More News

Royal Caribbean takes delivery of Legend of the Seas

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 10 June 2026 10 June 2026

Royal Caribbean has officially welcomed Legend of the Seas to the family, continuing the evolution of the Icon-class lineup designed to deliver the best family vacation experiences. After nearly two years of construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, the third Icon-class ship is now ready to make its July 2026 European debut.

To mark the milestone, more than 1,200 crew members and partners came together for a ceremony led by Royal Caribbean Group Chairman and CEO Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley, and Meyer Turku CEO Casimir Lindholm. During the celebration, the team recognized the hard work of thousands of engineers, designers, architects and crew members who brought Legend to life and marked the transfer of ownership between Royal Caribbean and Meyer Turku.

“Today’s delivery of Legend of the Seas marks another important milestone in our ambition to continuously redefine the vacation experience,” said Jason Liberty, chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “This new ship reflects the strength of the vacation ecosystem we are building – combining industry-leading ships, innovative technology, and exceptional experiences for our guests. It is an achievement only possible through the extraordinary partnership and expertise of Meyer Turku and the thousands of talented people whose creativity and commitment continue to help us design the future of vacations.”

The delivery is part of the company’s long-term framework agreement with Meyer Turku, securing the Group’s access to shipbuilding capacity through 2036, including the order of Icon 5 to be delivered in 2028, as well as the sixth and seventh Icon-class ships in 2029 and 2030, respectively.

Soon, Legend will journey from Turku to Cadiz, Spain, where Royal Caribbean will add finishing touches before vacationers set sail on 7-night Western Mediterranean adventures from Barcelona, Spain, and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy, this summer. In November, the ship will arrive in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to deliver 6-night Western Caribbean and 8-night Southern Caribbean vacations with every adventure visiting Royal Caribbean's top-rated Perfect Day CocoCay.

“We’re incredibly proud to introduce Legend of the Seas to vacationers and continue the legacy of the revolutionary Icon-class,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean. “This wouldn’t be possible without the many talented individuals that came together to deliver what is truly the ultimate family vacation, and we look forward to making Legend’s debut this summer a legendary one.”

Legend will be the vacation company’s fourth ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and feature a proven lineup of industry-leading environmental programs, including applications ranging from waste heat recovery systems to shore power connection. As Legend advances Royal Caribbean Group’s journey toward introducing a net-zero cruise ship by 2035, the vacation brand is also set to deliver their fifth ship powered by LNG with Hero of the Seas, the fourth Icon-class vacation set to debut in 2027.

“Legend of the Seas is the third Icon-class ship built at our shipyard, and constructing the series has enabled us to develop our production processes in a systematic way. We have built on the experience gained from the previous vessels and further improved efficiency with the customer and our extensive partner network,” said Casimir Lindholm, CEO of Meyer Turku. “The ship is an exceptional project in terms of both scale and technical complexity, requiring strong expertise and seamless collaboration across the entire maritime cluster. At the same time, Legend of the Seas moves shipbuilding towards more energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable solutions.”

Royal Caribbean’s lineup of vacation experiences combines game-changing ships with one-of-a-kind destinations, including the game-changing Perfect Day CocoCay, the all-inclusive beach day experience at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in The Bahamas and the Ultimate Santorini Day at Royal Beach Club Santorini. The vacation brand continues to grow its portfolio of signature destinations across Mexico and Australia.

Atlas Ocean Voyages reports 49% year-over-year sales growth

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 09 June 2026 09 June 2026

Atlas Ocean Voyages, the leader in yacht expedition cruising, yesterday announced that year-to-date sales across all future voyages are tracking 49% ahead of the same period last year, underscoring continued momentum for the fast-growing luxury expedition brand and setting the stage for another record-setting year in 2026.

The strong performance reflects continued demand across Atlas Ocean Voyages' portfolio of expedition experiences, from Antarctica and the Arctic to Europe and emerging destinations in Africa and Asia. The brand's distinctive combination of immersive exploration, intimate yachts, and Always Included value proposition continues to resonate with luxury travelers and travel advisors alike.

