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Crystal Symphony to undergo refurbishment

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 10 August 2025 10 August 2025

Crystal has announced that Crystal Symphony will enter drydock for a scheduled three-week refurbishment of select areas in November 2025. The project is focused on refining the onboard experience through aesthetic and functional updates to two suite categories and several key public spaces.

The drydock will see the complete redesign of Aquamarine and Sapphire Classic suites on Deck 10. While preserving their existing layout and spacious bathrooms featuring separate bathtub and shower configurations, these suites will be outfitted with new furnishings, aligning with the design style introduced during the ship’s 2023 transformation. Complimenting these updates, new carpets and wall coverings will refresh the look and feel of each suite. These upgrades will be expertly executed by the De Wave Group, an interior design firm based in Genoa, Italy.

Several public spaces will also be updated during this time, with improvements designed to elevate the onboard ambiance:

– Atrium and Crystal Cove: Under the direction of Gerolamo Scorza, a leading outfitter in marine interiors, the ship’s central gathering space will be transformed, providing a more modern and fluid layout with additional seating. Key updates include the removal of the water feature, the relocation of the piano, a two-story mosaic produced by DeCastelli and a new chandelier. The reception area will have an elevated space with a new desk, marble top and backlit panel. The surrounding walls and columns will be refinished with new wallpaper. The ceiling slats and lighting will be replaced at Deck 5, while the Crystal Cove bar will receive a new front counter, backbar niche, and bottle shelving. New high-end furniture will elegantly redefine the area.
– Stair Lobbies on Decks 5 and 6: Also led by Gerolamo Scorza, these transitional areas will be refined with updated ceiling structures, enhanced lighting, architectural wall details and new brass finishes around the elevator entrances, bringing a more cohesive and elegant feel to the ship’s public corridors.
– Starlite Club: Trident Maritime Systems will provide a subtle redesign of the dance floor and new ceiling centerpiece will breathe new life into this beloved venue while preserving its vibrant character.
– Deck 5 Guest Restrooms: These public facilities will be aesthetically refreshed by Gerolamo Scorza with new flooring, wall finishes and countertops.
– Bistro: Wooden floors will be updated offering an enhanced look and feel.

“We are proud to carry forward Crystal’s legacy while continuing to innovate. Our goal is to ensure that every space aboard our ships feels both timeless and contemporary, infused with warmth, elegance and thoughtful design. These enhancements aboard Crystal Symphony reflect our promise to create meaningful experiences for our guests at every touchpoint," said Bernie Leypold, SVP of Hotel Operations.

In addition to the guest-facing areas, Crystal Symphony will also undergo an extensive technical upgrade to ensure optimal performance and long-term sustainability. Key enhancements include a complete overhaul of the fin stabilizers’ hydraulic system, renewal of both evaporators and the installation of new fuel and oil purifiers designed to accommodate biodiesel. The ship’s fresh-water piping system will be significantly modernized with the replacement of hundreds of meters of piping. The galleys, cold rooms, provision areas and associated compressors will also be fully renovated. Additional work includes a comprehensive service of the generator auxiliaries and targeted steel replacements throughout the vessel, including fuel tanks.

Crystal Symphony is expected to resume service hosting the second annual Wellness Retreat voyages. These sailings will also debut the new production show, Club Nights.

Mein Schiff Relax bunkers bio-LNG for the first time

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 07 August 2025 07 August 2025

With the first bio-LNG supply of Mein Schiff Relax in the port of Barcelona, TUI Cruises marks another important step on the road to climate-neutral cruising. At the end of July, Mein Schiff Relax, the newest member of the fleet and the first ship in the new InTUItion class, was supplied with 1,875 m3 of bio-LNG for the first time – as part of a so-called ship-to-ship bunkering operation via a barge.

"With the bio-LNG bunkering of Mein Schiff Relax, we are demonstrating that we are already reducing CO2 emissions thanks to modern propulsion systems," says Wybcke Meier, CEO of TUI Cruises. "We are consistently pursuing decarbonisation and see alternative fuels as a key lever for achieving our climate reduction targets."

The bunkering was carried out by the Haugesund Knutsen barge from Knutsen Scale Gas, chartered by Shell. The biofuel comes from Enagás' regasification plant in the port of Barcelona, where it was produced and certified in full compliance with ISCC EU certification criteria – a genuine zero-kilometre process that focuses on local, sustainable value creation.

Bio-LNG (liquefied biomethane) is a 100 percent renewable fuel produced from organic waste. Compared to fossil fuels, the use of Bio-LNG can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70 to 100 percent, depending on the origin of the organic materials. Since bio-LNG is chemically identical to fossil LNG, it can be used in the existing dual-fuel engines of the Mein Schiff Relax without any technical modifications.

