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Cruise tourism in Southeast Asia generates US$10 Billion in total economic output

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 14 April 2026 14 April 2026

Southeast Asia’s cruise industry demonstrated strong economic value in 2024, generating US$10 billion1 (S$12.9 billion) in total output representing 5% of global cruise industry output. The region delivered US$2,564 (S$3,308) per passenger visit – 2.4 times the global average per passenger, despite only accounting for 2% of global cruise passengers (186 million).

These findings are from the inaugural Economic Impact Assessment of Cruise Tourism for Southeast Asian countries, produced by Tourism Economics for the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), in partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). The study highlights the region’s cruise industry economic contributions in 2024, reinforcing the strategic importance of Southeast Asia in the global cruise landscape. It also underscores how the cruise industry brings substantial economic returns to destinations across the region.

Jean Ng, Assistant Chief Executive, Experience Development Group, Singapore Tourism Board, said: “This study reinforces Southeast Asia's strong cruise tourism value proposition, driven by a growing middle class, rising demand for diverse travel experiences, and rich destination variety. As ASEAN's lead coordinator for cruise developments, Singapore is committed to working with regional neighbours and global industry partners to unlock Southeast Asia’s full potential for cruising and build a compelling destination network that attracts cruise lines while delivering sustainable economic benefits across the region.”

Bud Darr, President and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), said: “We greatly value the collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board on this project. Their partnership enabled us to broaden the annual CLIA Economic Impact Studies and, for the first time, measure the economic contribution of cruise tourism across Southeast Asia within our global analysis. The results underscore the region’s growing role as a driver of jobs, economic activity, and a global cruise sector that brings unforgettable travel experiences to millions of guests worldwide.”

Southeast Asia generates strong economic returns from cruise tourism

Southeast Asia’s cruise tourism recorded a strong performance in 2024, contributing US$4.5 billion (S$5.8 billion) to the regional GDP and 5% of global cruise-related GDP. This strong showing is reinforced by positive passenger sentiments, with 85% of cruise travellers rating their Southeast Asian experience positively and nearly half (47%) expressing intent to return for land-based travel. This attests to the sector’s potential to drive broader tourism growth.

This data highlights cruise tourism’s role as a gateway to future growth. It introduces visitors to the region’s diverse attractions, and helps generate sustained tourism demand beyond the initial cruise visit.

Market concentration data reveals Singapore and Malaysia collectively accounted for 70% of Southeast Asian cruise passenger visits in 2024, with Singapore capturing 48% share of the region’s 3.9 million passenger visits, while Malaysia securing 22%. There remains significant potential for other Southeast Asian destinations to develop cruise capabilities to capture a larger share of the growing market.

The industry supported approximately 530,000 jobs across the wider economy, including tourism and port-related sectors, representing 30% of the global cruise-related employment. This shows the region’s importance as a primary workforce hub. Most of this employment is in the Philippines and Indonesia, collectively representing 85% of the workforce in Southeast Asia generated by cruise-related activities.

Study supports CLIA's global industry development goals

This joint research initiative aligns with CLIA's mission to promote the cruise industry's growth worldwide. By providing comprehensive economic impact data, the study equips CLIA and Southeast Asia stakeholders with evidence-based insights to support investment decisions and catalyse cruise developments in the region.

Building on these strong economic contributions, there is significant opportunity for Southeast Asian destinations to further develop port infrastructure and enhance destination experiences to attract more cruise line deployments. By making these enhancements to improve operational efficiency and increase appeal to both cruise operators and passengers, countries in the region stand to capture even greater economic value and long-term benefits from the growing cruise industry.

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company announces ownership transfer

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 14 April 2026 14 April 2026

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company has announced that a transfer of ownership took place during the last quarter of 2025 from its founder Captain Gianluigi Aponte to his son and daughter, Diego and Alexa Aponte. Both of whom are Italian nationals brought up in Switzerland and currently residents of the country.

"This transition marks a significant milestone in the Geneva based company’s history, as Diego Aponte, Group President, and Alexa Aponte, Group Chief Financial Officer, have demonstrated leadership and vision, achieving remarkable successes within their respective roles in the business. The move ensures the continued stability and growth of the MSC Group of companies under the stewardship of the next generation," the group said in a statement.

Captain Gianluigi Aponte, founder of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company and Chairman of the Group, commented: “I am incredibly proud of this historic moment. Passing ownership to my children is not only a reflection of their dedication and achievements, but also a continuation of our family’s centuries long maritime heritage. With Diego and Alexa at the helm, I am confident that our Group will continue to thrive and honour our family’s legacy of innovation, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the sea.”