Adding to this momentum has been the exceptional response to Atlas Adventurer, the brand's newest luxury expedition sailing yacht. Since the launch of the Early Priority Deposit program in January, demand has exceeded expectations and generated significant visibility across the luxury travel marketplace.

"The strength of our brand continues to be rooted in delivering extraordinary experiences in some of the world's most compelling destinations," said Kristian C. Anderson, Executive Vice President, Global Sales. "What's been especially encouraging is seeing how the excitement surrounding Atlas Adventurer has introduced new travelers and travel advisors to Atlas Ocean Voyages. The response has created meaningful awareness for our brand and generated a halo effect across our entire fleet, contributing to strong booking activity well beyond a single vessel."

The company opened reservations for Atlas Adventurer to past guests in May, receiving strong interest from loyal travelers eager to secure preferred sailings. On Wednesday, June 10, reservations will open to the general public for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the yacht’s launch and offering broader access to one of the most anticipated new vessels in luxury expedition cruising.

Demand has been consistently strong across all 16 inaugural-season voyages, reflecting broad interest throughout the deployment rather than a concentration on a handful of departures. Early booking trends indicate particularly robust demand for the yacht’s immersive new itineraries throughout Africa and Asia, destinations that further expand Atlas Ocean Voyages’ global footprint while delivering the authentic cultural exploration and destination immersion that luxury travelers increasingly seek.

Interest remains equally strong across the brand’s established expedition and cultural destinations, including Antarctica, the Arctic, and Europe, reinforcing Atlas Ocean Voyages’ position as a leader in intimate, yacht-style exploration.

Travelers continue to respond positively to the value and simplicity of the brand’s signature Always Included by Atlas experience, which includes wines and spirits, gratuities, specialty coffees and teas, and other thoughtfully curated amenities, delivering a seamless luxury journey without unexpected costs.

“With demand accelerating across our fleet and exceptional early interest in Atlas Adventurer, 2026 is shaping up to be another record-setting year for our young brand,” added Anderson. “The combination of extraordinary destinations, immersive experiences, intimate yachts, and our Always Included value proposition continues to resonate strongly with today’s luxury traveler.”

MSC World Asia to be named in Le Havre, France

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 05 June 2026 05 June 2026

MSC Cruises is marking six months until the first sailing of MSC World Asia, the line’s highly anticipated new flagship, and has announced the ship will be officially named on Nov. 28, 2026 in Le Havre, France.

As the latest addition to the World Class fleet, MSC World Asia will celebrate the beauty of the world’s continents and oceans as well as pay homage to the global nature of MSC Cruises. The new flagship will feature subtle design elements inspired by Asia’s rich culture, art and landscapes and will combine returning guest favorites with innovative new concepts designed to elevate entertainment, dining and relaxation at sea.

From the longest dry slide at sea to more than 40 bars and restaurants, as well as immersive entertainment venues delivering memorable experiences day and night, MSC World Asia is set to offer something for every type of traveler.

The ship will be named in a spectacular ceremony bringing together key figures from across the global travel industry, international media, partners and invited guests in Le Havre, France, for an evening blending maritime tradition with contemporary celebration.

Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, said: “Our World Class ships have been a great success with guests, and MSC World Asia, the third of eight in this class, marks the next step in this journey. As we look ahead to her inaugural Mediterranean season, we are proud to continue delivering ships that reflect our vision, innovation, beautiful design, and focus on the guest experience, with each one raising the bar even further. I’m also proud to announce that Captain Paolo Benini will take the helm of MSC World Asia, in recognition of his outstanding leadership on MSC Euribia, including during its recent deployment in Dubai. Having joined MSC Cruises in 2024 with a distinguished maritime career, he is widely respected for his calm, people-focused command and is the ideal choice to lead this remarkable new flagship.”

