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Hapag-Lloyd Cruises transforms all its sailings bilingual

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 17 September 2025 17 September 2025

With its “WORLD. WIDE. WONDERFUL.” campaign extending from 16 Sep to 31 Oct 2025, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is focusing on an emotionally staged brand experience. “The new campaign is a logical continuation of our brand launch at the turn of the year and shows how we are placing even greater emphasis on the unique Hapag-Lloyd Cruises on-board experience. The latter is one of our strengths, with our satisfaction ratings of over 90%, confirmed by our guest returning surveys post cruise. Naturally, we wish to introduce this feeling to new guests as well,” says Clas Eckholt, Vice President Commercial at TUI Cruises.

The Hapag-Lloyd Cruises fleet comprises the two luxury ships Europa and Europa 2 as well as the three expedition ships Hanseatic nature, Hanseatic inspiration and Hanseatic spirit. All five small ships have once again been awarded the highest rating of five stars by Insight Guides Cruising & Cruise Ships 2025, formally the Berlitz Cruise Guide, and are considered the best cruise fleet in the world. Two ships of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises – Europa 2 and Hanseatic inspiration – have already been operating in both German and English; and from January 2026 onwards, the entire fleet will conduct bilingual cruises, thus opening the entire fleet to discerning guests from around the world – without altering the core of what makes the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises fleet unique. “Guests who are seeking personalised experiences combined with luxury will find the ideal dream cruise provider with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. For more than 130 years, the fleet has stood for luxury. This development ensures that international guests can enjoy access to our range of individualised and signature luxury experiences – with bilingual service and seamless communication on board – without compromising on intimacy, elegance or authenticity,” emphasises Clas Eckholt.

Creative implementation and campaign content

Ines Bizi, Director of Marketing at Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, adds: “Our campaign is more than an offer – it is an invitation. An invitation to leave everyday life behind and immerse yourself in a world where every moment touches, inspires and lingers. We offer experiences that are not only seen, but felt with all the senses. Using new key visuals and emotional imagery, we create inspiration that inspires both long-standing guests and new customers alike.”

On the three manoeuvrable expedition ships, the focus is on the spectacular natural and adventure worlds of the Arctic, whilst service, cuisine and entertainment are the central themes on the small luxury ships Europa and Europa 2. The campaign’s media activities are accompanied by online marketing and direct guest communication measures. A total of 26 cruises are highlighted, with emphasis on the current early booking discount available until 31 Oct 2025. Starting with selected Mediterranean routes on the luxury fleet and discovery routes to the East and West Arctic on the expedition fleet, the campaign also includes routes in the Baltic Sea, the British Isles, cruises to the North Cape as well as the extraordinary expedition through the Northwest Passage.

Support for travel agencies

“Of course, we provide our partners in travel sales with all the necessary and new materials and tools for the “WORLD. WIDE. WONDERFUL.” campaign, supported by the early booking incentive, enabling them to advise their customers professionally. The campaign supports sales, inspires travel dreams and makes the uniqueness of our ships and cruises immediately tangible: all those who have already been on board with us immediately associate this feeling with an emotional world of experience. And for all those who have yet to enjoy it, we make this special momentum tangible,” says Elvir Johic, Director Sales at Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.

Travel agencies benefit from a comprehensive package of campaign materials:
– 36-page campaign brochure including cover letter
– Animated flip book brochure with many integrated films, images and links
– Social media templates
– Brand video (20 seconds, special version for travel agencies)

The campaign can be used directly in consulting and sales promotion, as all materials are effortlessly available via the “Agent Compass” agency portal in the ordering service.

Celebrity Xcel successfully completes sea trials

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

Celebrity Cruises’ latest ship, Celebrity Xcel, has reached a major milestone, completing its first ocean sailing on Saturday, September 13. Helmed by Captain ‘Kirk’ Kyriakos Matragkas, Celebrity Xcel completed a series of maneuverability skills designed to test the ship’s functional and operational capabilities near the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France – where the ship has been under construction.

After completing sea trials with flying colors, Celebrity Xcel is ready to welcome guests for inaugural sailings in November.

Fifth Edge-class ship

The fifth ship in Celebrity Cruises’ revolutionary Edge-series ships, Celebrity Xcel takes forward the best of the Edge-series while introducing seven new spaces that will deliver an unmatched vacation experience.

Celebrity Xcel will sail its inaugural season from Fort Lauderdale, offering 7-night itineraries alternating between The Bahamas, Mexico, Cayman Islands, and Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. In Summer 2026, Celebrity Xcel will set sail on its inaugural European season where guests can immerse themselves in the Mediterranean like never before on 7-to 11-night journeys out of Barcelona and Athens, including all new overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal.

Seatrade Europe wraps up in Hamburg

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 14 September 2025 14 September 2025

Earlier this week Seatrade Europe – Cruise & River Cruise Convention took place in Hamburg Messe und Congress in Germany. The beautiful port side venue and host maritime city welcomed over 3,000 attendees from a record-breaking 100 countries and 250+ exhibitors along with 75 cruise line brands. This audience represented 30% growth on the 2023 edition. The variety of exhibiting companies demonstrated the continued strength and relevance of Seatrade Europe. Among the highlights were numerous new cruise destinations in the Destination Discovery Zone, a new Tech Zone reflecting the ongoing innovation needs of cruise lines, and the Newcomers Boulevard presenting new brands and services.

