Crystal Serenity to undergo drydock this October

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 13 May 2026 13 May 2026

Crystal has announced today Crystal Serenity will enter a three-week drydock in October 2026, for a scheduled refurbishment of select areas of the ship. The project is focused on refining the onboard experience through various updates to the Aquamarine Classic Suite category and several key public spaces.

The drydock will see a complete refit of the Aquamarine Classic Suites’ living area and bathrooms on Deck 10. While preserving their existing layout and spacious bathrooms featuring separate bathtub and shower configurations, these suites will be outfitted with new furnishings, aligning with the design style introduced during the ship’s 2023 transformation. Additionally, the corridors on Deck 10 will receive new carpet and wallpaper.

As well as the suite enhancements, several public spaces will also be updated, with improvements designed to elevate the onboard ambiance:

– New Pool Bar: Located on Deck 12 mid-ship, the heart of the ship’s most vibrant outdoor space, the addition allows for greater ease and efficiency of service, ensuring guests can enjoy seamless, attentive refreshment without ever leaving the Seahorse Pool area. Operating hours will be tailored to each itinerary and weather conditions, maximizing enjoyment in every destination.
– Atrium and Crystal Cove: The ship’s central gathering space will be transformed, providing a modern and fluid layout with additional seating. Key updates include a new marble dance floor, new stage for live entertainment and a De Castelli mosaic, echoing the design installed aboard Crystal Symphony during her 2025 drydock. The reception area will have an elevated space with a new desk, marble top and backlit panel. Complementing this, the surrounding walls and columns will be refinished with new wallpaper and mosaic details.
– Waterside Restaurant: Waiter stations will be renovated and chairs will be reupholstered.
– Stardust Club: This signature venue will receive new tables and chandeliers.
– Seahorse Pool: Guests will be pleased to find new loose furniture in the areas around the pool.
– Marketplace: This popular breakfast and lunch venue will receive newly renovated chairs throughout the space.

“Following the successful drydock of Crystal Symphony, our work aboard Crystal Serenity is guided first and foremost by the guest experience. These enhancements underscore our commitment to creating meaningful, memorable experiences for our guests at every touchpoint, while ensuring that Crystal Serenity continues to feel as welcoming and enriching as the journeys themselves," said Bernie Leypold, Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations for Crystal.

In parallel to the enhancements across guest-facing spaces, Crystal Serenity will undergo a series of technical upgrades designed to optimize performance, efficiency and environmental responsibility. Work along the propulsion line will support the vessel’s operational reliability, while the fin stabilizers will undergo a comprehensive mechanical overhaul to ensure continued comfort at sea. The ship will also receive extensive hull cleaning and repainting, alongside a range of electrical and automation upgrades to modernize onboard systems. New sound and entertainment systems will be installed in the ship’s main public areas, further elevating the onboard experience. These improvements are intended to maintain the highest operational standards while helping to reduce fuel and water consumption, lower emissions and minimize environmental impact.

Crystal Serenity is expected to resume service Nov. 8, beginning a 15-day Transatlantic voyage from Lisbon to Fort Lauderdale where she will the begin her Caribbean season.

MSC Cruises celebrates arrival of MSC Poesia in Seattle

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 12 May 2026 12 May 2026

MSC Cruises yesterday marked a major milestone in its North American expansion with the arrival of MSC Poesia in Seattle, launching the cruise line’s first-ever Alaska season and establishing Seattle as its newest U.S. homeport.

MSC Poesia will sail 7-night Alaska itineraries from Seattle through September 2026, calling at Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point and Juneau in Alaska, along with Victoria, British Columbia. Sailings also include scenic cruising through Endicott Arm, featuring views of Dawes Glacier and Alaska’s fjord scenery.

The arrival establishes Seattle as MSC Cruises’ newest U.S. homeport and reflects the company’s continued investment in North America as the cruise line expands its itinerary offerings to include some of the region’s most sought-after destinations. Guests will enjoy MSC Cruises’ unique blend of European style and American comfort while sailing through the breathtaking scenery and natural beauty of Alaska.

To commemorate the milestone, MSC Cruises hosted a traditional maritime plaque exchange ceremony alongside elected officials, local stakeholders and Port of Seattle representatives to celebrate and share in this pivotal moment for the Pacific Northwest.

Lynn Torrent, President, MSC Cruises North America, said: “The arrival of MSC Poesia in Seattle marks an exciting milestone for MSC Cruises as we bring our distinctive blend of European style and American comfort to the Pacific Northwest for the first time. Launching in Seattle reflects our continued commitment to expanding our presence across North America and offering guests new ways to experience some of the world’s most extraordinary destinations. We are thankful for the strong collaboration and warm welcome from the Port of Seattle, elected officials and community leaders as we establish our presence in this incredible region.”

Guests sailing aboard MSC Poesia this season will enjoy a refreshed onboard experience following the ship’s recent enhancements. The ship now features MSC Yacht Club, MSC Cruises’ exclusive “ship-within-a-ship” concept, offering private amenities, elevated service and 24-hour butler service. Guests will also find new specialty dining venues including Butcher’s Cut – an American-style steakhouse, and Kaito Sushi Bar, along with an updated MSC Aurea Spa and enhanced MSC Gym powered by Technogym.

