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Silversea reveals more on its upcoming world's southernmost hotel in Puerto Williams, Chile

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

Silversea, the leading experiential luxury and expedition travel brand, has unveiled the first spaces and name of The Cormorant at 55 South, its new 150-room hotel in Puerto Williams, Chile, scheduled to open during the 2025/2026 Antarctica season. Upon completion, Silversea’s new hotel will create the most convenient, comfortable and seamless way to visit Antarctica.

“The Cormorant at 55 South is a tribute to the rich culture, breathtaking natural beauty, and storied history of Puerto Williams, immersing guests in their destination before embarking on their journey to Antarctica,” said Bert Hernandez, President, Silversea. “Every aspect of The Cormorant is thoughtfully designed with our guests in mind, ensuring a comfortable and uniquely Silversea experience. Each room offers panoramic views of Patagonia, and the hotel creates a deep connection to the local community, providing specially designed experiences that will allow our guests to begin their expeditions sooner than ever, all in uncompromised comfort.”

The Cormorant at 55 South

The Cormorant is a nod to the unique location of the property at 55° S – making it the southernmost hotel on Earth – and an acknowledgement of the location’s history. Paying homage to Lakutaia, which is the indigenous Yahgan word for cormorant, the aquatic bird is a symbol of the seafarer and intended to bestow good fortune on guests embarking on their greatest adventure.

The Cormorant will feature two distinct room views, including serene forest views and tranquil water vistas overlooking the Beagle Channel. This design brings guests closer to the breathtaking natural beauty of Patagonia, immersing them in the landscapes that define this region.

Each room is thoughtfully designed with expansive windows that frame sweeping views, filling the space with natural light and creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The interiors feature warm wood tones and earthy elements, deepening the connection to the destination while creating an authentic and calming environment. To further this connection, every room will incorporate handcrafted items created by regional artisans, adding a unique touch that celebrates local and regional culture.

Welcoming guests from the moment they arrive will be The Cormorant’s own dedicated staff – all trained in The Silversea Way to provide the high level of service that is synonymous with Silversea.

The hotel will facilitate a uniquely frictionless journey to Antarctica, allowing guests to enjoy Silversea’s personalized service and warm hospitality throughout their entire experience. Silversea’s innovative six-day Antarctica Fly Cruise expeditions allow guests to fly over the Drake Passage, providing a shorter option without compromising on the time spent in the destination.

Having pioneered luxury expedition cruising in 2008, Silversea became the first travel brand to offer luxury Antarctica expeditions. With its experience in the region, Silversea now offers the most enriching and personalized adventures on the continent, with an industry-leading expedition team that comprises up to 28 experts in their field, knowledgeable kayak instructors, world-class onboard lectures and some of the highest Zodiac-to-guest ratios in the industry, among other enriching features.

Silversea’s expedition experts host guided walks ashore, identifying wildlife species, unique glacial and geological structures, and other fascinating features only found on an Antarctic expedition. Back on board, the team’s insightful lectures provide an overview of the day’s sightings and experiences.

American Cruise Lines introduces an array of Extended Cruises for 2026

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 13 April 2025 13 April 2025

American Cruise Lines has announced a new slate of Extended Cruises; 50-Day+ U.S. River cruises honoring the country’s 250th Birthday in 2026. These new Bucket List cruises are the longest U.S. River cruises on the market. Next year, American will feature a new 52-Day Great United States Cruise; a 51-Day Spring Across America; and a 55-Day Great American Fall Foliage Cruise; plus, a 36-Day Civil War Battlefields Cruise. Each of these domestic adventures follows the successful launch of the company’s first Great United States Cruise in 2024.

As the country commemorates its Semiquincentennial, American Cruise Lines will celebrate America the Beautiful by cruising its most magnificent waterways from sea to shining sea. The company’s dynamic new adventures will allow guests to explore more of the country by water than ever before, with each seamless journey cruising multiple U.S. waterways and diverse regions of the U.S.A. Next year, American’s 50-Day+ cruises will sail from the Alaska Inside Passage to the Florida Keys, from the Holy City of Charleston, S.C. to the nation’s capital in Washington, D.C., and so much more.

Honoring America’s past, present, and future, these extraordinary U.S. River cruise itineraries will enable guests discover and re-discover America’s many blessings, from its astonishingly varied geography to its exceptional blend of peoples, cultures, and histories. American’s 50-Day+ Extended Cruises highlight the United States like never before, illuminating its vast treasures, while honoring its most closely held promise; the unyielding commitment to “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Cruising the country’s legendary rivers and picturesque coastlines aboard the newest fleet of riverboats and small ships in the U.S.A., guests on American’s 250th celebratory cruises will enjoy well-curated authentic experiences.

What's next for Crescent Seas? A newbuilding to set sail in 2032

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 11 April 2025 11 April 2025

On Tuesday, April 8, at this year’s Seatrade Cruise Global, Russell Galbut, CEO and Founder of Crescent Seas, exclusively revealed the company’s next groundbreaking venture: the development of a new build to join its portfolio. The Ocean will join Crescent Seas in 2032, further bolstering the iconic fleet that is redefining luxury living at sea.