All newbuilds in the Mein Schiff fleet are equipped with dual-fuel engines and are technically designed to run on lower-emission fuels such as bio-LNG. Mein Schiff 7, which entered service last year, is also already prepared for the future use of green methanol. “This technological flexibility is crucial for us because, our goal is to be able to switch to the lowest-emission option at any time – as soon as it is scalable and available," explains Wybcke Meier, CEO of TUI Cruises.

The first bio-LNG ship-to-ship bunkering of the Mein Schiff Relax in the port of Barcelona is also an important milestone in the implementation of TUI Cruises' climate protection roadmap. With the clear goal of becoming climate neutral by 2050, the company is pursuing a detailed plan based on four main levers:
1. Alternative fuels such as bio-LNG and, in the future, green methanol
2. Green shore power, which is already used in numerous ports today
3. Maximised energy efficiency through technical measures such as route
optimisation, digital performance tools, hull coatings and cleaning systems
4. Optimised travel planning to reduce energy consumption

TUI Cruises operates one of the youngest cruise fleets in the world and aims to be climate neutral by 2050 at the latest. To reduce its ecological footprint, the company is also implementing a wide range of other sustainability measures, such as eliminating around 5 million plastic cocktail sticks per year. If lined up end to end, this would be equivalent to a distance of around 400 kilometres – roughly the circumference of the island of Majorca. The annual reduction of 10 million drinking straws also adds up to around 2,918 kilometres – the distance between Bremerhaven and Reykjavik. Such concrete measures contribute directly to TUI Cruises' climate roadmap and support the goal of offering guests a travel experience that is as resource-efficient as possible.

Aman at Sea provides latest update on its upcoming Amangati yacht

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 31 July 2025 31 July 2025

As Aman continues its evolution, reaching new heights as one the world’s most intuitive and pioneering names in hospitality and lifestyle, its ocean travel brand, Aman at Sea starts a new chapter. As inaugural vessel Amangati prepares to launch for the 2027 summer season, Aman at Sea unveils the ultra-luxury motor yacht’s suite concept for the first time and opens reservations for private charters and events. Embracing the vessel’s grandeur in supreme comfort and privacy, with bespoke itineraries and a dedicated crew, an exclusive charter of Amangati is a one-of-a-kind experience offering the pinnacle of ocean exploration for groups.

Set to redefine sea travel, Amangati will bring Aman’s hallmarks – from its signature sense of peace and unparalleled service to its minimalist design DNA – and combine it with the timeless allure of time spent on the ocean. Crafted in partnership with Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design, and currently under construction at T.Mariotti S.p.A in Genoa, the 600-foot vessel will accommodate up to 94 guests across 47 spacious suites. With all serviced by a dedicated Host, suites onboard will be amongst industry’s largest starting from 532 square feet and culminating at 1,972 square feet for the Aman Suite. Each suite will come with an expansive private terrace, some with plunge pools, open directly to the ocean, extending the perspective towards the distant horizon.

Designed to evoke a sense of elemental calm and inspired by the interior architecture of a Japanese ryokan home, every suite is a study in spatial composure with dedicated lounge and seated areas in addition to King-size beds. Subtly curved ceilings and full-height windows bathe timber-toned interiors in golden daylight, enhancing the sense of volume and openness. Textured materials bring tactility and warmth - custom joinery, ash wood underfoot, travertine in the spa-style en-suite bathrooms, with free standing baths, are surrounded by woven linen on the walls - an extension of the design aesthetic for which Aman is renowned.

Onboard, the guest experience will bring Aman’s revered lifestyle to the water, with globally inspired wellness and a range of dining concepts. These include Nama, Aman’s signature Japanese restaurant, an informal all-day Mediterranean space, an Aman Grill and atmospheric Jazz Club. In addition, a serene and spacious Aman Spa, complete with Japanese garden, will allow for ultimate relaxation during each voyage. Finally, the stern of the yacht will be home to an expansive Marina, providing direct access to the water.

As Aman at Sea develops it continues to build a world-class leadership team to support its next chapter. Joining the team as Senior Vice President Sales, Marketing & Reservations, Angela Composto brings over two decades of experience in the cruise and luxury travel sector, having held leadership roles for some of the industry’s most celebrated brands. With a positive track record of market share growth, her expertise spans innovative brand entry strategies to meaningful partnerships. Responsible for the implementation of several successful long-term marketing and sales plans, Angela now brings her dynamic and results-oriented approach to Aman at Sea.

