NEW SHIPS Wybcke Meier of TUI Cruises talks fleet expansion GREEN FUELS Grimaldi Group invests in nine methanol ferries THE ERA OF EXPLORATION Akvile Marozaite of the Expedition Cruise Network discusses the expedition sector’s rapid growth AW/25
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Foreword Prepare to be amazed Given the sheer scale of innovation in the maritime sector, we may be forgiven for occasionally appearing a little nonchalant in the face of wonder. Sometimes barely an eyebrow is raised at tales of air-lubricated, autonomous ships optimised by digital twins docking in smart ports, or robot bartenders joining the crew of a green methanol-fuelled ship. I’d encourage us all to embrace the amazing – take a moment for these achievements to sink in and then share our enthusiasm for the pioneering discoveries borne from passenger shipping’s insatiable appetite for innovation. Cruise and ferry owners are quick to invest in new materials, technologies and equipment, to push the pace of invention. That might be considered a risky strategy in some industries, never mind one in which capital assets disintegrate within an ostrich’s lifetime. But these investments are carefully considered and a reflection of the industry’s innovative spirit. For example, our keynote interview with Wybcke Meier, CEO of TUI Cruises (page 10) and our interview with Emanuele Grimalidi, managing director of ferry operator Grimaldi Group (page 80) celebrate the steps both brands are taking to decarbonise their fleets with methanol-fuelled vessels and other sustainability innovations. Burgeoning supply chains in the areas such as decarbonisation and safety are helping owners to go boldly beyond regulatory compliance, as can be seen in our features on pages 102 and 130. Royal Caribbean International’s Star of the Seas, Gotlandsbolaget’s Horizon X, Stena RoRo’s E-Flexers and other ships featured within this issue demonstrate what can be accomplished when visionary owners trust like-minded suppliers. And as you read on, you’ll find that innovation is similarly impressive in the onboard and shoreside experience too. At Cruise & Ferry Review, we’re happy to continue to celebrate ingenuity, craft and vision. We hope to raise a few eyebrows along the way! Jon Ingleton Executive Editor, Cruise & Ferry Review CONTRIBUTORS CFR would like to thank all of those who contributed to this issue, including: Heather Combs As CEO of maritime software developer Ripple Operations, Heather is a growth-oriented leader with a strong focus on improving workforce readiness and online education. Aaron Russ Aaron is commercial director and expedition lead at Heritage Expeditions. He has led over 100 expeditions to the world’s most remote regions and has a degree in zoology. Michele Witthaus Michele is a former editor of Cruise & Ferry Review. Now freelance, she writes about passenger shipping and ports with a particular focus on maritime sustainability. Andreas Ullrich Naval architect Andreas is the global commercial director for passenger ships and ferries at RINA. He has extensive experience in ship design, construction and operation. AW/25 3
4 CONTENTS 40 Windstar Cruises’ Christopher Prelog discusses brand visibility, refurbishments and destinations 42 Scenic Group’s Ken Muskat explains new ships are empowering Emerald Cruises to elevate the luxury cruising experience 44 Steve Odell of Oceania Cruises explains how the brand’s focus on culinary experiences is redefining the concept of luxury cruising Cruise Business 32 Dr. Joerg Rudolph shares how Aroya Cruises is working with partners to deliver the world’s first Arabian cruises that also appeal to international guests 38 Dondra Ritzenthaler outlines her journey as CEO of Azamara Cruises and her future plans for growing the brand Keynote 10 TUI Cruises’ CEO Wybcke Meier talks about the new InTUItion ships and shares her perspective on how the industry can decarbonise before EU regulations come into force in 2050 Marketwatch 20 A collection of news from ship operators, ports and destinations and other businesses operating in the cruise and ferry sectors, including the latest on Royal Caribbean International’s second Icon-class ship, Star of the Seas 46 Wendy Atkin-Smith of Viking gives an insight into the brand’s fleet expansion plans and destinationfocused cruises 48 Crystal Cruises’ Matias Lira details the luxury line’s plans to grow its fleet and improve the guest experience 50 Ahead of Century Cruises joining Europe’s rivers in 2026, CFR asks executives from the brand, UNITED WATERWAYS and Mdesigns how they are creating its new ship 54 Cruise Lines Industry Association’s Bud Darr shares key updates in the cruise industry Expedition Cruise Business 58 Expedition Cruise Network’s Akvile Marozaite discusses the sector’s rapid growth, changing ships and environmental efforts 64 Twelve Expedition Cruise Network members highlight how they are advancing research, while inspiring guests to become explorers and citizen scientists 10 32
5 64 Ferry Business 78 Interferry’s Mike Corrigan shares how it is working to improve ferry safety and sustainability across Africa 80 Emanuele Grimaldi discusses Grimaldi Group’s $1.3 billion investment in nine methanol multifuel ro-pax ferries 86 As Stena RoRo prepares to celebrate 10 years of its innovative E-Flexer platform, Per Westling shares what’s next for the company 88 Baleària’s Georges Bassoul shares why a new green transport corridor between Spain and Morocco presents new ship and route opportunities for the Spanish ferry company 91 Max Tan offers an insight into Majestic Fast Ferry’s evolution and its approach to more environmentally sustainable operations 94 Andrew Sheen explains how Irish Ferries’ latest fleet addition, evolving customer services and green initiatives are delivering longterm value 70 Aaron Russ discusses how Heritage Expeditions is contributing to climate research, species discovery and cultural preservation 72 Greg Carter outlines how new expedition cruise line Terra Nova Expedition is giving a second life to an Antarctic stalwart 74 Carsten Lund talks about taking the reins as CEO of Sunstone Maritime Group and future opportunities 75 Magicman’s Mark Henderson showcases the benefits of restoring damaged surfaces, furniture and fixtures on expedition cruise ships 86
