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MSC World Asia to be named in Le Havre, France

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 05 June 2026 05 June 2026

MSC Cruises is marking six months until the first sailing of MSC World Asia, the line’s highly anticipated new flagship, and has announced the ship will be officially named on Nov. 28, 2026 in Le Havre, France.

As the latest addition to the World Class fleet, MSC World Asia will celebrate the beauty of the world’s continents and oceans as well as pay homage to the global nature of MSC Cruises. The new flagship will feature subtle design elements inspired by Asia’s rich culture, art and landscapes and will combine returning guest favorites with innovative new concepts designed to elevate entertainment, dining and relaxation at sea.

From the longest dry slide at sea to more than 40 bars and restaurants, as well as immersive entertainment venues delivering memorable experiences day and night, MSC World Asia is set to offer something for every type of traveler.

The ship will be named in a spectacular ceremony bringing together key figures from across the global travel industry, international media, partners and invited guests in Le Havre, France, for an evening blending maritime tradition with contemporary celebration.

Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, said: “Our World Class ships have been a great success with guests, and MSC World Asia, the third of eight in this class, marks the next step in this journey. As we look ahead to her inaugural Mediterranean season, we are proud to continue delivering ships that reflect our vision, innovation, beautiful design, and focus on the guest experience, with each one raising the bar even further. I’m also proud to announce that Captain Paolo Benini will take the helm of MSC World Asia, in recognition of his outstanding leadership on MSC Euribia, including during its recent deployment in Dubai. Having joined MSC Cruises in 2024 with a distinguished maritime career, he is widely respected for his calm, people-focused command and is the ideal choice to lead this remarkable new flagship.”

Following the official naming ceremony in Le Havre, including the traditional breaking of a champagne bottle on the ship’s bow, MSC World Asia will begin her inaugural Mediterranean season from Barcelona on Dec. 4, offering 7-night itineraries to iconic destinations including Marseille, Messina, Civitavecchia (for Rome), Naples and Valletta, with embarkation available at every port.

Princess Cruises unveils largest-ever Europe season for 2028

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 04 June 2026 04 June 2026

Princess Cruises unveils its most expansive Europe season for 2028, with 291 departures across 150 unique itineraries aboard six ships sailing throughout Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and on Transatlantic voyages.

Now on sale, the season includes 7- to 53-day sailings, visiting 128 destinations in 37 countries, access to 101 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and 32 late-night or overnight stays designed to give travelers more time ashore. Early booking bonuses are available June 2 through October 12, 2026, featuring up to $500 instant savings, a stateroom location upgrade, up to $500 onboard credit, early access to dining reservations, reduced $100 deposits and early access to arrival groups, plus extra savings for Captain’s Circle members.

New for the season are Princess’ first calls to Galway and Killybegs, Ireland, as well as the debut of the new Pole-to-Pole Odyssey, and extended voyage linking Antarctica and the Arctic.

“At Princess, we continue to see strong interest in Europe itineraries that offer both iconic destinations and more time for meaningful experiences ashore,” said Jim Berra, Princess Cruises Chief Commercial Officer. “Our 2028 Europe season gives guests the broadest range of Europe options we’ve ever offered, including new calls in Ireland, more opportunities for immersive cultural experiences, and the introduction of our 53-day Pole-to-Pole Odyssey.”

What’s new for Europe 2028

The 2028 season represents the largest Europe deployment in Princess history, and includes:
– 291 departures across 150 itineraries.
– 128 destinations in 37 countries
– Six ships sailing from 13 departure ports – Caribbean Princess, Enchanted Princess, Majestic Princess, Regal Princess, Sky Princess and Sun Princess
– Maiden calls to Galway and Killybegs, bringing guests to Ireland’s rugged and culturally rich western coast for the first time.
– The debut of the Pole-to-Pole Odyssey, a true epic Europe experience that links Antarctica and the Arctic in one unforgettable voyage showcasing dramatic landscapes, diverse cultures and once-in-a-lifetime exploration.
– Access to 101 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 32 late-night and overnight stays that allow for deeper, more authentic connections ashore.

Viking names Mira in Venice

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 02 June 2026 02 June 2026

Viking yesterday announced its newest ocean ship, the Viking Mira, was officially named during a traditional ceremony in Venice, Italy. Rebecca “Becky” Webb Wilson, an accomplished attorney, author, photographer and philanthropist, served as ceremonial godmother. The Viking Mira will now continue her inaugural season sailing in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

“We are proud to welcome the new Viking Mira to our award-winning fleet of elegant sister ships,” said Torstein Hagen, Executive Chairman of Viking. “We are also very honored to have Rebecca as our newest Viking godmother. Her lifelong commitment to public service, exploration and cultural understanding is an inspiration to all of us.”

During the naming ceremony, Rebecca used a Viking broad axe to cut a ribbon that released a bottle of Norwegian aquavit to break on the ship’s hull. Guests also enjoyed performances by Sissel Kyrkjebø, one of the world’s leading crossover sopranos and godmother of the Viking Jupiter.

