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Fincantieri delivers Four Seasons I

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 26 February 2026 26 February 2026

Fincantieri has delivered Four Seasons I, the first ultra-luxury hospitality vessel for Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings LTD, Joint Owner/Operator of Four Seasons Yachts, at its Ancona shipyard, setting a new benchmark for excellence, exclusivity, and innovation in the high‑end cruise market. With this vessel, Fincantieri confirms its ability to create one‑of‑a‑kind products that transcend the traditional concept of ultra‑luxury yachting, entering a new category of hospitality where Italian shipbuilding mastery meets the iconic Four Seasons standards.

Attending the event were Daniele Silvetti, Mayor of Ancona, His Excellency the Most Reverend Monsignor Angelo Spina, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Ancona; and Rachele Grandolfo, Deputy Prefect, representing His Excellency the Prefect of Ancona. For Fincantieri attendees included Biagio Mazzotta, Chairman, Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director, and Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager Merchant Ships Division, as well as Ben Trodd, CEO of Four Seasons Yachts.

More than just a new standard in luxury at sea, Four Seasons I is also the world’s first intelligent ultra-luxury vessel representing an important step forward in the digital evolution of shipbuilding. Fincantieri’s Navis Sapiens program, marking the first Navis Sapiens of the Fincantieri Group as announced at Seatrade 2025 and developed by Fincantieri Ingenium, the joint venture between Fincantieri NexTech and Accenture, enables a new generation of smart ships, built on an integrated and evolutive digital architecture that leverages artificial intelligence and real‑time data to support safer, more efficient and future‑proof operations. Its open, scalable design also allows the vessel to integrate new functionalities and technologies as they emerge — all without weighing down the guest‑facing experience.

Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, commented: “Today we deliver not just a ship, but a new paradigm for the hospitality industry. Four Seasons I is the first Navis Sapiens: a vessel with a digital intellect, capable of learning, adapting, and growing alongside its owner and guests. This achievement is the result of our commitment to innovation and our vision for a shipbuilding industry that is intelligent, sustainable, and future proof. At the same time, Four Seasons I embodies a one-of-a-kind ultra-luxury yachting experience, setting a new benchmark in the extra-luxury segment inspired by haute hôtellerie. Fincantieri affirms its leadership in redefining the boundaries of hospitality at sea, where technological excellence and bespoke luxury converge to create an unprecedented journey for our clients and their guests.”

With its all-suite, residential style product, Four Seasons I sets a new frontier for ultra-luxury hospitality at sea. The 34,000 gross tons and 207 meters vessel features just 95 exclusive suites, each designed as a private sanctuary overlooking the ocean. The design philosophy aims to remove barriers between guests and the sea, with generous terraces and open-air living spaces. The iconic Funnel Suite offers an extraordinary 457 square meters of indoor-outdoor private space, positioning it among the most exclusive accommodations ever created on a hospitality vessel. Inspired by the Four Seasons approach to hosting — personalized service, world‑class amenities, and uncompromising attention to detail — the yacht ship creates an entirely new category of bespoke travel by sea. Every suite is conceived as a tailored environment, crafted with premium materials and exceptional spatial generosity, redefining what it means to experience the ocean in an ultra‑luxury dimension.

The ship adopts the most advanced environmental protection technologies, reinforcing Fincantieri’s commitment to sustainable innovation. Its construction highlights Fincantieri’s capability to deliver complex, high‑craftsmanship vessels where engineering excellence and bespoke design converge — a hallmark of the Group’s leadership in the extra‑luxury segment.

Over the past few months, more than 2,000 people - Fincantieri employees and partner companies - have worked tirelessly onboard “Four Seasons I” at the Ancona shipyard. Covering 360,000 m², the site boasts a production capacity of 60,000 GT, lifting systems up to 500 tons, and hull construction capabilities of 1,200 tons per month, confirming its strategic importance in the Fincantieri network. Ancona is part of the Group’s Operations Excellence program, which includes the introduction of advanced technologies to increase efficiency and improve work quality, from automation to augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and collaborative robots.

MSC Poesia enters drydock ahead of its Alaska debut

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 26 February 2026 26 February 2026

MSC Poesia will enter dry dock at Palumbo Malta Shipyard in Malta, marking the next phase of the cruise line’s ongoing investment in enhancing the guest experience across its fleet.