7 CONTENTS Cc US 10 Aw FI 118 Ah DE 95 Sh NO 74 Tf US 32 130 118 A report on notable new cruise ship orders due for delivery in the next few years 122 CFR highlights refurbishment projects completed for cruise and ferry operators over the past six months 127 Simon Smith shares details on Austal’s largest design and build project to date – the Horizon X ro-pax catamaran for Gotlandsbolaget 128 Aros Marine’s Jurga Šiugždinytė explains why a diverse leadership team enables the company to lead a €50 million ship refit project Marine Operations 130 Providers of safety and security equipment for the cruise and ferry industry are contributing to a larger ecosystem which is critical for ensuring the safety of life at sea 139 Norman Schmiedl shares how COLUMBIA blue helps cruise lines to embrace emerging technologies, tap into new markets and deliver nextlevel guest experiences 140 NAPA’s Tommi Vihavainen explains why shipowners must invest in digital solutions as a strategic imperative to stay ballast water compliant 143 The cruisePAL suite of solutions offers cruise companies more control over data collection, enabling them to improve operations 144 Ripple Operations’ Heather Combs believes meeting the needs of crew members is a gateway to a safer, more enjoyable onboard experience for guests 96 Fire Island Ferries’ Tim Mooney discusses family legacy, local roots and evolving opportunities on the waters of Long Island 98 Stuart Reid of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company shares how the operator is renewing its essential service to the English islands 100 Michael Grey encourages ferry brands to focus on delivering a positive customer experience Building and Refurbishment 102 As regulatory pressure on passenger shipping companies to reduce emissions intensifies, CFR takes a look at decarbonisation technologies 110 Andreas Ullrich of RINA asks what solutions will help to decarbonise passenger shipping operations 112 Lloyd’s Register’s Paul Nichols explains why even the best interior design won’t make the transition from drawing board to ship without appropriate certification 114 CFR highlights key new orders and deliveries of low-emission ferries shaping the future of ferry travel 122
www.onecaribbean.org | www.cruising.org | www.expeditioncruisenetwork.com www.interferry.com | www.ifiworld.org | www.oceancouncil.org | www.wtcf.org.cn Cruise & Ferry is proud to partner with the following organisations to support and promote their global visions and objectives £24.00 Published by Tudor Rose Tudor House, 6 Friar Lane Leicester LE1 5RA Tel: +44 116 2229900 www.tudor-rose.co.uk ISSN 2635-0475 (Print) ISSN 2635-0483 (Online) Printed in Great Britain by The Manson Group. © 2025 Tudor Rose Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be stored or transmitted or reproduced in any form or by any means, including whether by photocopying, scanning, downloading onto computer or otherwise without the prior written permission from Tudor Rose Holdings Ltd. Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply official endorsement of the products or services concerned. While every care has been taken to ensure accuracy of content, no responsibility can be taken for any errors and/or omissions. Readers should take appropriate professional advice before acting on any issue raised herein. All wording in the Featured Partners section is based on content provided by the companies profiled. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject advertising material and editorial contributions. The publisher assumes no liability for the return or safety of unsolicited art, photography or manuscripts. Executive editor Jon Ingleton Editor Rebecca Gibson Editorial team Alice Chambers, Amber Hickman, Richard Humphreys, Laura Hyde, Alex Smith Editorial contributors Rebecca Barnes, Michael Grey, Philippe Holthof, Lindsay James, Justin Merrigan, Michele Witthaus Ferry industry advisor Simon Johnson, Shipshape Consulting Media Manager Shelly Palmer Account managers Marie Emmanuelle Dagri, James Luscombe, Kimberley McLean, Benedict Pask Publisher Toby Ingleton Production manager Stuart Fairbrother Design Bruce Graham, Libby Sidebotham, Dhanika Vansia Cover image Oscar Farrera/HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) Expedition Cruise Business cover image Ponant Ferry Business cover image Isles of Scilly Steamship Company Website development Chris Jackson Circulation Sophia Brinkley Advertise info@cruiseandferry.net Subscribe subscribe@tudor-rose.co.uk www.cruiseandferry.net/subscriptions to free digital editions of our suite of publications for the passenger shipping industry at www.cruiseandferry.net/subscribe Subscribe Follow Cruise & Ferry:
9 146 CONTENTS Ports and Destinations 162 Cruise ports and destinations around the world consider the growing concern around sustainability Mediterranean 168 MedCruise North America 173 PortMiami 175 Port Everglades Featured Partners 177 A selection of ship repair yards, interior outfitters, suppliers, technology providers, and ports and destinations within the cruise and ferry industries Onboard Experience 146 Leading designers and specifiers talk about their selection criteria for ship interior designs, explaining the reasons behind their priorities 157 Almaco’s Hervé Touzard describes how the firm’s Digital Inventory tool improves the performance of onboard hotel equipment 158 Sue Wills details how SMC Design combined bespoke furnishings and design elements to create a rich cultural narrative on Aroya Cruises’ first ship 159 Forbo Flooring’s Jason Holmes explains how high-performance Flotex Vision FR offers designers unlimited creative potential, to achieve their goals 160 Bolidt’s Robert van Aarle outlines how the resin specialist is expanding its product range for the next generation of cruise ships 162 159