The first rendering of The Ocean was unveiled during Galbut’s panel discussion at Seatrade, titled, Disruptive Innovation with Russell Galbut, where he shared how Crescent Seas is revolutionizing the future of luxury cruising. Drawing on his 23-year tenure on the board of Norwegian Cruise Line, this panel offered rare insight into Galbut’s real estate career coupled with his profound understanding of commercial cruising inspired him to reimagine the seagoing paradigm.

Blending well-appointed accommodations with extended stays in global destinations and exceptional service, Crescent Seas reinvents life at sea for discerning travelers. Crescent Seas debuted in March 2025 as the latest venture from GFO Investments. The Ocean will join Crescent Seas’ Navigator and Insignia, launching in 2026 and 2027, respectively.

TUI Cruises christens its newest fleet member Mein Schiff Relax

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

A new chapter begins: Mein Schiff Relax, the first ship of the new InTUItion class, was christened yesterday by godmother Giuliana Rizzo, who has been a crew member of the Mein Schiff fleet since 2015, in front of over 12,000 guests in the port of Málaga. Wybcke Meier, CEO of TUI Cruises, opened the official naming ceremony together with presenter Judith Rakers, who hosted the evening. The naming event, which lasted several hours and lived up to the motto “Relaxing rocks”, featured many musical highlights, including local artists, Mitchy & André Katawazi, MOKABY, an appearance by Giovanni Zarrella and, last but not least, Robbie Williams. The international superstar and feel-good ambassador of Mein Schiff Relax thrilled the guests of Mein Schiff 5, Mein Schiff 7, Mein Schiff Relax and other visitors with his exclusive concert and got them in the mood for the highlight of the evening: the naming of Mein Schiff Relax, the eighth new ship from TUI Cruises.

Robbie Williams, global icon and feel-good ambassador of Mein Schiff Relax: “Mein Schiff Relax embodies the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement, it really is an incredible ship. I loved performing at its christening ceremony in this stunning setting in the old city of Malaga. The atmosphere was electric - an unforgettable
experience. Relaxing truly rocks!"

The central and recurring element of the perfectly staged naming ceremony, which included video mapping, fireworks, LED wristbands, a choir and other elements, was the number eight as a symbol of infinity and tranquility. The 12,000 guests, who were welcomed in a specially erected event area, were able to become part of the launch show themselves thanks to the radio-controlled LED wristbands they wore on their wrists. They didn't just attend the event – they felt, saw and experienced it.

The event, which culminated in a pyrotechnic effect along a 120-meter-long rocket line to the bow of the ship and the smashing of a champagne bottle, as well as an impressive fireworks display, crowned the new feel-good ship against the backdrop of the Andalusian city of Málaga.

A brilliant launch for a unique feel-good ship

With the ship, Mein Schiff Relax, TUI Cruises is starting a new chapter in the premium cruise sector. Mein Schiff Relax is the first ship in the new InTUItion class, which will be joined by Mein Schiff Flow in 2026. Both new builds set new standards, as will be demonstrated not least at the unique naming event in Málaga. “The naming of Mein Schiff Relax marks the beginning of a new era for TUI Cruises and another milestone in our success story. Mein Schiff Relax offers numerous innovations that make her unique. That's why it was important to us to welcome this new feel-good ship to the fleet in a special way, which we succeeded in doing with a fleet meeting in the port of Málaga, an energetic Robbie Williams concert and a brilliant naming ceremony,” said Wybcke Meier, CEO of TUI Cruises.

Godmother Giuliana Rizzo attracted all the attention

For ten years, she has been ensuring that guests on board the Mein Schiff fleet experience special moments of relaxation – yesterday, she was the godmother of the eighth new TUI Cruises ship: Giuliana Rizzo, SPA & Sport Manager of Mein Schiff Relax. While the guests of the Mein Schiff fleet are always the focus of the German-Italian's, who comes from the Hanover region, in her everyday life, all eyes were on her when she arrived in the port of Malaga yesterday evening at 22:11. In an haute couture dress by fashion designer Dawid Tomaszewski, who creates exclusive cruise collections for sister brand Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and the established “fashion2sea” format, the godmother walked through a gigantic digitally projected portal, accompanied by the protective singing of a 36-strong Andalusian choir. A few minutes later, the godmother triggered the obligatory dropping of the champagne bottle at the bow of the ship by means of a pyrotechnic effect along a 120-meter-long line of rockets. “I hereby christen you Mein Schiff Relax,” said the godmother Giuliana Rizzo. “It was a special moment that I can hardly put into words, as I am simply overwhelmed emotionally: by the honor that has been bestowed upon me, but also by the breathtaking and emotional staging of this evening – and all of this to mark my tenth anniversary on board the Mein Schiff fleet. There have been many special moments in these ten years, but this one will remain in my heart forever,” said Giuliana Rizzo.
Celebrities and guests from three ships welcomed Mein Schiff Relax to the fleet

Three ships and a naming ceremony have never been seen before in the history of TUI Cruises. Over 12,000 guests, including many new ones, but also long-standing loyal fans of the TUI Cruises fleet, had booked the exclusive naming voyages, which are held under the motto “Endless Moments”, or just the naming event in the Andalusian port city. Among the guests were prominent German personalities such as Reiner Calmund, Andrea Berg, Elton, Andrea Kathrin Loewig, Maximilian Arland, Aleksandra Bechtel, Ella Endlich, Natascha Ochsenknecht, as well as other invited guests from the worlds of politics and business.

