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Mitsui Ocean Cruises names its next new ship Mitsui Ocean Sakura

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 19 August 2025 19 August 2025

Mitsui Ocean Cruises, the time-honored cruise line in Japan and operated by MOL Cruises, has announced its new cruise ship will be named Mitsui Ocean Sakura, and begin operating as a Japanese-flagged ship in late 2026. Former Nippon Maru Captain Satoshi Ninomiya has been appointed one of the ship’s Masters, and Executive Chef Katsutoshi Nakayama, also from Nippon Maru, will lead the culinary team.

Origin of the Name Mitsui Ocean Sakura (Japanese notation: 三井オーシャンサクラ)

“Sakura,” a flower long cherished in Japan, continues to captivate people with its beauty. This beautiful name was also given to the two cruise ships that the cruise line once operated, the Sakura Maru and the Shin Sakura Maru, which both provided cruise vacations around the world. The name Mitsui Ocean Sakura is therefore in honor of Sakura, which symbolizes the beauty of Japan, and the cruise ships loved by many people.

Mitsui Ocean Sakura will offer a wide range of itineraries, mainly short to medium length cruises, departing from and arriving at various ports in Japan. As a small luxury ship at 32,477 gross tons carrying 458 guests, Mitsui Ocean Sakura will visit a variety of ports, large and small, as did her predecessor, Nippon Maru. This includes visits to remote islands in Okinawa and Hokkaido. The ship will also offer cruises themed to the seasons, featuring local festivals, fireworks, music and food. Inaugural itineraries of Mitsui Ocean Sakura will be announced and go on sale in early 2026.

“While passing on the ‘spirit of omotenashi’ cultivated through past cruise ships operated by our company, including Nippon Maru, Mitsui Ocean Sakura will maintain our 140-year legacy and connection with the people and ports of call around Japan, showcasing the special experiences in those places,” said Tsunemichi Mukai, president and executive officer of Mitsui Ocean Cruises. “Our loyal and experienced crew will extend heartfelt hospitality, and our chefs will continue to delight our guests with the praise of delicious cuisine for which we are famous.”

Mitsui Ocean Sakura guests will enjoy the cruise line’s sense of Japanese beauty and traditions on this ship with comfortable, large suites with balconies, new and varied dining and entertainment options, and a peaceful feeling of time and space enjoyed on the ocean.

Havila Voyages eyes carbon neutral cruise this fall

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 19 August 2025 19 August 2025

HAV Group and Havila Voyages have entered into a partnership to ensure a coastal route fleet that will be at least climate neutral – with the ambition of achieving zero emissions. Together, the current four ships, along with future newbuilds, will meet the requirements of the next tender period. The plans were presented to politicians, journalists, and decision-makers during Arendalsuka on Thursday, August 14.

During the session in Arendal, Bent Martini, CEO of Havila Voyages, reiterated the company’s clear goal of expanding its presence on the Coastal Route Bergen – Kirkenes – Bergen in the next contract period.

“We have ambitions for growth, and we want to grow on the coastal route. And we want to grow with a fleet consisting of ships that can meet the environmental requirements of the future, which we expect and hope the authorities will set in the new contract,” says Martini. “Our message to politicians and decision-makers is clear: climate neutrality should be an absolute minimum in the next contract. And we will deliver on that from day one.”

Martini points out that stricter environmental requirements are fully achievable with today’s technology, and he hopes politicians will stand by the standards they set.

“If Norwegian authorities are serious about their environmental ambitions, the ships on the coastal route can be a beacon for the green transition in shipping and create synergies for other parts of the industry. Technology exists, and the opportunities are there. It’s about the willingness to make the necessary investments. With strict environmental requirements from the authorities, those who want to operate the coastal route will be forced to deliver,” he says.

“The problem for the maritime industry, when politicians waver in their decisions as we saw in the world heritage fjords, is that no one dares to invest in the green shift. At the same time, many players live in glass houses. They talk about climate, environment, and sustainability, but do vanishingly little about it. This is partly because politicians are unpredictable when they don’t set clear requirements or change the requirements along the way.”

Planning a climate-neutral round voyage

Martini also revealed that Havila Voyages is already exploring the possibility of sailing a round voyage on the coastal route climate neutrally, as early as this fall.

“Right now, we are in the planning phase to test a full round voyage on the coastal route this fall, using biogas in combination with our large battery packs. We are in dialogue with suppliers to secure sufficient volumes to be able to fill the tanks 100% with biogas, and we believe we will succeed.”

“That would mean that one of our ships, already this fall, could prove that it is possible to sail over 5,000 nautical miles, the entire Coastal Route Bergen – Kirkenes – Bergen, climate neutrally,” he concludes.

Norwegian value creation in practice

HAV Group is looking forward to the collaboration when today’s coastal route fleet is to be further optimized, and potentially new ships designed.

“The challenge Havila Voyages has given us is great, but we are ready and confident that we will deliver on the requirements,” says CEO Gunnar Larsen of HAV Group.

“Together with our subsidiaries and partners, and with the Norwegian maritime cluster, we can create something truly unique. This could be Norwegian value creation in practice, where everything from development, design, and construction happens with Norwegian suppliers on Norwegian soil. The authorities can set requirements that promote both sustainable coastal route operations and the development of the Norwegian maritime cluster – that would be a win-win,” he concludes.

Meyer Werft lays the keel of Carnival Festivale

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 15 August 2025 15 August 2025

In keeping with maritime tradition, a keel laying ceremony took place yesterday at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany for Carnival Cruise Line’s newest Excel-class ship, Carnival Festivale, set for delivery in spring 2027.