The enhancements will introduce new premium spaces and experiences, combining elevated comfort with lively social venues, ahead of MSC Poesia’s debut season in Alaska in May 2026.

MSC Poesia is the second ship from the line’s MSC Musica Class to undergo a major refurbishment at the Maltese shipyard, following sister ship MSC Magnifica, which left the shipyard in December and is currently sailing on the MSC World Cruise 2026.

When the refurbishments are complete, MSC Poesia will feature an MSC Yacht Club, the brand’s exclusive “ship-within-a-ship” concept, offering 69 elegantly appointed suites, private amenities, and 24-hour butler service. Additionally, the updates include two new specialty dining venues - Butcher’s Cut, an authentic American-style steakhouse, and Kaito Sushi Bar, inspired by the Far East where guests can savor expertly crafted sushi and exquisite authentic Asian dishes.

The enhancement will include a newly designed MSC Aurea Spa and MSC Gym powered by Technogym, complete with Gentleman’s Barber, various workout studios, an outdoor Aurea area and Top 15 Exclusive Solarium.

Refurbishment work is expected to be completed in April, in time for MSC Poesia’s Alaska season.

Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, said: “This major refurbishment of MSC Poesia reflects our continued efforts and commitment to investing in our fleet and delivering exceptional guest experiences. This refurbishment showcases MSC Cruises’ commitment to offering guests the best possible experience and modern amenities. We are proud to bring the addition of the MSC Yacht Club, new dining concepts and more to MSC Poesia and to offer guests more choice and more comfort than ever before, ahead of the ship’s Alaska season.”

The refurbishment of MSC Poesia forms part of the most extensive upgrade and refitting program by MSC Cruises in the past decade.

The project is fully designed and managed in-house by MSC Cruises’ Technical Department and will be carried out at Palumbo Malta Shipyard, a strategic hub for MSC Cruises’ fleet maintenance and large-scale refurbishment projects in Europe.

Earlier this month, MSC Cruises announced the expansion of its renowned MSC Yacht Club to two additional ships, MSC Musica and MSC Orchestra. Once complete, these latest enhancements will mean all four vessels in the Musica class, MSC Poesia, MSC Magnifica, MSC Musica and MSC Orchestra, will have been upgraded to feature MSC Yacht Club.

From May through September 2026, MSC Poesia will offer 7-night Alaska itineraries from Seattle, sailing to some of the region’s most iconic destinations.

Following her Alaska season, the ship will reposition to offer roundtrip Caribbean sailings from Miami during Winter 2026–2027, visiting destinations including Jamaica, Colombia, Costa Rica, Aruba, Curaçao, and Belize. MSC Poesia will then return to Alaska in summer 2027 offering guests the opportunity to visit spectacular destinations including Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Tracy Arm, and Juneau (Alaska), along with Victoria (British Columbia, Canada).

Carnival to decrease its capacity in Australia

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 26 February 2026 26 February 2026

Carnival Cruise Line announced today that Carnival Adventure will sail seasonally in Australia from April 2028 when it relocates to North America for the northern hemisphere summer.

While Carnival remains the only cruise line with a year-round commitment to this region, it has had to make this deployment decision given more favorable market conditions elsewhere and the uncertain regulatory environment in Australia and New Zealand.

“We’re proud of our long-standing commitment to this market. It is business as usual with Carnival Cruise Line operating from more homeports across Australia and New Zealand in 2027/28 than ever before, so there are plenty of attractive itineraries for our guests,” Country Manager Peter Little said.

“Over the next two years, we look forward to welcoming onboard about 1.2 million fun-loving guests across about 400 voyages as we continue to sail year-round to amazing destinations.”

Carnival Adventure will relocate to North America in April 2028, after completing its published voyages.

Little said Carnival was seeing stronger momentum and local governmental support in other major travel and tourism markets globally.

“In this context, Carnival is adjusting its deployment to better capture greater opportunities elsewhere, while continuing to champion a more competitive and certain operating environment – matters we’ve long emphasized,” Little said.

“We look forward to continuing our strong commitment to a cruise sector that provides 22,000 jobs and more than $7 billion in economic benefit to thousands of travel agents, shore tour operators, fresh food producers and transport providers right across Australia.”

Peep Jalakas named new CEO and Chairman of the Board of Tallink Grupp

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 26 February 2026 26 February 2026

AS Tallink Grupp has elected Peep Jalakas as the new Chairman of the Management Board. The term of office of Jalakas will commence on 6 April 2026 and will last for three years.

