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Oceania Cruises celebrates keel laying for new-generation ship, Oceania Sonata, at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Marghera, Italy

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 06 February 2026 06 February 2026

Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused luxury cruise line, has celebrated a pivotal milestone in the construction of its next-generation ship, Oceania Sonata, as the keel of the ship was laid at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy. The ceremony, an important maritime tradition, honored the rich heritage of shipbuilding, the importance of partnership, and underscored the line’s bold vision of its future.

“Oceania Sonata embodies the next chapter in our legacy of redefining luxury travel, and we are proud to mark this occasion as we cement our position in the industry,” said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Oceania Cruises. “This milestone is the result of the extraordinary dedication and expertise of the Fincantieri team – shipbuilders, engineers, designers and countless others whose skill and passion transform our vision into reality.”

Harry Sommer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd; Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Oceania Cruises; Patrik Dahlgren, Executive Vice President, Chief Vessel Operations and Newbuild Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd; and Franco Semeraro, Chief Experience Officer, Oceania Cruises, were present for the ceremony, alongside Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of Fincantieri Merchant Ships Division and Marco Lunardi, Fincantieri’s Senior Vice President of the Marghera Shipyard.

“The keel laying for Oceania Sonata marks an important milestone not only for Oceania Cruises and Fincantieri, but for the entire luxury cruise industry,” said Matarazzo. “This ship embodies the innovation and craftsmanship that define our longstanding partnership with Oceania Cruises. Leveraging our expertise, and the technical excellence refined through the successful construction of the Allura Class vessels, we are proud to bring Oceania Cruises’ vision to life once again with this remarkable new ship.”

Set to embark on her maiden voyage in August 2027, Oceania Sonata marks the next evolution of Oceania Cruises’ acclaimed fleet, ushering in a new era of refined elegance at sea. She will be followed by three sister ships, Oceania Arietta, scheduled to join the fleet in 2029, and two as-yet-unnamed Sonata class vessels in 2032 and 2035.

Oceania Sonata will be the line’s ninth ship and follows its two Allura class vessels, Oceania Vista and Oceania Allura, launched in 2023 and 2025, respectively, to great global acclaim.

At 86,000 gross tons and accommodating just 1,390 guests, Oceania Sonata offers an exceptional sense of space and exclusivity. One-third of all guest accommodations will be suites, including four new two-bedroom Owner’s Suites, and two entirely new categories: the Horizon Suites and the Penthouse Deluxe Suites.

Also debuting aboard Oceania Sonata will be two new culinary experiences: the most exclusive fine-dining restaurant at sea, La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France; and Nikkei Kitchen, which will specialize in a vibrant fusion of Peruvian flavors and refined Japanese culinary techniques and tastes.

Photo: Oceania Cruises and Fincantieri team at the shipyard in Marghera, laying the keel of Oceania Sonata. From left to right: Marco Lunardi, Senior Vice President, Fincantieri Marghera Shipyard; Franco Semeraro, Chief Experience Officer, Oceania Cruises; Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager, Fincantieri Merchant Ships Division; Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer, Oceania Cruises; Harry Sommer, President and CEO, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd; Patrik Dahlgren, Executive Vice President, Chief Vessel Operations & New Build Officer, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

Carnival Cruise Line expands Baltimore presence with second ship for 2027/2028 season

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

Carnival Cruise Line today announced exciting new sailings for the 2027/28 season, highlighted by the addition of a second ship in Baltimore and new deployment options for Carnival Firenze.

This marks the first time Carnival will homeport two ships from Baltimore, underscoring the cruise line’s continued commitment to the region. Beginning fall 2027, Carnival Miracle will join her sister ship Carnival Pride in Baltimore to offer guests a greater variety of Caribbean itineraries throughout the season. The Spirit-class ship will operate 7-, 8- and 9-night sailings to the Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean, along with extended 12- and 14-day Carnival Journeys voyages to sought-after destinations, such as Dominica, Guadeloupe, St. Maarten, and many others. Carnival Miracle will arrive in Baltimore on Nov. 20, 2027, following a 15-day transatlantic voyage from Civitavecchia, Italy.