10 KEYNOTE TUI Cruises is building a new class of ships packed with onboard innovations, investing in advanced technologies to decarbonise operations, and championing the cruise sector as an industrial asset in Europe. CEO Wybcke Meier tells Rebecca Gibson more While growing up on Helgoland, a small archipelago in the North Sea off the coast of Germany, Wybcke Meier often had to take the ferry to the mainland. However, her brief experiences of life at sea were far from positive. “The sea was often very rough, so I didn’t enjoy the trips,” she says. “As a child, I couldn’t understand why anyone would want to go sailing or work at sea.” Today, her perspective has changed significantly – she is now CEO of Germanybased TUI Cruises, a joint venture between TUI Group and Royal Caribbean Group that operates eight premium cruise vessels. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, which operates two luxury and three expedition ships, has also been been part of TUI Cruises since 2020. “Although I didn’t enjoy ferry trips, I loved travelling and began my career in the tourism industry,” says Meier. “Cruising became more popular in Germany in the early 2000s when the market was launching lots of new ships, and I could see how it might be an exciting way to see the world. I also found it very interesting that cruise lines could take a holistic approach to designing a holiday experience from A to Z and create a full product for their guests. In the following years, I had a few positive experiences in the cruise industry, so when I was approached about the CEO role by TUI Cruises during the ITB Berlin travel fair in 2014, I decided to take on the challenge.” Not long after joining TUI Cruises, Meier embarked on one of the brand’s metal music-themed voyages and saw firsthand the positive impact a holistically designed holiday experience has on guests. “Metal and hard rock aren’t my favourite music genres so I wasn’t sure I would enjoy myself, but it was amazing,” she says. “Everybody was so happy to be onboard the ship and having fun together across the ship. It was funny to see big groups of guests dressed in black leather and metal t-shirts getting off the ship to explore cultural sites in destinations like Barcelona and Lisbon. It’s a special memory.” Meier and her team continue to curate memorable experiences for guests sailing on all TUI Cruises ships, including its two new InTUItion-class vessels, Mein Schiff Relax and Mein Schiff Flow. At 333 metres and 160,000gt, the InTUItion ships are the brand’s largest-ever vessels and can accommodate up to 3,984 guests and around 1,400 crew members. In a break from tradition, they were ordered from Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, rather than TUI Cruises’ long-term partner Meyer Turku, which constructed the first seven ships in the Mein Schiff fleet at its yard in Finland. Mein Schiff Relax began service in the Mediterranean in April 2025, while Mein Schiff Flow is set to debut in mid-2026. TUI Cruises’ objective for the InTUItionclass was to create “intuitively explorable Raising the bar
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13 ships” with a multitude of onboard amenities and spaces designed to promote relaxation, generate the “feelgood factor” and empower guests to “experience wellbeing in a new way”. “Our existing vessels are very popular with guests but we wanted to raise the bar even further with the new InTUItionclass ships,” says Meier. “We kept many of the elements our guests love, but as the newbuilds are slightly larger, we took the opportunity to look at what we could do differently too. Our aim was to improve everything from the layout to the onboard facilities and guest experiences.” TUI Cruises collaborated with a team of renowned cruise ship design and architecture firms – including 3Deluxe, JOI-Design, Tillberg Design of Sweden and Wilson Butler Architects – to rework the general arrangement and create the interiors. Drawing on guest feedback, the brand has grouped related venues together across Mein Schiff Relax, creating dedicated areas for entertainment, sports and wellness, suite guests and more. It also reconfigured existing spaces to facilitate easy movement throughout the ship – for instance the reception is now directly connected to the boarding area and the deck above via an escalator. “Changing the layout has greatly improved the flow throughout the ship and made it easier for guests to find what they’re looking for,” says Meier. “We’ve also played around with the locations of some of our signature spaces. This helped us maximise our use of outdoor decks and add more expansive windows in areas such as the atrium to bring in as much natural light – and as many sea views – as possible.” One signature venue that has been moved is the main restaurant Atlantik. The restaurant and its adjoining bar are now situated at the aft of decks four and five. “We were able to incorporate floorto-ceiling windows that provide sweeping views of the path the ship has sailed,” says Meier. Atlantik is just one of 14 restaurants and bistros on Mein Schiff Relax, which also has 17 bars and lounges. Many were previously introduced on the existing Mein Schiff vessels, such as Italian eatery Osteria – Pizza e Pasta. New additions include industrial-style Street Art Bar, Alpine-inspired eatery The Chalet, French restaurant Sur Mer Bistrot, indoor/outdoor Greek dining venue Taverna Dionysos, the Harbour Market buffet, and Scandinavian-themed diner Høfde. There is also an Asian restaurant named Fugu, which was created in partnership with Chef Tim Raue. Here, “space-changing projections and soundscapes” take guests on a “sensual journey through the cuisine and culture of Japan” as they dine on a five-course meal. Guests can enjoy similarly immersive entertainment in La Cage, a new 1920s-style bar and casino that hosts burlesque dancing and live music performances, as well as workshops and culinary tastings. Alternatively, they can visit the new Blaue Flora – Stage & Bar to watch small-stage drama performances, radio plays, readings and lectures. There is also a redesigned main theatre spanning three decks. “Typically, cruise ship theatres are designed with fixed seating to host big shows attended by lots of people, but we wanted to provide a varied programme TUI Cruises reworked the general arrangement of Mein Schiff Relax, which enabled it to introudce new venues like the Captain’s Bar KEYNOTE