Following the official naming ceremony in Le Havre, including the traditional breaking of a champagne bottle on the ship’s bow, MSC World Asia will begin her inaugural Mediterranean season from Barcelona on Dec. 4, offering 7-night itineraries to iconic destinations including Marseille, Messina, Civitavecchia (for Rome), Naples and Valletta, with embarkation available at every port.

Princess Cruises unveils largest-ever Europe season for 2028

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 04 June 2026 04 June 2026

Princess Cruises unveils its most expansive Europe season for 2028, with 291 departures across 150 unique itineraries aboard six ships sailing throughout Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and on Transatlantic voyages.

Now on sale, the season includes 7- to 53-day sailings, visiting 128 destinations in 37 countries, access to 101 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and 32 late-night or overnight stays designed to give travelers more time ashore. Early booking bonuses are available June 2 through October 12, 2026, featuring up to $500 instant savings, a stateroom location upgrade, up to $500 onboard credit, early access to dining reservations, reduced $100 deposits and early access to arrival groups, plus extra savings for Captain’s Circle members.

New for the season are Princess’ first calls to Galway and Killybegs, Ireland, as well as the debut of the new Pole-to-Pole Odyssey, and extended voyage linking Antarctica and the Arctic.

“At Princess, we continue to see strong interest in Europe itineraries that offer both iconic destinations and more time for meaningful experiences ashore,” said Jim Berra, Princess Cruises Chief Commercial Officer. “Our 2028 Europe season gives guests the broadest range of Europe options we’ve ever offered, including new calls in Ireland, more opportunities for immersive cultural experiences, and the introduction of our 53-day Pole-to-Pole Odyssey.”

What’s new for Europe 2028

The 2028 season represents the largest Europe deployment in Princess history, and includes:
– 291 departures across 150 itineraries.
– 128 destinations in 37 countries
– Six ships sailing from 13 departure ports – Caribbean Princess, Enchanted Princess, Majestic Princess, Regal Princess, Sky Princess and Sun Princess
– Maiden calls to Galway and Killybegs, bringing guests to Ireland’s rugged and culturally rich western coast for the first time.
– The debut of the Pole-to-Pole Odyssey, a true epic Europe experience that links Antarctica and the Arctic in one unforgettable voyage showcasing dramatic landscapes, diverse cultures and once-in-a-lifetime exploration.
– Access to 101 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 32 late-night and overnight stays that allow for deeper, more authentic connections ashore.

Viking names Mira in Venice

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 02 June 2026 02 June 2026

Viking yesterday announced its newest ocean ship, the Viking Mira, was officially named during a traditional ceremony in Venice, Italy. Rebecca “Becky” Webb Wilson, an accomplished attorney, author, photographer and philanthropist, served as ceremonial godmother. The Viking Mira will now continue her inaugural season sailing in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

“We are proud to welcome the new Viking Mira to our award-winning fleet of elegant sister ships,” said Torstein Hagen, Executive Chairman of Viking. “We are also very honored to have Rebecca as our newest Viking godmother. Her lifelong commitment to public service, exploration and cultural understanding is an inspiration to all of us.”

During the naming ceremony, Rebecca used a Viking broad axe to cut a ribbon that released a bottle of Norwegian aquavit to break on the ship’s hull. Guests also enjoyed performances by Sissel Kyrkjebø, one of the world’s leading crossover sopranos and godmother of the Viking Jupiter.

Rebecca Webb Wilson has dedicated her career to public service, philanthropy and cultural engagement. A graduate of Vanderbilt University and the University of Memphis School of Law, she began her career as a flight attendant with Pan American World Airways, where she developed a lifelong passion for travel and learning about the world. Later, Rebecca served as an Assistant United States Attorney and has held leadership roles with educational, healthcare and civic organizations. An avid traveler and accomplished nature photographer, she is also the founder of youth leadership initiatives focused on bridging social and cultural divides. She was behind Bridge Builders, a youth leadership program whose aim continues to overcome prejudice and foster meaningful connections among students from different backgrounds, and which has so far had over 20,000 participants.