“Baltimore has been an important homeport for Carnival for more than two decades, and we’re excited to continue building on our year-round operations with the addition of Carnival Miracle,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “By giving our guests more variety in itineraries and ships, we’re giving them more reasons to take a Carnival Cruise vacation.”

Carnival Miracle offers guests a wide range of onboard experiences including diverse dining options from Guy’s Burger Joint - Opens in new window to its popular Steakhouse, along with entertainment and amenities designed for longer, destination-rich cruises from WaterWorks fun and Playlist Production shows to Alchemy Bar and The Punchliner Comedy Club.

This comes on the heels of Carnival’s recent announcement that Carnival Pride will continue to offer year-round cruises from Baltimore. Guests can look forward to 7-night Bahamas sailings, 7-night Bermuda cruises and extended 9-, 12-, and 14-day Carnival Journeys voyages to destinations including Aruba, Curaçao, Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, Antigua, Tortola and Martinique.

Also beginning in fall 2027, Carnival Firenze will call Port Canaveral home, offering a diverse mix of four-to-14-day Caribbean itineraries. Sailings will range from short Bahamas getaways featuring Celebration Key – Carnival’s exclusive destination on Grand Bahama – to longer voyages exploring the Eastern Caribbean and several Carnival Journeys sailings visiting many beautiful Southern Caribbean destinations.

In addition to the recently announced sailings from Miami through mid‑May 2027, Carnival Firenze’s 2027/28 deployment now includes a special 11‑day Carnival Journeys Southern Caribbean sailing departing from Miami on May 16, 2027, before the ship repositions to its new seasonal homeport in New York City. This one‑time voyage will visit Celebration Key, Aruba; Curaçao; and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

Carnival Firenze will then operate seasonal summer 2028 sailings from New York, giving Northeast guests convenient access to Caribbean vacations before the ship returns to Port Canaveral.

MSC Cruises to add Yacht Club to MSC Musica and MSC Orchestra

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

MSC Cruises today announced the expansion of its renowned MSC Yacht Club to two additional ships, MSC Musica and MSC Orchestra, further strengthening the cruise line’s commitment to offering elevated, personalized cruise experiences. 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 onboard.

The MSC Yacht Club is designed as a luxurious “ship within a ship” concept, giving guests an enhanced level of privacy comfort and personalized service, featuring spacious and elegant suites, 24‑hour butler and dedicated concierge service, as well as exclusive private venues including a refined restaurant, lounge, and sundeck. All this remains just steps away from the range of dining, entertainment and leisure options available across the rest of the ship, with something for every traveler to enjoy.

In addition to these dedicated spaces, guests of the MSC Yacht Club benefit from a curated selection of thoughtful and personalized services designed to make every moment special. This includes daily in‑suite indulgences such as fresh fruits, fine macarons and chocolates, and a complimentary bottle of premium spirits of the guest’s choosing. Guests can take advantage of unpacking and packing services, private shopping appointments in the onboard boutiques outside regular opening hours, and more.

They will also enjoy MED by MSC, the cruise line’s exclusive collection of organic bath amenities crafted specifically for MSC Yacht Club guests. For those seeking tailored experiences ashore, bespoke excursions and private transportation can be arranged to align with their individual preferences.

MSC Cruises is always looking for new ways to enhance the onboard experience, striving to create exceptional and elevated concepts to ensure that guests will remember their cruise as the ultimate vacation experience. With the addition of MSC Musica and MSC Orchestra, the MSC Yacht Club will now be available across 19 ships fleetwide, further extending its appeal to guests seeking a premium and effortlessly luxurious way to travel.

Musica and Orchestra itineraries

MSC Musica will sail in South America from November 2026 through April 2027, offering a range of cruises to Brazilian destinations, and eight- to nine-night holiday sailings to Buenos Aires, Montevideo, and Punta del Este over Christmas and New Year. The season concludes with a 16-night transatlantic crossing departing Santos on April 1, 2027 to Genoa.