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15 of entertainment,” says Meier. “We designed a hexagonal theatre with a multifunctional space in front of the stage that can be easily reconfigured to accommodate everything from large productions to concerts, fashion shows, dinner theatre, lectures and yoga classes. This gives us much more flexibility.” Other onboard highlights include a 220-metre-long jogging track, a gym, a dedicated space for fitness classes, a partially shaded 25-metre outdoor lap pool, and a covered sports arena with facilities for indoor cycling, basketball, volleyball and football. The ship also features a spa, which offers TUI Cruises’ first onboard cryotherapy chamber and a new Finnish sauna, as well as a steam bath, separate herbal and salt saunas, a lounge, and a relaxation area with expansive windows and an outdoor terrace. “Sports and wellness are very important to our guests, so we’ve given them more choice of activities and amenities on Mein Schiff Relax,” says Meier. “As our guests really love being outside and taking in the sea views while they exercise or relax, we’ve moved many of these facilities to the open decks. The spa, for example, is now one deck higher than on other Mein Schiff vessels.” TUI Cruises has repurposed the uppermost deck to provide guests with another outdoor space for fitness activities, socialising and relaxing. “On our other vessels, this deck is a technical space but now it has been renamed the Mistral Deck and features comfortable seating, a bar, an area for fitness activities, and a barrel sauna,” says Meier. “We’ve also introduced a new Greek island-inspired outdoor space on deck 16 called Agora, which has an infinity pool, a whirlpool, sun loungers and a bar.” Maximising sea views and outdoor space was also a key priority when designing the ship’s accommodation. “Building a larger ship has enabled us to meet high guest demand for additional balcony cabins – they now account for 85 per cent of the cabins on Mein Schiff Relax,” says Meier. “We’ve dedicated some of these cabins to solo travellers for the first time too, giving them more accommodation choices.” In addition, Mein Schiff Relax offers five suite categories, including the new Loft and Grand View suites. The two 88-square-metre Loft Suites span two decks, accommodate up to six people and feature two private verandas (one per deck), a living room, two bedrooms, and a bathroom. Meanwhile, the 45-squaremetre Grand View Suites are designed for four people and have a living area, bedroom and a bathroom. The Junior Suites have been redesigned for Mein Schiff Relax, and suites in all other categories have been decorated with a refreshed colour palette. For the first time, all suites are located at the stern of the ship, alongside an exclusive lounge, bar, two new restaurants and a sun deck with daybeds and a whirlpool. “These indoor and outdoor spaces are only open to suite guests, allowing them to relax and unwind in a comfortable, luxurious setting,” says Meier. “Moving the suite area to the stern has allowed us to maximise the panoramic sea views and introduce a new two-deck Captain’s Bar with expansive forwardfacing windows above the ship’s bridge.” Together, these onboard amenities make the newbuild an “exciting destination in its own right”, according to Meier. “Mein Schiff Relax offers all the amenities and experiences guests would find at a premium contemporary holiday destination on land,” she explains. “Importantly, we have a good balance of large communal areas where guests can have fun together, and smaller, quieter spaces where they can relax by themselves. This ensures every guest has the cruise experience that best suits their individual needs.” Mein Schiff has multiple outdoor decks with sports and fitness facilities, including a 25-metre lap pool KEYNOTE Photo: Christian Wyrwa/TUI Cruises
17 Mein Schiff Relax is also the first LNG-powered ship in the TUI Cruises fleet, taking the brand another step closer to reaching its decarbonisation goals. The company, together with TUI Group brand Marella Cruises, has committed to climate reduction targets validated by the Science-based Targets initiative (known more commonly as SBTi). Thus it aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 27.5 per cent by 2030 (compared to a 2019 baseline). Further goals include sailing its first climate-neutral cruises by the same year and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 at the latest. “We’re investing in multiple areas to achieve these goals,” says Meier. “Solutions such as shore power, newly designed propellers, and hull paints that reduce drag have already significantly lowered our emissions. We’re also using data platforms, artificial intelligence and other digital tools to optimise route planning and boost energy efficiency onboard our ships. Every small change we make takes us closer to carbon-neutral cruising.” To make major decarbonisation progress, however, cruise lines must transition from fossil fuels to lowemission alternatives, says Meier. TUI Cruises is already preparing for this switch by forming partnerships with fuel providers, trialling biodiesel and installing dual-fuel engines on its ships. “Mein Schiff 7, which debuted in 2024, was one of the world’s first cruise ships with a methanol-capable propulsion system and we’re working with Hamburgbased energy company MB Energy (formerly Mabanaft) to