Carnival Corporation ordered three new LNG-powered ships from shipbuilder Fincantieri for its Carnival Cruise Line brand. Deliveries are scheduled between 2029 and 2033. Five new ship orders total are in process for the line, as two other new vessels will launch in 2027 and 2028.
Royal Caribbean Group, parent company of Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea, reported second quarter earnings per share (EPS) of $3.11 and adjusted EPS of $3.21. Results were better than the company's previous financial guidance, thanks to stronger pricing on close-in demand, continued strength in onboard revenue, and favorable timing of expenses. In addition, booking volumes were higher than the same quarter in 2023 and are at record pricing levels.
Small-ship Victory Cruise Lines opened sales for its 2025 Great Lakes, St. Lawrence Seaway and Canada/New England voyages, according to Seatrade Cruise News. Earlier this year, John Waggoner, former owner and founder of Victory and American Queen Voyages, purchased the oceangoing Victory I and Victory II at a bankruptcy court auction of Hornblower Group 's cruise assets. Hornblower was the most recent owner/operator of Victory and American Queen Voyages ships, but ceased all overnight cruise operations during its early 2024 Chapter 11 reorganization. So, under Waggoner's new leadership and ownership, the two revitalized Victory ships will sail again in 2025. Victory also just introduced its web-based Rescompany Systems' cruisePAL central reservations system.
Princess unveiled a robust 2026 Alaska season lineup with eight ships, 180 departures, 19 destinations and land-and-sea options. In addition, the new Sphere-class Star Princess will sail “Great Land” itineraries. MSC Cruises announced details about its new Harbour outdoor area of the MSC World America, set to begin sailing from PortMiami in April 2025.
American Cruise Lines' American Liberty, the small-ship line's third, 100-passenger "Coastal Cat," has been delivered early from Chesapeake Shipbuilding. The vessel's inaugural cruise will sail roundtrip from Providence, RI, on August 15. Several more ships in the series are under construction including American Legend, set to enter service in November 2024.
More Cruise News
Seabourn revised its spring 2025 sailing schedule for Seabourn Encore, as reported in sister publication Luxury Travel Advisor. Separately, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, unveiled free, multi-day "Iconic Explorations" land programs for guests on 85 Europe and Alaska sailings in 2025; bookings must be made before August 31, 2024.
On the promotion front, Holland America Line launched a “Save on Sunshine” offer with a 40 percent discount on fares, free prepaid crew appreciation and 50 percent reduced deposits. The promotion is available for select departures from September 2024 through April 2025.
Windstar Cruises announced a new partnership with the Revelex booking engine. That system aggregates cruise inventory across more than 40 major lines; it's designed to create a seamless booking process for travel advisors.
A&K provided a sneak peek at its new Peruvian Amazon riverboat. Boutique cruise operator Ambassador Cruise has launched “One Adventure - Two Wonders,” a new three-day itinerary that will explore Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ha Long and Lan Ha bays.
Albatros Expeditions will operate its first ever Halal-certified kitchen on a 2026 cruise to Antarctica. The project is spearheaded by the small ship line’s Southeast Asia business development manager Rashidah Lim, a polar industry female Muslim expedition leader.
Cruise Trade Happenings
Silversea tapped Barbara Biffi as its new senior vice president, global sales, while Aurora Expeditions expanded its U.S. sales team. Dream Vacations and CruiseOne unveiled details of their 2025 National Conference, which will include a Fort Lauderdale hotel stay and Star Princess cruise from Port Everglades, FL.
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