Mitsui Ocean Cruises to retire Nippon Maru in May 2026

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 06 June 2025 06 June 2025

Mitsui Ocean Cruises has announced the upcoming retirement of the cruise line’s 422-guest Nippon Maru. The beloved cruise ship will officially retire from the fleet on May 10, 2026, in Yokohama.

Nippon Maru, featuring a classic cruise ship design with elegant lines and a distinctive red funnel, first entered service in 1990. The ship has since traveled 2,877,642 nautical miles – approximately 133 times around the earth – sailing over 2,000 cruises, hosting more than 600,000 guests, and visiting over 400 ports in and out of Japan.

“With full hearts and deep gratitude, we bid a bittersweet farewell to Nippon Maru, which has served us well for over 35 years,” said Tsunemichi Mukai, President of Mitsui Ocean Cruises. “Though a difficult decision, it is time to retire her for operational and economic reasons. We're excited to carry on her legacy of fine hospitality aboard our new luxury ships, Mitsui Ocean Fuji and our recently announced second ship, where many of our cherished crew will continue to serve.”

Nippon Maru through the years – a pioneer serving Japanese market

Nippon Maru has sailed domestic and international cruises with a focus on cultural enrichment, often visiting smaller ports in Japan not accessible to larger cruise ships. The ship underwent major refurbishments in 2010 and 2020, upgrading suites and public areas for a more luxurious experience.

With tremendous support from local governments, tourist associations and port officials, Nippon Maru has carried happy guests across the seas, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Notable highlights include:
– Many longer voyages: a 62-day Hawaii, Caribbean and Alaska cruise in 1995, and a 48-day Mauritius Precious Cruise – Paradise FUNATABI Around the Indian Ocean in 2022.
– Nine World Cruises.
– Offered various theme cruises, including “Platinum Entertainment Cruise,” and “Oasis Nippon Maru Cruise,” uniquely created especially for women.
– Created the now standard “Fly & Cruise Hokkaido,” attracting a wider range of guests.
– The ship was utilized for many years by the Cabinet for the “Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth, and “Ship for World Youth” projects recognized by youth all over the world.
– The cuisine incorporates local ingredients from ports of call and seasonal dishes, ensuring a fresh and regionally inspired dining experience, meticulously presented. The chef’s take on the traditional Japanese techniques, also incorporates many of the delicacies that became favorites, like the ship’s famous roast beef.

The legacy of Nippon Maru and her contribution to the Japanese cruise industry will be honored during her final season with several cruises and events, featuring special commemorative gifts and menus.

Final Nippon Maru itineraries and legacy events for the farewell season sailing February – May 2026, will be announced soon.

Mitsui Ocean Cruises will continue to deliver the distinct hospitality that only a Japanese cruise company can offer onboard Mitsui Ocean Fuji, and a second recently acquired ship that will be rebranded for Mitsui Ocean Cruises and launch in late 2026.

 

MSC Cruises to sail year-round in the Southern Caribbean

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 05 June 2025 05 June 2025

MSC Cruises has announced the addition of MSC Opera sailing year-round in the South Caribbean for the Winter 26/27 and Summer 2027 seasons, offering new Southern Caribbean cruises that are now open for sale.

The addition marks the first time the line has deployed a ship in the South Caribbean during the summer season, as well as its first time offering two ships during a winter season, providing guests with even more options to discover the stunning region’s captivating destinations.

Whether guests are seeking to escape to sun-soaked beaches and crystal-clear waters during the summer or the winter, MSC Cruises’ new itineraries offer the ideal getaway for any season.

MSC Opera will offer a range of 7-night itineraries and the option for guests to extend their cruise to a 14-night ‘butterfly’ cruise to a multitude of stunning Southern Caribbean destinations including the Dominican Republic, Martinique, Guadeloupe, the British Virgin Islands, Barbados, Antiqua and Barbuda, Netherlands Antilles and more.

The ship will homeport in La Romana, Dominican Republic, a new regular destination for MSC Cruises, with the first cruise departing on November 16, 2026. Starting April 2027, the ship will also offer a second embarkation port – Fort de France. All of MSC Cruises’ southern Caribbean cruises are now available to book.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection takes delivery of Luminara

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 04 June 2025 04 June 2025

Luminara, the third ultra-luxury superyacht from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, has officially joined the fleet. Company officials took delivery of the new yacht at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint- Nazaire, France, on June 3, 2025, marking a major milestone in a multi-year collaboration between the brand and one of the world’s most respected shipbuilders. The moment was commemorated with a traditional handover ceremony featuring the changing of flags and a celebratory toast on the yacht’s open-air deck.

