted is that Korea’s Jeju Island will host the 11th Asia Cruise Forum Jeju in 2024, scheduled for July 10 – 12.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings starts off Seatrade Cruise Global week with fireworks

Monday, April 8, 5:10 p.m.

What a way to start off Seatrade Cruise Global 2024: Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings announced Monday afternoon that it had placed its largest ever new build order for lines Oceania and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, along with a letter of intent for Norwegian Cruise Line for a total of eight vessels. We’ve got all the details here on CruiseBusiness.com.

Anticipating the State of the Industry Global Cruise Keynote

Monday, April 8, 10 a.m.

We’re preparing for an extremely busy week in Miami at Seatrade Global and of all the discussions, panels and meetings, there’s one that always stands above the others: the State of the Industry Global Cruise Keynote.

Taking place on Tuesday from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., the roundtable discussion includes Kelly Craighead, President and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA); Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group; Harry Sommer, President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.; Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman at Cruise Division of MSC Cruises; and Josh Weinstein, President, CEO and Chief Climate Officer, Carnival Corporation & plc. The session will be moderated by Anne Kalosh, Editor at Seatrade Cruise News.

What’s on tap for discussion? At this point, Seatrade tells us that the following topics will be addressed by the panel:

– Environmental sustainability: Perspectives on the path to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, new environmental technologies, the pursuit of sustainable marine fuels
– The importance of having a regulatory framework that provides access to sufficient quantities of competitively priced sustainable marine fuels
– Geopolitical issues: How the latest events are impacting cruising
– Market demand and what to expect for 2024 and beyond—from attracting more new-to-cruise travelers, to expanding cruise to new markets
– Innovation: New features and products that are enhancing the cruise experience
– Digitalization and the use of AI

Cruise Business will provide a recap – and its own insights – that emerge from the roundtable tomorrow.

Four Seasons Yachts unveils inaugural deployment and first look at its suites

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 31 March 2024 31 March 2024

Four Seasons, together with luxury yachting company Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings Ltd, Joint Owner/Operator, Four Seasons Yachts, and Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, continues to chart a new course of luxury at sea. As momentum builds towards the inaugural season of Four Seasons Yachts, the first 10 unique voyages are unveiled, each inviting travellers to make the iconic islands and hidden gems of the Caribbean and Mediterranean their playground, with meticulously designed suites that guests will call home along the journey.

“We are excited to showcase the breathtaking destinations and world-class design awaiting guests aboard Four Seasons Yachts as we approach our inaugural season in 2026,” says Alejandro Reynal, President and Chief Executive Officer, Four Seasons. “At Four Seasons, guest-centricity has always been the foundation of our luxury service offering and our exceptional Yacht will extend this approach to the seas. Our teams are dedicated to innovating and delivering genuine service, ensuring each journey is defined by comfort, elegance, and personalization, setting a new standard for luxury hospitality experiences at sea.”

More than 130 destinations during inaugural year

In its debut year, Four Seasons Yachts will explore more than 130 distinct destinations across over 30 countries and territories. All itineraries are designed with flexibility in mind, allowing guests to tailor their own adventure as they explore beyond the familiar. The team curating each itinerary understands the nuances of these locales, ensuring each experience is truly extraordinary. Enhancing itineraries are customizable with pre-and-post hotel and overland programs at beloved Four Seasons hotels and resorts.

The first Four Seasons Yacht, currently under construction in Ancona, Italy, will travel westbound as part of its repositioning and will welcome guests to set sail amid the serene turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea from January to March 2026. The first Caribbean itineraries feature seven nights of exploration through the most exciting yachting destinations including Saint Barthélemy (St Barths), Nevis, the Grenadines, St Lucia, Barbados, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Curaçao and Aruba. Destination highlights include indulging in the dazzling nightlife of St Barths, discovering Martinique’s volcanic coral reefs and lush rainforest landscapes, a marina day in St Lucia’s Tobago Cays, and much more.

With more destinations and details to be unveiled in the coming months, the first Grand Mediterranean voyages will begin in March 2026 and will include sailings through Croatia, Gibraltar, Montenegro, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Türkiye. The Mediterranean itinerary will also highlight the Greek Isles, with stops in Athens, Ios, Santorini, Milos, and more. Guests will explore under-the-radar islands steeped in culture and history, offering a variety of experiences that go above and beyond the ordinary of Mediterranean sailings.