The Alaska season will feature an enhanced culinary program inspired by the Pacific Northwest, with new Alaska-themed dining and beverage offerings created specifically for MSC Cruises’ sailings in the region. Guests will enjoy hearty regional cuisine, expanded seafood selections, warming beverages and Alaska-inspired cocktails throughout the voyage. As part of the experience, MSC Cruises will source local provisions from the Pacific Northwest, including regional seafood featured throughout the season.

MSC Poesia will also feature enhanced entertainment and enrichment programming throughout the Alaska season, highlighted by “Dirty Dancing: In Concert,” a live-to-film production featuring singers, dancers and a live band performing alongside the iconic movie. Guests will also enjoy live music, themed parties, comedy performances, family activities and Alaska-focused enrichment including expert talks, narrated scenic experiences and interactive workshops inspired by the region’s wildlife, geography and culture.

As part of MSC Cruises’ commitment to responsible operations in the region, the cruise line is partnering with marine conservation organization ORCA. An ORCA-trained Marine Mammal Observer will sail aboard MSC Poesia during peak whale season to support crew training, guest education and research focused on whale behavior and vessel interaction in Alaskan waters. Guests will also have opportunities to learn more about Alaska’s marine wildlife and environment through onboard educational programming.

Viking named to TIME’s List of the Most Influential Companies

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 05 May 2026 05 May 2026

Viking last week announced it has been named to TIME’s 2026 TIME100 Most Influential Companies list, which recognizes companies making an extraordinary impact around the world. Viking was recognized in the “Disrupters” category, highlighting companies that are redefining industries and challenging conventional approaches. Viking was also named to the TIME100 Companies: Industry Leaders list for Travel & Tourism, which highlights the 10 most influential companies shaping the sector in 2026.

“To be recognized by TIME as one of the world’s most influential companies is an incredible honor,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “Ever since our humble beginnings in 1997, we have always done things differently in the travel industry. We focus on the destination, and we do not try to be all things to all people. We are proud that our contrarian approach continues to resonate with our guests, the industry and prestigious publications like TIME, as we continue to grow thoughtfully and stay true to what makes Viking different.”

To assemble the list, TIME polled its global network of contributors and correspondents, as well as outside experts. Then, TIME editors evaluated nominations on key factors, including impact, innovation, ambition and success. The result is a diverse group of businesses helping chart an essential path forward. See the full list here: time.com/100companies.

The announcement adds to a growing list of accolades for Viking. Viking was rated #1 for Oceans and #1 for Rivers by Condé Nast Traveler for the fifth consecutive year in the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking is also rated a “World’s Best” by Travel + Leisure—no other travel company has simultaneously received such honors by both publications. Recently, the Viking Vesta® was also named to Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Hot List. Additional recognition includes ranking #1 in seven categories in USA TODAY 10BEST 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, earning top honors from Southern Living for both its river and ocean voyages in the publication’s 2026 cruise rankings, receiving eight awards in Cruise Critic’s 2025 Best in Cruise Awards and, for the fifth year in a row, top rankings from U.S. News & World Report as “Best Luxury Line,” “Best Line for Couples” and “Best Line in the Mediterranean.” Viking also earned AOL’s Best Cruise Line for 2025 and continues to receive “Recommended” ratings for its ocean ships in Forbes Travel Guide.

Medical emergency aboard the expedition ship Hondius

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 04 May 2026 04 May 2026

Oceanwide Expeditions is currently managing a serious medical situation on board the vessel Hondius, located off the coast of Cape Verde. The Dutch company has released the following statement:

"During this voyage, three passengers have passed away. In addition, one passenger is currently being treated in intensive care in Johannesburg, and two crew members on board require urgent medical care.

As of 23:00 hrs CET on 3 May 2026, no authorization from Cape Verdean authorities has been given to disembark guests requiring medical care or to support with medical screening. Local health authorities have visited the vessel to assess the condition of the two symptomatic individuals. They are yet to make a decision regarding the transfer of these individuals into medical care in Cape Verde. The priority of Oceanwide Expeditions is to ensure that the two symptomatic individuals on board receive adequate and expedited medical care.

Dutch authorities have agreed to lead a joint effort in organizing the repatriation of the two symptomatic individuals on board m/v Hondius from Cape Verde to the Netherlands. The body of the deceased individual is also planned to be included in this repatriation, along with a guest closely associated with the deceased. This individual is not symptomatic. This repatriation depends on many factors, including the authorization and support of local Cape Verdean health authorities for the transfer of individuals requiring medical attention from m/v Hondius.

We are in close contact with those directly affected and their families and are providing support where possible.

The health and safety of all passengers and crew is our highest priority. Oceanwide Expeditions is working closely with local and international authorities, including WHO, RIVM, relevant embassies, and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Disembarkation and medical screening of all guests require coordination with local health authorities, and we are in close consultation with them.

We are currently establishing the full facts and working on appropriate medical care, screening, and next steps. We will provide a further update as soon as more information becomes available."