Rebecca Webb Wilson has dedicated her career to public service, philanthropy and cultural engagement. A graduate of Vanderbilt University and the University of Memphis School of Law, she began her career as a flight attendant with Pan American World Airways, where she developed a lifelong passion for travel and learning about the world. Later, Rebecca served as an Assistant United States Attorney and has held leadership roles with educational, healthcare and civic organizations. An avid traveler and accomplished nature photographer, she is also the founder of youth leadership initiatives focused on bridging social and cultural divides. She was behind Bridge Builders, a youth leadership program whose aim continues to overcome prejudice and foster meaningful connections among students from different backgrounds, and which has so far had over 20,000 participants.

Explora Journeys and Fincantieri completes sea trials for Explora III

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 02 June 2026 02 June 2026

Explora III has successfully completed its sea trials in the Mediterranean, representing another important milestone in the continued expansion of Explora Journeys’ fleet. The successful sea trials validated the ship’s technical and operational performance ahead of her summer debut and marks the next chapter in the brand’s long-term vision to redefine luxury ocean travel.

Explora III is the first LNG-powered ship in the fleet, and it provides the flexibility to utilize renewable fuels such as bio-LNG and synthetic LNG, alongside continued innovation and energy efficiency.

With all six ships now in different phases of development – spanning operation, construction and future delivery – Explora Journeys has reached the halfway point of its planned six-ship fleet expansion, continuing to advance its long-term vision with responsible growth at its core.

“The completion of Explora III’s sea trials marks another proud milestone for Explora Journeys as we continue to bring our long-term fleet vision to life,” said Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys. “Explora III represents the next phase in our growth and reflects our continued commitment to thoughtful innovation, exceptional guest experiences and a conscious approach to luxury ocean travel. As the first LNG-powered ship in our fleet, she also marks an important step in our transition towards lower-emission technologies, supporting our pathway to net zero greenhouse gas emissions for our maritime operations by 2050. This summer, Explora Journeys will have three ships sailing - a significant milestone that reflects the strength of our vision and the remarkable momentum behind the brand.”

Following her successful sea trials, the ship has returned to Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard near Genoa for interior outfitting and final finishing touches. On track for her delivery, ahead of schedule, Explora III will begin her inaugural season with the Mediterranean Prelude Journey departing on July 24, 2026, arriving in Barcelona for her official naming ceremony on August 1, 2026. Two days later, her seven-night Maiden Journey will take her to Lisbon, marking the beginning of a refined Northern European season through culturally rich destinations and striking landscapes.

Across the remainder of her highly anticipated inaugural season, Explora III will journey through the fjords of Norway, Iceland and Greenland before crossing the Atlantic to explore the vibrant autumn landscapes of New England and Canada’s East Coast, with each itinerary designed to offer a distinctive perspective on luxury ocean travel.

Kelly Predmesky appointed Head of Sales for Mitsui Ocean Cruises' North America General Sales Agent

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 31 May 2026 31 May 2026

Mitsui Ocean Cruises has announced the appointment of Kelly Predmesky as head of sales for its general sales agent partner in North America, reinforcing the Japan-based luxury cruise line’s continued expansion and commitment to the U.S. and Canadian markets.

A respected travel industry leader with nearly 20 years of experience in luxury travel sales, strategic partnerships and key account management, Predmesky joins Mitsui Ocean Cruises following senior sales leadership roles with Swan Hellenic and Celestyal Cruises. Throughout her career, she has built a reputation for successfully launching and growing emerging cruise brands in North America through innovative sales strategies, deep advisor relationships and strong luxury trade partnerships.

“Kelly Predmesky’s appointment as Head of Sales for North America marks an exciting new chapter for Mitsui Ocean Cruises as we continue expanding our presence in the market,” said Anthony Kaufman, Head of Commercial Strategies, Mitsui Ocean Cruises. “She brings deep industry relationships, a strong understanding of the luxury travel advisor community and a passion for delivering meaningful travel experiences. As more North American travelers seek authentic travel journeys, her leadership will help introduce guests to a truly unique way to experience Japan – sailing aboard a Japanese cruise line that combines refined luxury, cultural connection and access to destinations rarely visited by international cruise lines.”

Predmesky most recently served as Director of Key and National Accounts for Swan Hellenic, where she led Virtuoso partnerships and helped drive significant growth across the North American market. During her tenure, she played a key role in expanding advisor engagement, increasing distribution and securing major industry partnerships and accolades.

Prior to that, she held leadership roles with Celestyal Cruises, where she was part of the inaugural North American sales team responsible for introducing the brand to the region and significantly growing territory sales and key account partnerships.

In her new role, Predmesky will oversee trade sales strategy and advisor partnerships throughout North America, helping expand awareness of Mitsui Ocean Cruises and its immersive Japanese cruise experiences.

“I’m incredibly excited to join Mitsui Ocean Cruises at such a pivotal moment for the brand,” said Kelly Predmesky. “Today’s luxury travelers are looking for deeper cultural connections and experiences that feel truly authentic. Mitsui Ocean Cruises offers something genuinely unique in the market with the opportunity to explore this sought-after destination aboard a Japanese cruise line alongside local guests. I look forward to working closely with the travel advisor community to introduce more North American travelers to this extraordinary way of experiencing Japan.”

Predmesky joins Albert Hartigan, who leads partner marketing in North America.