MSC will remain focused on its core business ocean freight with Captain Gianluigi Aponte continuing as executive Chairman of the Group.

Meyer Turku reports improved financial results

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 14 April 2026 14 April 2026

Meyer Turku Group Oy has published 2025 financial results. The company’s turnover amounted to EUR 2.14 billion, representing an increase of 17.2% compared to the previous year. Adjusted EBIT for the 2025 financial year was EUR 105.1 million.

“The result achieved last year supports us on our path towards a stronger independent company. The successful delivery of Star of the Seas, our confirmed orders, options, and the framework agreement with Royal Caribbean extending through 2036 provide a solid basis for future planning. In the coming years, our goal is to achieve stable financial performance and to make significant investments in the shipyard to strengthen our competitiveness,” says Casimir Lindholm, CEO of Meyer Turku.

At the Meyer Turku shipyard, three vessels are under construction simultaneously at different stages of completion, and one completed cruise ship is delivered to the customer each year.

The third vessel in the Icon class, Legend of the Seas, will be completed the coming summer. Construction is also currently underway on the fourth vessel in the series, Hero of the Seas, which will be delivered in summer 2027, as well as the fifth vessel of the series, which has not yet been named and is scheduled for delivery in 2028. Meyer Turku also holds options for the sixth and seventh vessels in the series. A framework agreement with Royal Caribbean secures the shipyard’s order book through 2036.

In July 2025, Meyer Turku completed Star of the Seas, the second vessel in the Icon class. In summer 2024, Mein Schiff 7 was delivered – the first vessel built at the Turku shipyard with methanol readiness.

In addition to cruise ships, Meyer Turku is building two multi‑purpose offshore patrol vessels for the Finnish Border Guard at its partner shipyards. These vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2026 and 2027.

NOTE: Meyer Turku Group Oy consists of Meyer Turku Oy and its operational subsidiaries Piikkio Works Oy, Shipbuilding Completion Oy, Technology Design and Engineering ENG’nD Oy, as well as mutual real estate companies.

MSC Group's Cruise Division to introduce Sandy Cay, a new luxury private island in the Bahamas

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 13 April 2026 13 April 2026

MSC Group’s Cruise Division introduced Sandy Cay today – a new luxury private island destination located next to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in The Bahamas, due to open in 2028. Designed for MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys guests, the new island further elevates the Company’s vision of delivering truly unique and authentic travel experiences.

Sandy Cay was conceived as an intimate complement to Ocean Cay, offering a more secluded escape and inviting guests into a quieter, deeply immersive connection with the natural rhythms of the ocean and the spirit of The Bahamas.

Pristine aragonite sands – among the purest and brightest in the world – give Sandy Cay its name and its character, shaping an island defined by serenity. Sandy Cay has been carefully envisioned as a destination designed to offer a more intimate yet elevated and immersive experience. It remains true to the ethos that defines Ocean Cay – connecting guests to nature and the natural beauty of the ocean.

Sandy Cay will complement the Company’s existing private island destination, sharing the same crystal-clear Bahamian waters as Ocean Cay while offering a new dimension of discovery, serenity and escape.

Upgrades coming to MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve

MSC Cruises recently announced enhancements to Ocean Cay, which will introduce new facilities and experiences designed to further enhance the island’s guest experience.

Enhancements include additional dining venues, new beach concepts for families and adults, expanded relaxation areas, and new ways for guests to engage with marine conservation through immersive experiences.

Together, these developments reinforce the Company’s vision of creating private island destinations that continue to evolve in line with guest expectations while respecting the natural environment and beauty of The Bahamas.

VidantaWorld Voyages introduces Elegant in the Mediterranean

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 13 April 2026 13 April 2026

VidantaWorld Voyages announced last week the debut of Elegant, a luxurious ultra-yacht designed to deliver a more immersive, unhurried way to experience the Mediterranean – pairing extended time in iconic destinations with the space, elegance, and service standards of a world-class luxury resort.

From April 11-October 2, 2026 and returning May through September 2027, Elegant will offer a portfolio of 7-night Mediterranean itineraries focused on specific regions, allowing guests to experience each destination in greater depth rather than rushing between distant ports. Planned itineraries span the French Riviera, Spanish Coast, Azores & Portugal, Greek Islands and Adriatic Sea, and Italian Shores.

Designed for travelers who value how they experience Europe as much as where they go, Elegant's itineraries emphasize overnight stays, late departures, and a slower pace of travel. With tenders available on demand, guests experience the Mediterranean beyond peak-season crowds – enjoying seaside dinners after dark, evening promenades, live music, and nightlife typically missed by traditional cruise itineraries.