In addition, the Supervisory Board has resolved to recall Margus Schults from the Management Board with effect from 27 February 2026. He will continue in his role as Managing Director of Tallink Silja Oy.

Peep Jalakas joined SEB Bank in 2006 and has held several senior management positions since 2010, including serving as Head of Corporate Banking and Head of Credit. Since 2023, he has been a Member of the Management Board of SEB Bank and Head of Corporate Banking.

Peep Jalakas and persons closely associated with him do not hold any shares in the Group.

“Tallink Grupp is a strong and sustainable international company with a solid market position and long-standing experience that provide a firm foundation for further development. Today’s decision of the Supervisory Board to appoint Peep Jalakas as the new Chairman of the Management Board confirms our clear ambition to continue the company’s strategic growth, strengthen our competitiveness in a changing economic environment, and create long-term value for our shareholders,” commented Enn Pant, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of AS Tallink Grupp.

The current Chairman of the Management Board, Paavo Nõgene, will continue as a member of the Management Board of the Group until the expiry of his term of office on 23 May 2026.

As of 6 April 2026, the Management Board of the Group will comprise: Peep Jalakas (Chairman of the Management Board), Harri Hanschmidt, Elise Nassar, Piret Mürk-Dubout and Paavo Nõgene (until 23 May 2026).

Silversea unveils new features of Silver Spirit

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 17 February 2026 17 February 2026

Silversea, the leading experiential luxury and expedition travel brand, is marking a significant step in elevating the onboard experience for guests, introducing major enhancements onboard Silver Spirit. Since its launch in 2009 and its lengthening and renovation in 2018, Silver Spirit has set a new standard in experiential luxury cruising. Following the successful transformation of Silver Muse late last year, this upcoming project will elevate guest comfort and establish consistency across Silversea's Muse‑Class ships, introducing the brand’s award‑winning S.A.L.T. (Sea And Land Taste) culinary program – allowing travelers to delve deeper into each destination through regionally inspired culinary experiences.

“With each ship’s revitalization, we are thoughtfully reshaping the future of our onboard experience to introduce new concepts, expand our guest favorites, and continue elevating the way our guests experience the world,” said Bert Hernandez, president, Silversea. “Silver Spirit’s transformation reflects our dedication to creating richer journeys for our guests – giving them more space, more comfort, and a deeper sense of immersion onboard and across every destination.”

Beginning in May 2026, guests sailing aboard Silver Spirit will experience a refreshed onboard offering that includes the following enhancements:

– Culinary immersion through S.A.L.T. program: The introduction of Silversea's S.A.L.T. culinary program will further elevate Silver Spirit’s culinary landscape, pairing local culture and flavor with the onboard experience. New venues include S.A.L.T. Kitchen, offering destination-inspired menus, and S.A.L.T. Bar featuring regional spirits and custom cocktails. At S.A.L.T. Lab guests can deepen their appreciation of the destination through intimate, hands‑on cooking classes focused on regional tastes and traditions.

– Reimagined public spaces: The revitalized Silver Spirit will feature a modernized Venetian Lounge, which will undergo a full refresh, including new elegant drapery, a carpet upgrade, banquette reupholstery, and additional enhancements. The lounge will also feature a brand new, state-of-the-art LED wall that will significantly elevate Silversea's entertainment experience. A revitalized pool deck will elevate the overall experience, offering guests an even more welcoming outdoor environment. In addition, Silver Spirit’s Zagara Beauty Spa benefited from a light refreshment, including new spa chairs and beds. The ship’s fitness center was also recently updated to include amp, a precision-engineered, AI-powered strength device with five versatile attachments and intelligent app integration.

– Elevated accommodations: New Medallion Suites will give guests thoughtfully designed accommodations that include a private veranda, a luxurious bathroom with a standard vanity, bathtub, and walk-in shower, as well as a secluded bedroom area with a king-size bed.

Sailing in Northern Europe

Following its revitalization, Silver Spirit will embark on immersive journeys through Northern Europe, pairing the dramatic beauty of the Southern Norwegian Fjords with the rich history of the Channel Sea and Western Europe. With its intimate size and elevated comfort, Silver Spirit provides an elegant and effortlessly immersive way to explore the region’s most scenic and culturally vibrant shores.