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Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings appoints John W. Chidsey as President and Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 12 February 2026 12 February 2026

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. , a leading global cruise company operating Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed John W. Chidsey, a director of NCLH, as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Chidsey succeeds Harry Sommer, who is stepping down as President and Chief Executive Officer and as a Director of NCLH.

Chidsey has a proven track record of leading large global consumer-facing companies through strategic and operational transformation, with experience across franchised operating models, as well as yield-driven, asset-intensive businesses. Across his career, he has been entrusted with leading companies at pivotal moments, strengthening execution, restoring operational discipline, and positioning organizations for improved performance. Most recently, Chidsey served as Chief Executive Officer of Subway Restaurants for five years, leading a multi-year effort to reposition the brand, modernize operations, and strengthen the company’s long-term growth trajectory. Chidsey was appointed to the NCLH Board of Directors in February 2025 and previously served on the Board from 2013 to 2022.

“During his tenure on the Board of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, John has been a highly respected leader and strategic voice. He is the right person to lead the Company through its next phase of execution and performance improvement,” said Stella David, chairperson of the Board. “John has demonstrated his ability to lead businesses through meaningful transformation with a focus on operational rigor and accountability. We are excited for John to assume the role of President and Chief Executive Officer and are confident his leadership will enhance execution, strengthen financial performance, reduce leverage and drive long-term shareholder value. On behalf of the Board, I thank Harry for his many years of dedication and service to the Company.”

Chidsey said, “I am honored to take on the role of President and Chief Executive Officer at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. I look forward to building upon the solid foundation already in place, laid out by the Company’s award-winning brands, dedicated team and crew members, and loyal guests. In my new position, my priority will be to partner with the Board and management team to sharpen execution, improve performance, and continue providing exceptional vacation experiences while delivering durable, long-term value creation.”

Fourth quarter and full year 2025 results

The Company expects its fourth quarter 2025 Net Yield to be around the midpoint of the previously disclosed range and expects its core quarterly and full year 2025 results to be in line with its previously issued guidance on November 4, 2025.

The Company will provide further information when it releases its fourth quarter and full year 2025 results on Monday, March 2, 2026.

Hurtigruten opens a new route from Copenhagen to North Cape and Tromsø

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 12 February 2026 12 February 2026

Hurtigruten is launching a new sailing from Copenhagen to Tromsø via North Cape as one of three new routes along Norway’s coast. The new itinerary gives Scandinavians and international travelers the opportunity to journey from the continent to the Arctic, with stops in some of Norway’s most iconic coastal towns and natural areas.

Demand from Scandinavia is growing strongly. The number of Danish customers has increased by 17 percent from 2024 to 2025, while the number of Swedish travelers has grown by 20 percent during the same period.

“We are pleased that many Danes wish to experience Norway’s beautiful coastline, and we look forward to welcoming even more guests. With departures from Copenhagen, travelers will experience the very best of Norwegian fjords and coastal communities at a slower pace,” says Hurtigruten’s CEO, Hedda Felin.

Copenhagen Malmö Port AB also welcomes the expansion of the route offering.

“Hurtigruten’s strong heritage and focus on authentic experiences are a great match for Copenhagen as a leading cruise destination in the region. An expansion of activities into the winter months is particularly valuable, as it generates important economic activity for the city during the low season,” says Luis de Carvalho, Commercial Cruise Director at Copenhagen Malmö Port AB.

In addition to the Copenhagen route, Hurtigruten is launching a week-long fjord sailing from Bergen as well as a round trip in Northern Norway starting and ending in Tromsø. The sailings are aimed at travelers seeking authentic experiences, with longer stays in each port and excursions developed in collaboration with local operators.

All voyages will take place aboard Trollfjord and follow Hurtigruten’s signature concept, where all food and beverages are included and based on local ingredients, with ample time spent in each port.

The new routes are currently being introduced with selected departures during limited periods. Bookings open on February 12, 2026, and the first sailings will take place from 2027.

Meyer Turku unveils new net zero cruise ship concept

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 11 February 2026 11 February 2026

The net zero cruise ship concept developed under Meyer Turku’s AVATAR project has been completed. The project achieved its set emissions reduction target: the vessel’s lifecycle carbon footprint was successfully reduced by more than 90 percent compared to the baseline defined by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The results provide a solid foundation for continuing development and innovation work in sustainable shipbuilding.

Developing a net zero vessel concept was one of the key objectives of NEcOLEAP, Meyer Turku’s four‑year research and development program co‑funded by Business Finland. Within the program, the AVATAR project brought together a broad network of experts across multiple disciplines and demonstrated that Meyer Turku and the Finnish maritime cluster have excellent capabilities to develop the ships of the future in close cooperation across the entire ecosystem. The outcome has also been critically reviewed by a third party.

“AVATAR has provided a solid foundation for our development work. We now have a substantial portfolio of new ideas, tools, and next-generation ship technologies,” says Anu Ahola, Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer at Meyer Turku.

The concept vessel incorporates technologies and solutions that are expected to be technologically viable and available by 2030. More experimental or early-stage technologies were deliberately excluded — yet the project still exceeded the net zero requirements with a clear margin.

“No single solution is enough — for example, simply switching fuels will not achieve the desired impact. A net zero vessel concept is the sum of many complementary measures,” explains Liina Vahala, Meyer Turku Head of Product Development.

Significantly reduced overall energy consumption

Minimizing the vessel’s energy consumption was a central focus of the concept’s development. A dynamic energy simulation model — a digital twin — was used to evaluate the impact of different design choices across the entire energy system.

The design emphasizes a more streamlined and lightweight structure, as well as improved energy efficiency of onboard spaces. For example, more energy efficient air-handling units reduce heating and cooling power demand on cabin decks by approximately 50%.