Vidanta took a vessel designed to accommodate more than 600 guests and made a deliberate decision to welcome just 216. That choice – prioritizing space over capacity – defines every aspect of Elegant. The result is an ultra-yacht where spaciousness is inherent throughout the onboard experience, from expansive personal accommodations and larger, more numerous lounges to a reimagined dining approach without a traditional main dining room. The design eliminates the lines, bottlenecks, and congestion typical of conventional cruise experiences, creating a sense of openness, flow, and ease across every deck.

The result is an experience that feels markedly more spacious and unhurried than nearly any luxury small ship in the Mediterranean.

Supporting this design philosophy is a service model that approaches a near 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, enabling highly personalized, intuitive hospitality rarely achievable at sea. Guests in Elegant's highest-level accommodations will enjoy dedicated butler service, providing discreet, anticipatory attention that elevates every aspect of the journey.

"From the beginning, our focus has been about redefining what luxury at sea could feel like,” said Ivan Chavez, Executive Vice President of Grupo Vidanta. “By dramatically reducing guest count, elevating service to near one-to-one levels, prioritizing space and building itineraries around longer stays and late departures, we’ve created a voyage that delivers the high-end experience and flexibility today’s luxury travelers are seeking.”

Rooted in luxury hospitality expertise

Elegant is the seaborne expression of Vidanta's decades-long leadership in luxury vacations, built on the same hospitality philosophy that has defined the company's award-winning Mexican resorts and destinations. Known for creating expansive, design-forward environments that prioritize space, comfort, and guest experience, Vidanta brings a resort-first mindset to the sea - favoring openness over density and immersion over itineraries built around the clock.

That heritage is evident throughout Elegant, from its residential-scale accommodations and generous public spaces to a service culture defined by warmth, personalization, and ease. Select Governor’s and Presidential Suites include an additional bathroom – ideal for third-occupancy guests or entertaining - and some top-tier suites include two full bathrooms, reinforcing the residential feel.

About one-third of accommodations onboard feature dedicated butler service delivered by professionals formally trained by the British Butler Institute, one of the world’s most respected authorities in refined personal service.

A luxury resort that sails

Elegant blends the sophistication of a land-based luxury resort with the freedom and romance of Mediterranean sailing. The experience is defined by:
– Expansive, elegantly appointed suites and staterooms with residential proportions
– Near 1:1 crew-to-guest service levels, enabling genuine personalization
– Butler service in the ship’s top-tier accommodations
– Magnificent deck space and generously scaled public areas
– Exceptional openness and width throughout, eliminating congestion and crowding
– Extended stays, late departures, and overnight calls in marquee Mediterranean ports
– Tenders on demand, allowing guests to explore destinations freely and without rigid schedules

While the ship's structure reflects its classic heritage, all guest-facing spaces are entirely new, redesigned with modern luxury styling, warm materials, refined textures, and a calming, residential aesthetic.

Throughout the ship: resort-caliber amenities at sea

Throughout Elegant, guests enjoy a thoughtfully curated collection of resort-caliber amenities designed to feel expansive, elegant, and exceptionally high end. The ship features one generously scaled pool, four hot tubs, a marina deck with direct access to the sea, a refined casino, a full-service spa and fitness center, and a wide range of beautifully designed social spaces that move seamlessly from lively lounges to quiet, intimate retreats.

Aboard Elegant, the guest experience unfolds in a natural rhythm from morning through late night. Days begin with wellness on the Pure Sky Deck and unhurried time around the pool, before building into afternoons where live music – piano in Mosaico, violin and jazz across open-air venues – moves throughout the ship.

As evening arrives, the atmosphere shifts: dining across a collection of distinct restaurants, evolving dress codes, and signature performances in the Amura Lounge, including productions like World of Wonder. Nights extend into themed pool deck celebrations, interactive game experiences, and late-night DJ sets under the stars.

With multiple venues active at once, guests move seamlessly through the day at their own pace – engaging as they choose, without crowds or constraint.

Culinary experiences are central to life onboard, with three destination-driven dinner restaurants, casual cafes and snack venues, and eight distinct bar and lounge concepts distributed throughout the yacht – ensuring guests are never far from a relaxed place to gather, dine, or enjoy a cocktail without congestion. Entertainment is intentionally intimate and ambient, with live music and curated performances woven naturally into the onboard atmosphere.

From morning wellness rituals and relaxed poolside afternoons to evenings under the stars, Elegant delivers the rhythm of a luxury resort - elevated by panoramic sea views, exceptional deck space, and a service model built for ease and attentiveness.