MSC Orchestra will begin sailing with the new MSC Yacht Club from Bari, Italy from March 13 - April 24, 2027, exploring Türkiye’s iconic destinations including Izmir and Istanbul, with calls at Piraeus and Corfu, Greece.

Sales for MSC Yacht Club suites for these two ships will open soon.

Miami reveals MSC Yacht Club for the Marina by MSC Cruises in 2026

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 30 January 2026 30 January 2026

The FORMULA 1® CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX has revealed an all-new hospitality centerpiece for the 2026 event: a spectacular MSC Yacht Club experience, presented by MSC Cruises, is set to debut at the Miami International Autodrome for the Formula 1 weekend across May 1-3, 2026.

The MSC Yacht Club will become the highlight of the Marina on the inside of Turns 5-9, representing a bold evolution of one of the most recognizable areas of the FORMULA 1® CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX. Designed to reflect the scale, sophistication and energy of the event itself, the lifelike super yacht will measure 264ft in length, have a width of 96ft and will be 50ft tall at its highest point. It will stand as a premier trackside hospitality destination, offering guests a multi-level experience unlike anything else on the Formula 1 calendar.

Since its debut in 2022, the Marina presented by MSC Cruises has become synonymous with the FORMULA 1® CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX, and the MSC Yacht Club builds on that legacy, bringing together successful elements of the Marina into one striking, purpose-built structure. Positioned at one of the circuit’s most dynamic sections, the MSC Yacht Club will place guests directly alongside one of the most exciting corners on the track’s layout, delivering dramatic views of up to five turns (Turns 5-9). The structure is the event’s biggest new offering since 2023 when a brand-new Paddock Club building was constructed.

The MSC Yacht Club at the FORMULA 1® CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX is inspired by MSC Cruises’ luxury “ship-within-a-ship” onboard experience, aptly named the MSC Yacht Club. It is an exclusive area onboard MSC Cruises’ ships, featuring private suites, 24/7 butler and concierge services and exclusives areas on board. The Miami Grand Prix version will feature five levels totaling 32,000 square feet, with each deck offering a different guest experience.

Every detail of the MSC Yacht Club at the Miami International Autodrome has been carefully tailored to blend modern luxury with elite race views, from multiple decks, lounges and viewing platforms to shaded seating, open-air terraces and signature pools. At the heart of the experience is an exceptional culinary program curated by Bagatelle, the celebrated hospitality brand where restaurant-level execution meets high-energy, French Riviera-inspired joie de vivre. Serving as the culinary anchor of the MSC Yacht Club, Bagatelle sets the tone for dining throughout the weekend, delivering a destination-worthy experience as elevated as the race itself.

The reimagined Marina presented by MSC Cruises will also feature a new general admission area with an elevated viewing platform inside Turn 7, allowing any ticketed guest an opportunity to get up close to see and feel Formula 1 cars at one of the most challenging corners on the circuit.

“From the very beginning, the Marina presented by MSC Cruises has been one of the defining features of our race,” said Katharina Nowak, President of the FORMULA 1® CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX. “In creating the MSC Yacht Club, we wanted to elevate that iconic space by providing something even more immersive, refined and connected to racing. With a great partner in MSC Cruises, we have curated an outstanding guest experience while staying true to the energy of Miami that makes our race so unique.”

“MSC Cruises’ partnership with Formula 1 continues to grow and evolve, and the MSC Yacht Club at the Miami Grand Prix is a perfect expression of who we are as a brand — combining innovation, luxury hospitality and world-class experiences in one extraordinary setting,” said Suzanne Salas, EVP, Marketing, eCommerce & Sales for MSC Cruises. “Formula 1 represents the very best in performance, spectacle and international appeal, which makes this the perfect venue for MSC Cruises to offer fans the seamless blend of European style and American comfort guests enjoy onboard our ships. Miami is the Cruise Capital of the World and we’re incredibly proud to create something so iconic for fans and guests in our own backyard.”