Suite designs focused on comfort, connection and care

In collaboration with Tillberg Design of Sweden and the Yacht’s Creative Director, Prosper Assouline, the Yacht’s suite design embodies the essence of intuitive luxury, each a sanctuary of tranquillity with panoramic views, elegant interiors, thoughtful details and a residential feel that creates the sense of a welcoming home at sea.

"Our goal was to craft an environment that feels both familiar and extraordinary, with warm hues and open designs. We are creating an inviting, welcoming environment that reflects the same feeling one experiences at a Four Seasons hotel or resort," says Fredrik Johannson, Partner and Executive Director of Tillberg Design of Sweden. “At the same time, we are designing a look and feel that is unique to this project, creating an elegant yet simple interior that stands out on its own, while blending beautifully with the majestic seas that will surround it.”

With 50% more living space per guest than currently available with any competitor at sea, all suites will offer floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing sweeping sea views, double vanity bathrooms with spacious showers and closets, expansive private terraces, and dynamic use of space and light.

The Yacht’s extensive network of adjoining suites will feature an innovative system that connects accommodations with modular walls, offering numerous options of vertical and horizontal combinations within the signature suites. This versatility will unlock more than 100 different connection options and the unique opportunity to reserve an entire side of a deck, perfect for those travelling with family, friends, or larger groups. For example, this one-of-a-kind design will allow for more than 13,000 square feet (1,200 square metres) of total living space.

A new suite standard: Funnel and Loft Suites

The largest accommodations are seven signature suites ranging from 2,981 to 9,975 square feet (277 to 927 square metres) of indoor and outdoor living space. They offer two to three bedrooms, separate living rooms, indoor and outdoor dining space, splash pools, outdoor showers, and the option to connect to additional suites.

The premier signature suite accommodations – the Funnel and Loft Suites – both feature three bedrooms, outdoor showers, and splash pools. The largest on board, the Funnel Suite, housed within the Yacht’s glass-enclosed funnel, is 9,975 square feet (927 square metres), spanning four levels of living space. The suite’s towering floor-to-ceiling wraparound windows, made up of the largest contiguous piece of glass at sea, is a one-of-a-kind engineering feat offering stunning 280-degree panoramic views. The Loft Suite is 7,952 square feet (739 square metres) and can accommodate large group sizes of up to 20 people by connecting with seven additional suites, the largest number of connecting suites available.

When exploring beyond the comforts of their stunning suites, guests can enjoy 11 dining options, spa and wellness offerings, a state-of-the-art transverse marina, and the stern pool, set to be one of the largest in the industry at nearly 19 metres long and 5 metres wide (65 feet long and 18 feet wide). Its unique hydraulic lift design will allow the pool deck to level out, creating an expansive outdoor space for weddings, celebrations and other events.

Four Seasons Yachts will redefine luxury at sea with its all-suite, residential style product, best in class design and the brand’s renowned service and care delivered through a 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio.

Royal Caribbean orders 7th Oasis-class ship

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 15 February 2024 15 February 2024

Royal Caribbean Group announced today that it has entered into an agreement with French shipbuilder Chantiers de l'Atlantique to order a seventh Oasis-class ship for delivery to its Royal Caribbean International fleet in 2028.

"While we eagerly anticipate the debut of Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas this summer, we're already dreaming up her sister ship and the next installation in the brand's extremely popular Oasis Class," said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. "Across our three brands, we are focused on continuously challenging ourselves to deliver the ultimate vacation experience."

Today's announcement follows Royal Caribbean Group's recent introduction of three new ships including Silver Nova, Celebrity Ascent and Icon of the Seas.

"These are exciting times for Royal Caribbean, and we have an incredible partner in Chantiers de l'Atlantique to bring to life the lucky seventh Oasis Class vessel of what is a remarkable class of ships," added Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International.

Since the 2009 introduction of the original gamechanger, Oasis of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class have delivered memorable vacations to millions of families and adventurers of all ages. The renowned ships revolutionized cruising with innovations from the debut of the neighborhood concept to the first-ever split superstructure design and entertainment across air, ice, water and stage, and the next in the lineup will continue that legacy with the latest combination of bold revolutionary, evolutionary and signature experiences.