set up a green methanol supply in Germany,” says Meier. “Both InTUItion-class ships will initially run on LNG, but will be able to switch to bio-LNG or E-LNG as soon as they’re available at scale.” TUI Cruises marked another important step on the road to climate-neutral cruising in 2025. At the end of July, Mein Schiff Relax was supplied with 1,875 cubic metres of bioLNG for the first time – as part of a shipto-ship bunkering operation via a barge. Building the infrastructure and supply chains for the large-scale production and distribution of low-emission fuels will require cross-sector collaboration. “The cruise industry is a front-runner in developing, testing and implementing innovative environmental solutions, but we can’t cut emissions or solve the fuel challenge on our own,” says Meier. “We must all work together to decarbonise the shipping industry. “Cruise operators are clearly committed to investing in low-emission fuels – many of us have already built (or are building) ships that are technically capable of using them – but we need fuel providers to make them commercially available. With widespread access to low-emission fuels, we could hit our decarbonisation target before 2050.” Ports must play a role in decarbonising the cruise industry too, says Meier. Like many other cruise brands, TUI Cruises has equipped most of its fleet with shore power connectors, but it is unable to use them in many European ports due to a lack of infrastructure. “Connecting to shoreside electricity enables us to switch off our engines From left, Ralf Pastleitner, who is responsible for public policy at TUI Group, joined Jens Gieseke, Member of European Parliament, Wybcke Meier and Dr Reinhard Lüken, managing director of the German Shipyards Association, at the policy breakfast KEYNOTE “ We must all work together to decarbonise the shipping industry”
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19 and operate almost emission-free while in port, so we are using it wherever possible,” says Meier. “Although the European Union has mandated that every major port in the region must provide shore power for cruise ships by 2030, there hasn’t been much progress. We’ll continue to provide early call forecasts to give ports the certainty that shore power facilities will be used regularly if they build them.” In June 2025, Meier joined other cruise executives, shipyard representatives, EU policymakers and regional stakeholders at TUI Group’s Policy Breakfast in Brussels, Belgium, to explore how the cruise industry can help to drive decarbonisation in Europe. As part of this, the group discussed how the EU’s Sustainable Transport Investment Plan could be used as a vehicle to mobilise investments in green infrastructure and sustainable fuels. Participants also considered how the cruise sector could help drive industrial innovation and economic growth in Europe, given that 97 per cent of the world’s cruise ships are already built at European shipyards during projects that provide over 400,000 jobs. “The cruise sector is more than just an important part of European tourism, it’s a strategic industrial asset,” says Meier. “Cruise lines are long-term industrial partners. Every vessel ordered in Europe strengthens local supply chains, drives environmental innovation and supports European jobs. We are consistently focusing on energy efficiency and have equipped our ships with advanced propulsion technologies and other pioneering sustainable innovations that benefit other sectors.” The cruise sector has a positive economic impact on tourism and local communities too. “There is a misperception that cruise lines and their guests don’t spend much in destinations, but it’s actually the opposite,” says Meier. “TUI Cruises’ economic contribution to European tourism destinations from port fees and shore excursions alone amounts to €53 million ($41 million) per year. Guests spend more money on top of that in places such as shops, restaurants and bars. Cruise lines must have close dialogues with ports and local communities to overcome these misperceptions and share best practices to ensure cruise tourism works for everyone.” With stakeholders across the cruise industry and other sectors working together to drive change, Meier believes there is “tremendous room for growth” in the cruise market in Europe and other regions around the world. “Cruise Lines International Association predicts 37.7 million passengers will cruise globally in 2025, but this is still only around two per cent of global tourism, so there’s a lot of potential for us to attract new guests,” she says. “Cruise lines are building more ships, but they’re also phasing out older, less efficient vessels so the industry is growing in a modest, yet healthy and sustainable, way. It’s still a niche form of travel but more people are recognising that cruises offer a safe, comfortable and cost-effective way to meet new people and explore the world.” KEYNOTE Mein Schiff Relax was christened during a ceremony at the Port of Malaga in Spain in April 2025 Photo: Christian Wyrwa/TUI Cruises “ The cruise sector is more than just an important part of European tourism, it’s a strategic industrial asset”