Speaking on the appointment, Angela Composto commented: “Over the past 25 years working in luxury hospitality, I have strived to gain a strong strategic vision and the ability to anticipate industry trends, which has led to the launch of several successful global brands. Now, I am honored to apply this experience at Aman at Sea and look forward to introducing the Aman brand’s deeply rooted values and exceptional reputation to the world’s oceans for the very first time.”

Later this year Aman at Sea will reveal and begin taking reservations for its curated Mediterranean itineraries on Amangati.

Fincantieri launches Viking Mira in Ancona

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 31 July 2025 31 July 2025

The Viking Mira, a new cruise ship under construction for Viking, was launched today at the Ancona shipyard. The ship is scheduled to debut in spring 2026, offering itineraries in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

The ceremony, which marks the ship’s transition to the final outfitting phase, was attended by Gilberto Tobaldi, Director of the Ancona Shipyard, and Gastone Lazzari, New Building Site Team Manager for Viking.

With a gross tonnage of approximately 54,300 tons, Viking Mira will feature 499 staterooms and accommodate up to 998 passengers on board. The vessel belongs to the small cruise ship segment and is part of the Viking ocean fleet, entirely built by Fincantieri.

The long-standing relationship between the shipowner and the Group currently includes a total of 28 ships, taking into account the units already delivered, those on order, signed contracts, and recently secured option agreements.

All Viking units are built in accordance with the latest international regulations on navigation and safety and are equipped with high-efficiency engines and advanced exhaust gas treatment systems, designed to meet the most stringent environmental standards.

The Ancona shipyard confirms its position as one of the most strategic production hubs of the Group. Covering an area of 360,000 m², it boasts a production capacity of 60,000 GT, lifting systems of up to 500 tons, and hull construction capabilities of 1,200 tons per month. Since 2009, 20 vessels have already been delivered, thanks to the daily commitment of approximately 3,700 workers from various nationalities, backgrounds, and generations, united by a shared and tangible industrial goal. In line with innovation, the shipyard plays an active role in the Operations Excellence program, which entails the introduction of advanced technologies, robotics, and AI to increase efficiency and improve work quality.

SH Minerva is back in the Swan Hellenic fleet

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 30 July 2025 30 July 2025

SH Minerva is now back in the Swan Hellenic fleet. Following routine maintenance and preparations to Swan Hellenic’s usual high standards, it will set sail in November to join her sister ships SH Vega and SH Diana in Ushuaia, where it will begin the 2025–2026 Antarctic winter season.

Then, in March 2026, the SH Minerva will launch Swan Hellenic’s first ever Asia-Pacific Season, taking its award-winning cultural expedition cruises to new horizons that expand its adventurous guests’ discovery opportunities worldwide.

The new in-depth explorations of the Asia-Pacific region include the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Raja Ampat, Indonesia, the Philippines and Japan, offering experiences that range from primitive art, ancient rituals and anthropology to historical WWII sites, wildlife, snorkeling and watersports adventures.

“We’re delighted to welcome back our flagship SH Minerva,” says Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito “A symbol of Swan Hellenic’s rebirth, her inaugural Asia-Pacific Season will take us to fly our flag across the globe, reaching every ocean and continent. It’s a moment of immense pride for us.”

The cutting-edge expedition ship SH Minerva was built in Helsinki Shipyard OY at the end of 2021 and chartered to Swan Hellenic by the Irish owner, STLC Europe Nine Leasing Ltd.

The parent company of STLC Europe Nine Leasing Ltd, GTLK Europe DAC, was sanctioned by the EU, US and UK back in April-August 2022 due to the designation of the giant Russian leasing company PAO GTLK, which was a parent company of GTLK Europe DAC. SH Minerva has consequently been idle at Fray Bentos, Uruguay, since April 2022. In May 2023, GTLK Europe DAC went into liquidation. Joint Liquidators were appointed by the High Court of Ireland and PAO GTLK subsequently lost control of GTLK Europe DAC and all its subsidiaries, including STLC Europe Nine Leasing Ltd. The Joint Liquidators who now have control of GTLK Europe DAC and its subsidiaries obtained compliance of the sale of GTLK Europe DAC’s assets (including SH Minerva) with all the applicable sanctions.

After lengthy negotiations with the Joint Liquidators, Swan Hellenic finally reacquired SH Minerva from STLC Europe Nine Leasing Ltd in accordance with all applicable sanctions on 25 July 2025 using shareholders’ funds.

SH Minerva’s return marks an exciting new chapter for Swan Hellenic, with a three-ship fleet that takes its guests to live uniquely immersive discovery experiences in the heart of remote destinations all around the world, cruising in refined elegance to “See what others don’t”.