The chosen fuel is bio-methanol, a flexible transitional fuel. Its availability and environmental performance are expected to improve throughout the vessel’s life cycle. The concept vessel also utilizes wind-assisted propulsion technology and solar panels. Sustainable materials and optimized use of space further contribute to reducing the vessel’s total lifecycle emissions.‑Sustainable materials and optimized use of space further contribute to reducing the vessel’s total lifecycle emissions.

A new way of working for the future

“AVATAR should not be viewed merely as a single project or concept but as a new way of working at Meyer Turku. It is essential that we continue to develop expertise related to net zero vessels across our network and the entire ecosystem,” Anu Ahola concludes.

The ship concept will be presented in more detail at the Seatrade Cruise Global convention in Miami in April.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Bolette returns service following dry dock

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 10 February 2026 10 February 2026

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has welcomed guests back on board its flagship vessel, Bolette, following the successful completion of a 16‑day dry dock programme at APCL A&P Falmouth.

Bolette entered the facility on 18th January for scheduled maintenance, technical inspections and guest-focused enhancements, underscoring Fred. Olsen’s ongoing commitment to maintaining its fleet to the highest standards and continually improving the guest experience.

During the dry dock, interior refurbishments were carried out across guest spaces. These included refreshed finishes in The Observatory and The Ocean Bar, new carpeting in the main dining room, and revitalised guest corridors and stairwells. More than 50 guest cabin bathrooms were also renovated.

Bolette’s speciality restaurant, Colours & Tastes, has undergone a complete interior transformation as part of a wider fleet refresh. The redesigned space now features refined textures and warm, neutral tones that highlight the restaurant’s curated artwork collection, creating a more elevated and intimate dining setting. From 2026, guests can look forward to a new rotating menu inspired by global flavours – including Grill, Italian and Asian cuisines – offering greater culinary variety throughout their cruise.

Enhancements were also made to the Neptune Lounge to support Fred. Olsen’s new entertainment partnership with RWS Global. Upgrades include the installation of a new LED wall and aerial performance structures, enabling higher production values and an enriched evening entertainment programme. Brand‑new theatre productions will debut on Bolette from June.

In addition to interior refurbishments, APCL A&P Falmouth completed an extensive programme of technical work and thorough inspections to support the vessel’s continued performance. This included hull blasting and repainting, tank cleaning, and refurbishments to the tender platforms and ship’s stabilisers. Bolette has also been fitted with more efficient propeller blades, helping to maintain strong operational performance while supporting the line's wider environmental targets.

Samantha Stimpson, CEO of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “We are delighted to welcome guests back on board Bolette to enjoy her refreshed spaces and enhanced onboard experiences following a successful dry dock period.

“We greatly value our long-standing partnership with APCL A&P Falmouth, whose expertise is instrumental in helping us maintain our fleet to the high standards our guests expect while ensuring Bolette continues to operate efficiently and responsibly.”

Bolette’s return marks the completion of her second refit at APCL A&P Falmouth and the seventh dry dock project completed across the APCL Group. This long-standing partnership reflects Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ commitment to supporting UK shipyard capability, regional economic investment, and the development of maritime skills by providing valuable experience for A&P’s workforce and apprentices.

A dedicated team of 350 people, including subcontractors and more than 40 apprentices, supported the completion of Bolette’s refit.

Mike Spicer, Managing Director of APCL A&P Falmouth, said: “APCL A&P Falmouth was delighted to see Bolette return to our facility – marking the seventh Fred. Olsen vessel to drydock across the APCL Group.

“Contracts such as these make a significant economic contribution to the prosperity of the South West and helps to support our workforce and apprenticeship programme.

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, welcoming their cruise ships for dry dockings across our Group.”

Bolette has now resumed sailing and is welcoming guests back on board for her next programme of voyages, beginning with a 32-day roundtrip Caribbean cruise from Liverpool.

Thatcher Brown returns from Crescent Seas to Virtuoso

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 10 February 2026 10 February 2026

Virtuoso, the leading global network specializing in luxury and experiential travel, yesterday announced the appointment of Thatcher Brown as Special Advisor to the Chief Operating Officer, Cruise, underscoring the network’s continued investment in cruise as a core growth engine amid a rapidly evolving and increasingly competitive landscape.

In this newly created role, Brown will provide senior leadership perspective and strategic oversight to support the long-term health, trajectory and evolution of Virtuoso’s cruise vertical. His focus will include strategy, structure and future product positioning, with an emphasis on strengthening global partnerships that support Virtuoso’s worldwide membership and ensure the category is well positioned for sustained success both in the near term and over the coming years.

As he helps shape the future of Virtuoso’s cruise division, Brown will work closely with Senior Vice President, Global Partnerships Cory Hagopian and the Global Partnerships team to ensure alignment between cruise strategy, sales execution and future investment priorities. This collaboration ensures continuity across current priorities while strengthening long-term stability and clarity for the cruise organization. Lori Sheller, Vice President, Global Cruise, will continue to lead day-to-day execution of the cruise business.

“We are pleased to welcome Thatcher back to Virtuoso in this strategic advisory role, which underscores our commitment to leading in one of the industry’s fastest-growing and most strategically important segments,” said Virtuoso Chief Operating Officer Brad Bourland. “By pairing Thatcher’s deep industry expertise with strong execution leadership and senior oversight, we are shaping a truly global cruise partnership model – one that leverages Virtuoso’s worldwide footprint to connect our partners with the right member agencies and advisors, reach more high-value travelers, and drive long-term growth. This work strengthens the value we deliver today while positioning Virtuoso and our partners to lead the next chapter of cruise across our global network.”

Brown previously served as Senior Vice President, Global Products for Virtuoso and most recently as CEO for Crescent Seas.