"This order signals Royal Caribbean Group's continued confidence in our partnership that has delivered some of the most innovative ships at sea," said Laurent Castaing, general manager, Chantiers de l'Atlantique. "We look forward to building upon this relationship as we help bring this ship to life."

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

Carnival Corporation & plc makes its first newbuilding order in five years

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 13 February 2024 13 February 2024

Carnival Corporation & plc, the world's largest cruise company, today announced it has signed an agreement with German shipbuilder Meyer Werft to build a fourth Excel class cruise ship for its namesake Carnival Cruise Line brand. The ship, the 10th Excel class ship in the corporation’s fleet across four of its world-class brands, is expected to enter service in Spring 2027.

Joining current Carnival Cruise Line Excel-class ships Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee, the new 180,000-ton ship will carry over 6,400 guests and be powered on a liquefied natural gas (LNG) technology platform. This new ship is the first newbuild order placed by Carnival Corporation in five years.

“Our Excel class ships have been a tremendous addition to the Carnival fleet and proven very popular with our guests,” said Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line. “As the world’s most popular cruise line, this new ship enables us to continue the growth of our incredible fleet as we welcome our loyal guests back to cruise more frequently and attract new-to-cruise guests to experience all that a Carnival cruise has to offer.”

“Building on our strong performance and growing momentum around the world, we are excited to resume our newbuild program and further enhance our global fleet with yet another state-of-the-art ship that will wow Carnival Cruise Line’s guests,” said Josh Weinstein, CEO of Carnival Corporation. “With one newbuild scheduled for delivery in 2025, none for 2026, and this order being our only expected newbuild in 2027, our responsible capital approach will support utilizing our substantial free cash flow over the next several years to strategically improve our balance sheet, significantly reduce our leverage levels and continue to transfer value from debt holders to shareholders.

“We are following through on our measured capacity growth strategy, with the addition of one to two ships per year beginning in 2027 which will be allocated to our cruise lines that most need the capacity to satisfy outsized demand, delivering an attractive payback period. We also remain focused on driving revenue growth throughout our portfolio of world-class cruise lines by continuing to improve execution across all aspects of our operation, yielding higher return on invested capital,” said Weinstein.

“We are very pleased that the partnership between the MEYER Group and Carnival Corporation will continue with this new order," said Bernd Eikens, CEO MEYER Group.

Music superstar Gwen Stefani to name Carnival Jubilee in Galveston

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 08 February 2024 08 February 2024

Carnival Cruise Line announced today that global music superstar Gwen Stefani will be honored as the godmother of Carnival's new flagship, Carnival Jubilee, at a naming ceremony and celebration in Galveston, Texas on Saturday, Feb. 24.

A three-time GRAMMY® Award winner, Gwen Stefani has achieved global success as a songwriter, performer, charismatic frontwoman of No Doubt, and as a multi-platinum solo artist. Throughout it all, Stefani has remained a trend-setting music and fashion icon with an impressive array of honors – four MTV Video Music Awards, two Billboard Awards, an American Music Award, and a Brit Award. To date, she's sold more than 60 million units worldwide. Stefani also returned for her seventh season as a coach on the Emmy®-winning NBC series The Voice this past fall.

Stefani is also recognized for her philanthropic work, including her support of children's causes.

"We are absolutely thrilled to be welcoming Gwen Stefani onto Carnival Jubilee so we can honor her as the ship's godmother," said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. "She has demonstrated her commitment to our Carnival values, including promoting diversity and inclusion, supporting charitable causes, being a leader in her field, and of course, having fun. We are going to show her an enthusiastic welcome in only the way Carnival can when she joins us on February 24."

"I am honored to be the godmother of the new Carnival Jubilee," said Stefani. "Carnival is taking it to the next level of fun while being committed to children's causes and supporting our military families and veterans."

Carnival Jubilee entered service on Dec. 23, 2023 and is homeported year-round from the Port of Galveston. The ship is the third of Carnival's Excel class, is powered on a liquefied natural gas (LNG) technology platform and can hold 6500 guests and 1750 crew.

The naming ceremony is an invitation-only event that will be held on board the ship. A portion of the event will be broadcast live on Carnival's Facebook page starting at 3:30 CST on Feb. 24.

Cruisebusiness.com