Viking takes delivery of newest river ships in Europe and Egypt

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 15 October 2025 15 October 2025

Viking announced yesterday the delivery of its newest river ships, the Viking Honir, which will sail the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers, and the Viking Thoth, which will sail the Nile River. The delivery ceremony for the Viking Honir took place in Basel, Switzerland; the Viking Thoth was presented for delivery at Massara shipyard in Cairo, Egypt.

“We are proud to welcome the Viking Honir and the Viking Thoth to our growing river fleet,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “With the arrival of these elegant new ships, we are pleased to offer even more curious travelers the opportunity to explore some of the world’s most iconic waterways in Viking comfort.”

Royal Caribbean International appoints new Head of Sales for Nordics

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 15 October 2025 15 October 2025

Royal Caribbean International last week announced the expansion of Sergio Arévalo’s role as Head of Sales for Iberia to also encompass the Nordics region, underlining the holiday brand’s commitment to further strengthening its presence across Europe.

Since joining Royal Caribbean in 2018, Arévalo has managed sales and marketing teams in Spain and Portugal, playing an instrumental role in driving sales growth and building strong trade partnerships across markets. In his newly expanded remit, he will lead sales strategy and relationships across both Iberia and the Pan-Nordics region, working closely with travel partners to grow business opportunities and deliver continued success.

Sergio Arévalo, Head of Sales – Iberia & Nordics, Royal Caribbean International, said: “It’s a privilege to expand my remit to include the Nordics, alongside Iberia. This region has a thriving travel trade community, and I am thrilled to build on the excellent work already being done. My focus will be working hand-in-hand with our partners to understand their goals, strengthen our collaboration, and create new opportunities together. With so much on the horizon for Royal Caribbean, I can’t wait to see what we achieve as a team.”

The regional sales team includes Bente Borvik, Senior Sales Manager for Norway and Finland, supported by a new Key Account Manager, and Christian Erikson, Senior Sales Manager for Sweden and Denmark, supported by Therese Engstrom, Key Account Manager.

The expansion of Arévalo’s role comes at an exciting time for Royal Caribbean, as the brand continues to invest in creating unforgettable holiday experiences. This includes the highly anticipated arrival of Legend of the Seas in Europe in summer 2026, which will offer an even greater choice of memorable holiday experiences for guests across Europe and beyond.

Karen Tucker, who has been holding the position of Sales Director Nordics for the past three years, is transitioning in the next few months to the company’s UK office in a new role as Commercial Marketing Director, EMEA.

Sapphire Princess returns from drydock with enhancements and new specialty restaurants

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 15 October 2025 15 October 2025

Following a two-week drydock in Portland, Oregon, Sapphire Princess has set sail unveiling new guest experiences, including the addition of two popular specialty restaurants – Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill. Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill will be open for guests starting November 16, 2025.

The 115,875-gross-ton ship, which carries 2,670 guests, underwent general refurbishments and enhancements, highlighted by the transformation of two venues into specialty dining experiences.

Following its acclaimed debut aboard Sun Princess and Star Princess, Makoto Ocean has been added to Sapphire Princess, in place of the former Internet Café located on Deck 7. The restaurant brings the authentic artistry of Chef Makoto Okuwa’s Edomae-style sushi to sea. Guests can enjoy a premium menu of specialties, including truffle salmon, snow crab temaki, and toro tartare, alongside handcrafted cocktails such as the Genmai Negroni (a refined Japanese twist on the classic) and Kodai No Hana (blending yuzu juice with Doburoku, an ancient sake).

Another highlight of the drydock is the addition of the award-winning Crown Grill, now occupying the former Savoy Dining Room on Deck 5. The Crown Grill is a longtime guest favorite, serving premium aged beef, chops and fresh seafood. With warm, elegant design and attentive service, the restaurant has been recognized as one of the “Best Cruise Ship Steakhouses at Sea.”

Both dining experiences are priced at $60 per person and included as a specialty dining option for guests who book the Princess Premier package.

Upcoming itineraries for Sapphire Princess

Fresh from her revitalization, Sapphire Princess sets sail to Mexico before repositioning for a season of South America/Antarctica cruises, followed by Mediterranean and Northern Europe voyages in spring and summer 2026. In fall 2026, she will sail a series of Canada/New England cruises.

In a historic first for the cruise line, March 2027 will mark the reunion of sister ships Sapphire Princess and Diamond Princess in Japan. Both ships – built in Japan – will sail from the Tokyo region for Princess Cruises’ most expansive Japan season ever, running March through December 2027.

“With the addition of Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill, our guests aboard Sapphire Princess will enjoy two of our most popular dining experiences, elevating the culinary journey across her itineraries,” said Sami Kohen, Princess Cruises Vice President of Food and Beverage. “We’re especially proud to bring these enhancements as Sapphire Princess prepares for remarkable seasons ahead, including our historic dual-ship deployment in Japan in 2027.”

Ponant announces the appointment of Benoît-Etienne Domenget as Group CEO

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 13 October 2025 13 October 2025

Benoît-Etienne Domenget is appointed as Group CEO, effective November 3, 2025. He takes over from Hervé Gastinel, who is leaving the Group to pursue new professional projects.

With 25 years of experience in hospitality, luxury, travel, and tourism, Benoît-Etienne Domenget will have the mission to further drive the Group’s continued international development and further strengthen its hallmark of hospitality excellence, while honoring Ponant’s unique maritime savoir-faire and the industry’s highest environmental standards.

François-Henri Pinault stated: "I am delighted to welcome Benoît-Etienne Domenget. His extensive and diversified experience and expertise in strategic fields for our company will give him all the assets to make Ponant Explorations Group an ever-stronger and more innovative player in the luxury and responsible cruise sector. He will be able to rely on a highly talented team." He added: "We warmly thank Hervé Gastinel for his unwavering commitment to the Group. Under his leadership, the fleet has grown from 12 to 20 ships, and Ponant Explorations Group has successfully diversified its activities, in particular by entering river cruises and new formats such as the Spirit of Ponant."