20 Star of the Seas has joined the Royal Caribbean International fleet and embarked on its maiden voyage, a seven-night cruise to the Western Caribbean from Port Canaveral in Florida, following two years under construction. The second Icon-class ship was built by Meyer Turku and delivered in July 2025 at a handover ceremony in Finland. “The delivery of Star of the Seas marks another bold step forward in Royal Caribbean Group’s journey to reimagine the future of vacations,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. “Star and the Icon-class are a symbol of what’s possible when innovation, imagination and our relentless focus on delivering exceptional experiences come together, ultimately creating unforgettable memories for millions of families and vacationers. We’re proud to bring this next-generation vacation experience to life with our valued partners at Meyer Turku.” The ship was welcomed to the fleet during an official christening ceremony in the ship’s AquaTheater, which included the ship’s godmother, research astronaut Kellie Gerardi, carrying out the long-standing maritime tradition of bestowing safe travels onto the ship, its crew and passengers. “I’m honoured to celebrate Royal Caribbean’s new Star of the Seas in such a beautiful naming ceremony as godmother – a tradition that is close to my heart and a spirit that spans both sea and space,” said Gerardi. “A vacation on Star is the perfect combination of two of my biggest passions in life, a spirit of exploration and quality time with family, and I can’t wait for this journey to begin.” “Star of the Seas delivers everything families want in a vacation with more MARKETWATCH Star of the Seas joins Royal Caribbean International fleet The 5,610-passenger ship, which is the cruise line’s second Icon-class vessel, will spend its inaugural season sailing seven-night Caribbean itineraries From left, Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, ship godmother Kellie Gerardi, Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean and Captain Rob Hempstead of Star of the Seas at the naming celebration in Port Canaveral, Florida
21 adventure and more ways to make unforgettable memories together,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. “We’ve created the world’s best vacation for all ages yet again, and it’s truly a magical moment to celebrate that with our Royal Caribbean family who made it all possible.” Star of the Seas’ inaugural season began on 31 August. It will sail sevennight Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries to destinations including the cruise line’s exclusive destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. Like the first Icon-class ship, Icon of the Seas, which debuted in January 2024, Star of the Seas features eight different ‘neighbourhoods’, including five that are unique to the Icon-class ships. Thrill Island is home to the largest waterpark at sea with six record-breaking waterslides while Chill Island spans three decks and offers guests four pools, including Royal Bay, the largest pool at sea. The familyfriendly Surfside features Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay, while the AquaDome provides wraparound ocean views, and the AquaTheater boasts high divers, aerialists, robots and more. Finally, the adults-only Hideaway includes an infinity pool suspended 135 feet above the ocean. A few Icon-class features have been reimagined onboard Star of the Seas, including the Royal Promenade, which now offers floor-to-ceiling ocean views and the Pearl, the world’s largest kinetic art sculpture. The ship also has a new 1930s Chicago-inspired Lincoln Park Supper Club restaurant and the openair Central Park with more than 30,500 real plants. “We’re incredibly proud to welcome Star of the Seas to the Royal Caribbean family as we continue to revolutionise how families and adventurers vacation,” said Bayley. “It’s a true team effort with so many talented individuals coming together to make the new Icon-class vacation a reality.” The third Icon-class ship, Legend of the Seas, is expected to be floated out from dry dock to an outfitting pier at the Meyer Turku shipyard in autumn 2025. It is scheduled to join the fleet in July 2026 and will spend its inaugural season sailing seven-night Western Mediterranean itineraries from Barcelona, Spain. The Finnish shipbuilder is also constructing a fourth, as-yet-unnamed Icon-class ship for Royal Caribbean International, due for delivery in 2027. Star of the Seas departed Finland in July 2025, bound for its US homeport, Port Canaveral in Orlando, Florida Finnish shipbuilder Meyer Turku has spent the last two years building the second Icon-class ship, Star of the Seas
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23 MARKETWATCH Explora Journeys celebrates three construction milestones MSC Group’s luxury cruise brand Explora Journeys continues to expand its fleet. On 14 July 2025 it celebrated three construction milestones at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa, Italy. After floating Explora III out of dry dock for the first time, Fincantieri laid the first keel block for Explora IV and cut the first piece of steel for Explora V. “ This triple celebration reflects the strength of our vision and the power of collaboration between our team, our partners at Fincantieri, and the unwavering support of [MSC Group owners] the Aponte-Vago family” Anna Nash, president, Explora Journeys Four new venues for Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Xcel Celebrity Cruises’ newest ship Celebrity Xcel, which launches in November 2025, will feature four new venues (pictured from left): an updated poolside area, an adults-focused arcade lounge, a spa, and the first-ever Celebrity Flagship store. The Celebrity Pool Club will feature a new pool valet and a rooftop design to provide increased shading. On the last sea day of each Caribbean itinerary, the Celebrity Pool Club will host the ‘Poolest Day Ever’, an all-day event featuring Caribbeaninspired live music, pop-up shows and pool games. The venue will also serve new poolside drinks. Attic at The Club, the adults-focused games room will be decorated with neon lights and offer retro games like Pac-Man, NBA Showtime and Golden Tee. The Spa onboard Celebrity Xcel will be the largest spa in the fleet and will offer guests eight therapeutic experiences in the Thermal Suite, which will include the cruise line’s first-ever Hydra Room. Guests will also be able to visit the Spa’s new outdoor Vitamin D deck, which will offer views from the front of the ship and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. Celebrity Xcel’s Celebrity flagship store will combine a retail experience with an interactive exhibit that celebrates the cruise line, and will stock Celebrity products only available on Celebrity Xcel.