The delivery ceremony was attended by leaders from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, including Ernesto Fara, President, along with Laurent Castaing, General Manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique. Also present to mark the occasion was Captain Magnus Bengtsson, who will guide Luminara through its inaugural season in the Mediterranean beginning July 3, 2025, when the yacht sets sail on a seven-day voyage from Monte Carlo to Rome.

“The arrival of Luminara marks a significant moment for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection as we continue to shape the future of ultra-luxury travel at sea,” said Ernesto Fara, President of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. “With striking architecture and thoughtfully designed interiors, Luminara represents the passion and shared commitment to excellence that define both our brand and our close working relationship with Chantiers de l’Atlantique.”

“Just one year after Ilma – a multi-awarded yacht acclaimed by both the hospitality and cruise industries – we are proud to deliver Luminara, the culmination of our ongoing pursuit of excellence,” added Laurent Castaing, General Manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique. “We thank The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection for their trust and extend our appreciation to everyone whose dedication, precision, and expertise made the construction of this vessel possible.”

Luminara, named after the Latin word for “light,” spans 794 feet (242 meters) and accommodates up to 452 guests across 226 suites, each with a private terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows offering a seamless connection to the sea. Designed in collaboration with leading design firms, the yacht showcases public spaces envisioned by Toronto-based Chapi Chapo Luxury Division, suites appointed by London-based design firm AD Associates, and lighting crafted by DPA. Sculptural lighting and curved architectural lines evoke the movement of water, creating harmony between the yacht’s refined interiors and the sea beyond. The refined exterior was shaped by Helsinki-based studio Aivan, reflecting the elegance and fluidity of private yacht design.

Luminara offers five restaurants, seven bars, a wine vault, and collaborations with award-winning chefs Fabio Trabocchi and Michael Mina, who bring their culinary perspectives to life at sea. Other standout amenities include a panoramic pool area on Deck 10 with two jacuzzis; The Art Bar, a new onboard destination for café service and destination-inspired treats set against sweeping ocean views; and the brand’s signature Marina, complete with a spacious terrace and dynamic floating platform where guests can swim, unwind, and enjoy watersports at select ports.

Further enhancing the guest experience, The Ritz-Carlton Spa provides restorative treatments incorporating products from ESPA, 111SKIN, and Pisterzi, alongside dedicated fitness spaces for rejuvenating wellness. Luminara also introduces a refined luxury retail experience, debuting Swiss timepieces from Cartier and IWC Schaffhausen, along with fine jewelry and watch collections from Piaget.

Following its inaugural season, Luminara will continue The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s expansion into new regions, sailing through Africa and the Indian Ocean before beginning Asia-Pacific itineraries in December 2025. These voyages will explore captivating destinations and hidden gems, including Hạ Long Bay, Osaka, and Bangkok. In May 2026, Luminara will journey to Alaska and Canada.

Fincantieri cuts steel for Oceania Sonata

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 04 June 2025 04 June 2025

Oceania Cruises marked a defining milestone today with the ceremonial steel cutting of Oceania Sonata, the first ship in the brand’s revolutionary new Sonata Class. The celebration, held at the Fincantieri-Marghera shipyard in Venice, Italy, signals the next stage in the evolution of the Oceania Cruises brand of exceptional small-ship luxury experiences.

"Debuting in 2027, Oceania Sonata will be followed by her sister ship, Oceania Arietta. These groundbreaking new vessels will be the most spacious and amenity-rich in the fleet, furthering Oceania Cruises’ legacy of culinary excellence, destination-rich experiences, and refined luxury at sea," the company said in a statement.

“Oceania Sonata heralds the dawn of a new era in luxury cruising,” said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury officer of Oceania Cruises. “We are proud to continue our legacy of innovation alongside Fincantieri, our shipbuilding partner for close to 20 years. Together, we have crafted ships that stand as some of the most acclaimed examples of luxury, elegance, comfort, and Italian craftsmanship at sea.”

Marking the ninth ship in the Oceania Cruises fleet, Oceania Sonata will embark on her maiden voyage in summer 2027. She is a masterpiece of design, created to deliver a symphony of unforgettable experiences.

This milestone also reflects Oceania Cruises’ enduring partnership with Fincantieri, the renowned Italian shipbuilder behind the celebrated Oceania Marina, Oceania Riviera, Oceania Vista, and Oceania Allura, which debuts in July 2025.