Private Cabanas: Nine exclusive cabanas located on the MSC Yacht Club deck offer premium comfort and privacy just feet from the Formula 1 action.

Deck 1: A calmer, open-air space featuring a striking pool and plush lounge seating — ideal for unwinding while staying fully connected to the race.

Deck 2: Enjoy reserved shaded seating with prime track views, complemented by a refined dining experience curated by Bagatelle, the globally renowned French hospitality brand. Inspired by the fresh farmers’ markets of the French Riviera, Bagatelle will offer an all-day dining experience that guests can enjoy in rhythm with the energy of race weekend. For guests who want an even more exclusive culinary experience aboard the MSC Yacht Club, Bagatelle will offer a seated Chef’s Table experience, available by reservation, with a curated taste of the elevated menu and a more intimate expression of the brand’s iconic dining ritual.

Deck 3: Elevate your experience with shaded seating from a higher vantage point and convenient access to a full-service bar in this relaxed, yet vibrant viewing environment.

Captain’s deck: The highest viewpoint on board, offering 360-degree panoramic views across the track and surrounding campus, this private, elevated space has a commanding view of the on-track action.

Royal Caribbean Group orders new Discovery-class ships from Chantiers de l'Atlantique

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 29 January 2026 29 January 2026

Royal Caribbean Group today announced a series of agreements with the Chantiers de l'Atlantique (CdA) shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France to secure the construction of its highly anticipated Discovery Class ships that will redefine how Royal’s guests experience the world. The agreements include two firm ship orders with options for four additional ships. The first ship in the class is set to debut in 2029, while the second ship is scheduled to be delivered in 2032.

“The Discovery Class represents our continued commitment to shaping the future of vacations. These ships will be a showcase of what’s possible when design meets purpose, ultimately bringing the world closer to our guests,” said Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “Through our partnership with Chantiers de l’Atlantique, we are leveraging France’s world‑class shipbuilding ecosystem and new technology to, once again, reimagine the industry for decades to come.”

This partnership builds on a legacy that began in 1985, when Chantiers de l’Atlantique constructed Royal Caribbean Group’s original Sovereign Class ships – Sovereign of the Seas, Monarch of the Seas and Majesty of the Seas – and continues today with groundbreaking ship classes, including Oasis Class, from game changing Harmony of the Seas, as well as Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Series, and now, Royal Caribbean’s new Discovery Class.

“The Discovery Class introduces a bold new concept that puts our guests at the center of it all. It will deliver extraordinary, one-of-a-kind experiences — from cutting edge design to immersive moments — every detail crafted to surprise and delight guests in ways they’ve never imagined, all while visiting truly breathtaking destinations around the world,” added Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean.

Chantiers de l’Atlantique, one of the world’s most renowned shipyards, has a long history of building industry leading ships. Over the past four decades, the shipyard has built a total of 21 ships for Royal Caribbean Group, and the yard is currently building two more ships with Oasis 7 and Celebrity Xcite.

“Royal Caribbean Group has been keenly focused on disrupting the vacation industry with their innovative and bold vacation offerings. Partnering with Jason and Michael to bring the Discovery Class to life is an opportunity to showcase the future of shipbuilding. Together, we are shaping a new generation of ocean vacations that will lead the industry toward a more innovative future,” said Laurent Castaing, Chief Executive Officer, Chantiers de l’Atlantique.

With a differentiated ecosystem that includes a pipeline of multiple ocean and river ships over the next three years plus eight total land based destinations by 2028, unique vacation experiences, an innovative loyalty program, and a seamless digital ecosystem, Royal Caribbean Group is in the midst of revealing its multiyear portfolio of new vacation offerings that span ocean, river and land based vacations, solidifying its position as a vacation innovator.

This collaboration strengthens Royal Caribbean Group’s global shipbuilding network and reinforces its commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology. The ship orders are contingent upon customary conditions.