The Mein Schiff Relax was celebrated at the after-show parties of all three ships after the naming event: On board the Mein Schiff 5, the dance floor was rocked with DJ MOUSSE T., DJ MOKABY got the pool deck of the Mein Schiff 7 moving, and DJ 2elements and DJ SCHILLER really heated up the guests of the Mein Schiff Relax.

Captain, maiden voyage and first season of Mein Schiff Relax

On Tuesday, Mein Schiff Relax set sail for her naming voyage. At the helm: Captain Tom Roth, who has accompanied the development and construction of Mein Schiff Relax for six years in the development and since August last year also in the Italian Fincantieri shipyard. Yesterday, he was the last to enter the port of Málaga with the Mein Schiff Relax, where Mein Schiff 5 and Mein Schiff 7 were already waiting for the new feel-good ships.

On the day of the naming ceremony the guests of the three naming cruises had the opportunity to toast the Mein Schiff Relax and the upcoming naming event with the naming cocktail “50 Shades of Grape”. Tonight, the naming dinner will follow, which will also be served on board Mein Schiff 5 and Mein Schiff 7, so that the guests of the other ships can also enjoy the culinary innovations of Mein Schiff Relax.

This summer, regular guests and new cruise fans can look forward to 7- to 10-day trips from/to Palma/Mallorca. In addition to Italian cities such as Rome, La Spezia and Naples, guests can discover the Spanish mainland with the coastal cities of Valencia, Barcelona, Málaga and Cádiz. The newest ship in the fleet also sails to Marseille or Ajaccio in France, the Portuguese port city of Lisbon, Sardinia or Sicily in Italy. Guests can also look forward to the Moroccan port city of Tangier and an overnight stay in the port of Palma on selected routes, allowing them to explore the capital of the Balearic island of Mallorca at length. In the winter of 2025/26, Mein Schiff Relax will cruise around the Canary Islands. The new feel-good ship offers a 7-day itinerary with transfer days in Las Palmas/Gran Canaria or Santa Cruz/Tenerife.

NYK Cruises takes delivery of Asuka III

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

NYK Cruises took delivery of the Asuka III, the new cruise ship, from Meyer Werft today. On board the ship, Hiroyuki Endo, President of NYK Cruises celebrated the official handover of the ship with Bernd Eikens, CEO of the Meyer Werft Group, executives of Meyer Werft and NYK Cruises employees as well as the ship's captain Hisashai Kogue. The traditional flag change also took place during the delivery ceremony.

The Asuka III stands for a new and Japanese kind of luxury at sea. The 740-guest ship, which sails alongside the Asuka III, will offer cruises from various ports in Japan.

The ship is characterized by a special design that combines open spaces with traditional Japanese aesthetics. Japanese artists will also be exhibited on the ship, including Hiroshi Senju's fresco in the Gallery Café (Deck 6) and Reiji Hiramatsu's paintings in the Noblesse Restaurant (Deck 6).

During its first season, the ship will call at over 30 destinations throughout the country, including Hakodate, Otaru, Takamatsu, Shingu, Muroran and Moji. The highlight of the season will be the “Japan Circumnavigation Cruise” departing from Yokohama in early August, during which the Asuka III will visit Hakodate, Otaru, Kanazawa, Maizuru, Moji and Beppu on a 12-night voyage before returning to her home port.

The ship is one of the most energy-efficient cruise ships ever built and represents an important milestone on the way to reducing emissions and carbon intensity.

“We are delighted to take delivery of the Asuka III,” said Endo. “Providing the best vacation experiences in our home country in a responsible manner is what drives everything we do. We are fortunate to have the best people working together to create unforgettable experiences for our guests.”

“The delivery of the Asuka III is on schedule today and is an important milestone for us,” said Bernd Eikens, CEO of Meyer Werft Group. “The entire Meyer Werft team, together with our partners, has worked hard to bring this ship to life and today we have completed another great ship. Many of the interior elements will only be brought on board in Yokohama, the ship's home port, but it is already apparent that it will be a wonderful ship for the Japanese public,” Eikens continued

After the Asuka III was transferred some 40 km down the Ems from the Meyer shipyard in Papenburg, it completed its technical and nautical sea trials in the North Sea on March 18 - under the supervision of Captain Wolfgang Thos, the shipyard's captain, and experienced pilots on the high seas.