MARKETWATCH Expedition cruise ship Minerva is once again part of the Swan Hellenic fleet, following a period of inactivity and a lengthy legal dispute. Minerva was delivered by Helsinki Shipyard in late 2021 and chartered to Swan Hellenic by Irish owner STLC Europe Nine Leasing, a subsidiary of GTLK Europe DAC, which was owned by Russian firm PAO GTLK. It sailed a successful maiden season in Antarctica, but was forced to halt operations in April 2022 following sanctions against PAO GTLK due to the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war. The ship has been laid up in Uruguay ever since but GTLK Europe DAC went into administration in May 2023 and liquidators have since sold the ship to Swan Hellenic. Minerva will undergo reactivation works, including maintenance and refurbishment, before sailing itineraries in the Antarctic from November 2025 and Asia-Pacific – the first time the cruise line has visited the region – from March 2026. Swan Hellenic welcomes Minerva back to fleet following lengthy lay-up Florida’s Port Canaveral has commemorated 35 years of working with Carnival Cruise Line with a celebration held onboard Mardi Gras at Cruise Terminal 3, which was specifically built to accommodate the cruise brand’s Excel-class vessels. The US cruise line began sailing from the Florida port in 1990 and now hosts 2.4 million passenger movements on 300 voyages for the cruise line annually. Carnival Cruise Line will expand its presence at Port Canaveral by adding its fourth Excel-class ship, Festivale, in 2027. “From the inaugural sailing of the Carnivale to having five yearround and seasonal vessels in its homeported fleet today, Carnival Cruise Line is our longest continuous cruise business relationship, contributing economic value over the decades to our port community, the Central Florida region and our state,” said Captain John Murray, CEO of Port Canaveral. Port Canaveral marks 35-year partnership with Carnival Cruise Line Fred. Olsen calls at Dart Harbour and donates to local sailing trust When Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ ship Balmoral sailed into the UK’s Dart Harbour as part of a 10-night itinerary in June 2025, the cruise line and its passengers contributed £2,466.20 ($3,336.03) towards the Dartmouth Community Fund. The funds were allocated to the Royal Dart Youth Sailing Trust’s Schools Weeks programme, which gives over 150 children aged 10-11 years old from seven local primary schools the chance to experience water-based activities, many for the first time. 24 Photo: Royal Dart Youth Sailing Trust
25 IMO calls for maritime industry to unite on security MSC World Asia to feature new and redesigned entertainment venues Heineken expands draught beer training programme for cruise partners Heineken Global Duty Free has opened its draught beer training programme for another 1,500 bartenders in 2025. The programme, which was developed and launched in 2023, is led by draught masters from the Heineken Experience in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Bartenders from Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, P&O Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International will take part in the programme. “Our focus on quality extends beyond the beer to the people entrusted to fill the glass,” said Christian Klimpke, global account manager cruises at Heineken. “The training helps busy onboard bars to better meet the expectations of guests, driving results for our cruise partners and Heineken, but also increasing guest satisfaction too.” Stakeholders across the maritime sector must collaborate to maintain “constant vigilance” against growing threats to global maritime security, according to Arsenio Dominguez, secretary general of the International Maritime Organization. Speaking during a United Nations Security Council open debate, Dominguez outlined the key threats facing the sector, including geopolitical tension, piracy, cyberattacks, drug trafficking and fraudulent activities. “Our collective response must be rooted in prevention, constant vigilance, innovation and continuously strengthened regional and international cooperation,” he said. “Multilateralism is key here. Maritime security is a shared responsibility.” Dominguez’s full statement is available at: bit.ly/47t2Tmc MSC Cruises’ new flagship, MSC World Asia, is to feature six new and redesigned entertainment venues when it sets sail in December 2026. The Clubhouse will be a new venue designed for families, featuring bumper cars, basketball, roller skating and the Lego family zone. The two-deck Luna Park, which also appears on MSC World Europa and MSC World America, will now include a new bar, interactive game shows, parties and themed events. The Harbour, which has been redesigned with an Asian theme, will feature Cliffhanger, a swing that extends over 50 metres above the ocean, as well as the longest dry slide at sea, the Tree of Life @The Spiral. The World Theatre will host multiple performances every evening, with highlights including musicals, acrobatic shows, concerts and international acts. The open-air boardwalk, the World Promenade, will also be updated to offer dining venues, lounges, a sports bar and entertainment within view of the ocean. Photo: Princess Cruises/Carnival Corporation
27 Interferry has called on the European Commission to “immediately harmonise” its unilateral European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and the FuelEU Maritime Regulation with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) net-zero framework, which was agreed by members in April 2025. The regulations will be formally adopted in October and come into force in 2027. The global ferry trade association warns failure to align greenhouse gas regulations will lead to ferry operators paying twice for the same emissions. The overlap will lead to an “unsustainable” financial burden on European ferry operators, affecting trade and travel services for Europe’s ro-ro cargo and ro-pax operators. “The European Commission pledged to align its rules once a strong global framework was established at the IMO,” said Johan Roos, director of regulatory affairs at Interferry. “That framework is now in place. It’s time for the European Commission to deliver on its promise.” Interferry urges European Commission