As well as the exceptional business and networking opportunities, the event delivered a cutting-edge conference under the theme of “Future Forward”. Over 140 speakers from across the industry led sessions and discussions on the most up to date topics such as decarbonization, guest experience, community engagement plus shore power and alternative fuel supply.

The event also hosted the 19th edition of the Seatrade Cruise Awards which celebrates excellence and rewards achievements across nine categories including the prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award and Personality of the Year Award for two individuals. There was a record number of entries.

As part of the newly introduced Travel Agent Days (11–12 September), travel agents were given exclusive free access to the exhibition. The new Destination Discovery Friday (12 September) then opened the doors, for the first time, to private cruise enthusiasts. This was well attended, providing a fitting finale to the week.

A particular focus this year was on river cruising: during the River Cruise Day, cruise lines, shipyards, suppliers and destinations discussed the opportunities and challenges of this rapidly growing segment. Topics included next-generation vessels, sustainable technologies and the development of new destinations. With rising passenger numbers and increasing demand, especially on Europe’s rivers, river cruising is seen as one of the industry’s most important growth drivers.

Claus Ulrich Selbach, Vice President Exhibitions Maritime and Energy said: “Organising Seatrade Europe for the 2025 edition and hosting the CLIA Ports & Destinations Dialogue in Hamburg is a clear signal of our city’s maritime strength and ambition. With our modern cruise infrastructure, vibrant port and strong network of international partners, Hamburg is perfectly positioned to remain Europe’s gateway for the global cruise community. This event showcases not only industry excellence but also the unique spirit of our maritime city.”

Chiara Giorgi, Global Brand & Event Director of Seatrade Cruise said: “Wow! What a week! It is always wonderful to bring the cruise industry family together, but this time felt very special – there is a real buzz and positivity about our future growth and change for the good right now. The event’s success truly is a group effort, so I’d like to offer a big thank you all of our partners, exhibitors, sponsors, delegates, speakers and other contributors for making this week one to remember.”

2027 and 2029 dates – Seatrade Europe is a biennial event. The dates of the next two editions are 15-17 September 2027 and 12-14 September 2029.

Mitsui Ocean Cruises appoints Joe Maloney as Head of Sales in North America

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

Mitsui Ocean Cruises announced the appointment of seasoned travel executive Joe Maloney as the of head of sales for its general sales agent partner in North America, a strategic leadership role as the Japanese cruise line continues its growth in the U.S. and Canadian markets.

Maloney brings more than 35 years of experience in the travel industry, beginning his career in the late 1980s as a Tour Director for Tauck, leading tours throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe. In the 1990s, he transitioned into sales and marketing, later holding executive positions at The Travel Corporation, Scenic, AAA, and Swan Hellenic. His extensive travels have taken him across all seven continents, underscoring a career built on global expertise and a deep passion for travel.

“Joe’s leadership and deep industry knowledge will be instrumental in expanding Mitsui Ocean Cruises’ presence in North America,” said Tony Kaufman, Head of Commercial Strategies. “His strong advisor relationships and trusted reputation make him the ideal partner to share our uniquely Japanese cruise experience - defined by distinct hospitality, natural beauty, and culture.”

Maloney joins Albert Hartigan, who leads partner marketing in North America. Together they will work closely with travel advisors, group leaders, marketing partners and consumers. Maloney can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Maloney added, “My recent sailing aboard Mitsui Ocean Fuji with leading travel advisors underscored the tremendous opportunity ahead of us in North America. Travelers here are seeking completely new and different experiences. As the only Japanese company in the international cruise market, we’re uniquely positioned to provide authentic Japan through traditional ‘omotenashi’ (from the heart) service, the praise of delicious cuisine, and deeply meaningful explorations ashore. These beautiful encounters with Japan are delivered in luxury, on our all-suite, intimate cruise vessels.”

Based in Boulder, Colo., Maloney resides with his wife, Kathy, and their two daughters.

Mitsui Ocean Cruises launched its first luxury ship, Mitsui Ocean Fuji, in 2024, offering immersive itineraries in Japan with a focus on authentic cultural encounters, natural beauty, and cuisine. Building on this success, the company will debut its second ship, Mitsui Ocean Sakura, in 2026, further expanding its footprint and offerings for global travelers.

Aurora Expeditions completes first bio-fuel trial

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

Aurora Expeditions has successfully completed its first biofuel trial, marking a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

In May 2025, the company’s purpose-built expedition vessel, the Sylvia Earle, became the first Infinity-class ship to trial Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a sustainable biofuel made entirely from used cooking oil. The ship bunkered HVO in Valencia, Spain, and operated for several days along the Spanish coastline running on 100% HVO.

According to the fuel’s Proof of Sustainability certification, this resulted in an estimated 90% reduction in fuel-related greenhouse gas emissions compared with conventional marine fuel. The trial was completed smoothly, with no impact on engine performance. Preparations included cleaning the fuel tanks and carefully managing the switchover, ensuring safe and reliable operations throughout.

“Operating in some of the world’s most climate-sensitive regions, we recognise that reducing emissions is one of our most urgent responsibilities,” said Sasha Buch, sustainability manager, Aurora Expeditions. “This first biofuel trial has provided valuable insights that will guide future testing and support the broader adoption of sustainable fuels in the maritime sector.”

While the global supply of alternative fuels remains limited, Aurora Expeditions is committed to building on this success with further trials when its vessels return to Europe in 2026.

This trial represents another important step in Aurora Expeditions’ ongoing decarbonization journey and reinforces the company’s commitment to protecting the wild and remote environments it shares so passionately with its expeditioners.