Brett Vitols, associate vice president of new builds for Carnival Cruise Line and Petu Kummala, associate vice president of interior design and architecture, along with members of Carnival’s new build team, were joined by the Meyer Werft team, including Georg Schauen, project manager for Carnival Festivale, to celebrate the construction milestone by placing commemorative coins under a 598-ton keel block. The coins, inscribed with musical notes, signify good luck for the vessel.

“Carnival Festivale isn’t just joining our fleet, she’ll be setting the tone for how to have fun at sea by blending vibrant designs and guest experiences that you can’t find anywhere else. Music is a universal language that connects people from around the world, and this ship will bring that to life in true Carnival fashion. We’re grateful to work with the skilled team once again at Meyer Werft to bring Carnival Festivale into our fleet,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

The keel laying took place just one day after Carnival announced new details about the music-themed ship and opened its inaugural season of sailings for sale. Once complete, the ship will sail from Port Canaveral, Fla. as Carnival’s fourth Excel-class flagship, as well its fourth vessel powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).

Carnival Festivale will introduce immersive, music-inspired zones offering unique experiences for all ages. These zones celebrate the creative process of music-making, the energy of enjoying live music through interactive technology, dynamic lighting and design elements, as well as curated food, beverage and experiences. Sunsation Point, spanning Decks 16–18, is the ultimate family adventure zone anchored by Carnival WaterWorks Ultra, the most family-friendly water park at sea. And with 1,000 interconnecting rooms, expanded youth spaces and new programming for its youngest guests, Carnival Festivale will be the ultimate getaway for families of all ages and interests.

Winds of Change – Cruise Media LLC's Carolyn Spencer Brown appears on popular Windstar podcast series

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 12 August 2025 12 August 2025

On the latest episode of Winds of Change, Windstar Cruises sat down with the one and only Carolyn Spencer Brown, veteran cruise content creator, and one of cruising’s most trusted voices.

With decades of cruise industry experience, Carolyn shares what first drew her to yacht travel, how Windstar continues to inspire her, and why the brand’s personalized approach stands out in the cruise industry. From her experience on Windstar's first-ever President’s Mystery Cruise, to smart tips for today’s destination-driven traveler, this episode is a must-listen for cruise lovers and curious explorers.

Carolyn is the Chief Content Officer of Cruise Media LLC overseeing our content strategy and creation for cruise lines and travel companies.

Silversea strengthens its culinary leadership

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 12 August 2025 12 August 2025

Silversea, the leading experiential luxury and expedition travel brand, has announced the appointment of Gianluca Sparacino as its new Global Head of Food and Beverage, effective August 18, 2025. A dynamic hospitality leader and culinary strategist, Sparacino brings deep experience across the finest epicurean destinations and luxury hospitality brands, along with strategic leadership to Silversea’s innovative culinary and beverage program.

Reporting to Michael McCarthy, Vice President of Operations for Silversea, Sparacino will work closely with shoreside and shipboard teams on culinary evolution and innovation, service excellence, and expanding Silversea’s award-winning gastronomic programs.

Born in Rome, and a former graduate of hotel management school Les Roches in Switzerland, Sparacino’s hospitality career has based him in some of the world’s most renowned culinary destinations including Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai, Geneva, and Miami during his more than three decades of global hospitality experience. A driving force behind award-winning dining concepts – including collaborating with more than a dozen Michelin-Starred restaurants – and high-performing teams, Sparacino has redefined luxury hospitality through innovation, mentorship, and a guest-first philosophy. He joins Silversea from Four Seasons Resorts, where he most recently served as Vice President of Food and Beverage, Americas and previously served in the same role overseeing EMEA.

“Gianluca’s proven track record of delivering epicurean excellence, paired with his deep passion for hospitality will be instrumental in advancing our commitment to creating memorable dining experiences that connect our guests deeper with each destination we visit,” said Bert Hernandez, president, Silversea. “His leadership will continue to elevate our culinary program to new heights, ensuring our guests experience a truly remarkable experience every time they sail with us.”

Silversea continues to lead with its culinary offerings, including through its S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) program, providing immersive dining experiences curated by top chefs, regionally inspired menus, and a focus on authenticity and connection to the destination. Beyond S.A.L.T., Silversea offers a variety of dining options, from fine French cuisine and flavorful Asian options to relaxed Italian meals and international offerings to cater to each guests’ unique taste.

“Culinary excellence is a core pillar of the Silversea experience, and our guests expect continued innovation for our culinary offerings,” said Michael McCarthy, vice president, operations, Silversea. “Gianluca’s expertise aligns with our mission to redefine experiential luxury travel, through meaningful, destination-inspired dining. We're excited for what guests will experience under his leadership.”

“It is an honor to join Silversea — a brand synonymous with unparalleled experiences and service — at such an exciting time,” said Gianluca Sparacino. “I look forward to building on this legacy, crafting memorable culinary and beverage experiences that reflect authenticity, innovation, and the soulful pleasure of travel.”

Sparacino’s appointment comes at a time of rapid culinary innovation at the brand, and further bolsters Silversea’s food and beverage leadership team. Earlier this year, Silversea welcomed Anthony Maubossin as Director of Culinary Operations & Innovation, who brings extensive expertise to the brand, including his recent induction as a Membre Auditeur of the esteemed Académie Culinaire de France, one of the oldest and most prestigious culinary institutions in the world, dedicated to preserving and promoting the art of French cuisine. The brand also welcomed Jordan Bernstein as Director of Food and Beverage Operations, bringing nearly two decades of experience in elevating onboard culinary and hospitality standards.