to ‘harmonise’ ETS with IMO net-zero framework MARKETWATCH Incat Tasmania to build electric ferries for Molslinjen Incat Tasmania will design and build two 129-metre batteryelectric ferries for Danish operator Molslinjen. Each will carry 1,483 passengers and 500 cars and will be powered by 45,000-kilowatt-hour battery systems. Operating at over 40 knots, they will serve the Kattegat route between Jutland and Zealand, with the first delivery due in late 2027. Craig Clifford, managing director of Incat Tasmania (left) with Incat Group's founder and chairman Robert Clifford Wasaline leads Baltic in carbon-neutral shipping Baltic Sea ferry operator Wasaline has signed a biogas contract with Gasum and a Fuel European Union Maritime pooling agreement with Stena Line, enabling it to use only biofuels in the future. This means it is the first carbon-neutral shipping company operating in the Baltic Sea with Aurora Botnia, which operates on the route between Vaasa, Finland, and Umeå, Sweden – the first international green shipping corridor in operation. Spanish shipping company Baleària has ordered two new electric ro-pax fast ferries from shipbuilder Astilleros Armon. Designed by Incat Crowther, España 2030 and Maroc 2030 will connect Tarifa in Spain with Tangier in Morocco when they begin sailing in 2027, creating the first green corridor between Europe and Africa. Each ship will feature an electric power capacity of 16 megawatts, produced by four electric propulsion units and powered by 11,500-kilowatt-hour batteries. Both will be able to accommodate up to 804 passengers and 225 vehicles at a maximum speed of 27 knots. Baleària orders two new Incat Crowther-designed electric ro-pax fast ferries
28 What are the logistical consequences of a boom in cruise ship construction? An estimated 70 new ships are set to enter service between 2025 and 2033, and passenger capacity expected to reach nearly 44 million (according to the 2025 State of the Cruise Industry report from Cruise Lines International Association), and many of these construction projects are already underway. However, there is a limited number of shipyards equipped to build cruise ships. Almost all of them are based in Continental Europe and many are reporting full books following the extraordinary number of newbuilds ordered in 2024. Meanwhile, the refurbishment industry has not been left behind. The wave of newbuilds delayed during the pandemic (just as the industry was reaching a record number of orders) were launched in 2021 and are now starting to be scheduled in for routine maintenance and refurbishment. As new cruise lines enter the sector and guest numbers continue to swell, established brands are buoyed by confidence in the market and emboldened to create ever more innovative vessels. In January 2025, for example, Celebrity Cruises announced it would be launching river cruises for the first time in its 40-year history. It is making a bold entrance to the river cruise market with a 10-vessel order from TeamCo shipyard, based in the Netherlands, and a launch date of 2027. Another cruise line is experiencing an unprecedented resurgence. The once briefly shuttered Crystal Cruises has secured financing for two newbuilds to be constructed by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. The luxury cruise line has turned around its fortunes since being relaunched by A&K Travel Group in 2023, refurbishing its existing ships Crystal Serenity ABI MCMAHON Abi McMahon is content manager at Elite Exhibitions. MARKETWATCH: EVENT PREVIEW Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo Europe Commentary: Abi McMahon 3-4 December 2025 | Hamburg, Germany
29 Photo: credit and Crystal Symphony. The brand also has three newbuilds on order, all of which will accommodate around 690 passengers and continue the cruise line’s trademark high crew-to-passenger ratios. Residential cruising – a corner of the market which has remained quietly steady for years – has also gained traction. New residential cruise line Villa Vie Residences debuted its ship Villa Vie Odyssey, which departed on its maiden 15-year voyage from Northern Ireland in September 2024. In 2025, former Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings chairman Russell Galbut announced residential cruise line Crescent Seas. The cruise line intends to eventually operate a fleet of five ships, starting with the refurbished Seven Seas Navigator, chartered to the brand in an agreement with Regent Seven Seas Cruises. With the action heating up in Continental Europe, Elite Exhibitions has relocated its annual Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo Europe (CSI Europe) event for 2025. This year, it will hold its first-ever edition in Germany, a country popular for river cruises and the home of shipbuilder Meyer Werft. The cruise ship interiors supply chain, from shipyards to suppliers, will convene at the Hamburg Messe + Congress from 3-4 December for two days of conversations, conferences and meetups designed to help attendees discuss the most relevant industry topics. Half of the 300 exhibitors will be new to the show, meaning visitors will meet a mixture of new faces and old friends. The conference, which will be hosted in partnership with hospitality industry network NEWH, will explore everything from how to create efficiencies across the shipbuilding process, to delivering a premium experience onboard Europe’s many smaller river and ocean-going vessels. The event will also feature the Hospitality@CSI zone with panels exploring how hotel operations teams deliver guest experiences. An intimate Lunch & Learn session will feature a speaker from a leading hotel brand, who will explore how their understanding of their market shapes the way they create impactful guest experiences. This will be followed by a networking lunch. On the evening of day two, the bustling show floor will seamlessly transform into the star-studded Cruise Ship Interiors Awards, sponsored by marine lighting firm Kalmar. The only awards ceremony dedicated to celebrating the creativity, innovation and beauty of the cruise ship interiors community will present all-new categories and a refreshed judging panel. Register to attend and get your two-day pass to CSI Europe at: bit.ly/45rI3lZ
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