In a highly awaited small-ship debut, American Cruise Lines’ (ACL) 100-passenger American Eagle, the first in the line's new class of Coastal Cats (catamarans), has passed sea trials and departs August 14 on its inaugural cruise roundtrip from Boston. Within the next year, three other Coastal Cats are slated for delivery to ACL by affiliate company Chesapeake Shipyard in Salisbury, MD. A total of 12 Coastal Cats are planned.
On the ultra-luxury cruise front, Seabourn took delivery of its second expedition vessel, the 264-passenger Seabourn Pursuit. That vessel is a sister to Seabourn Venture, which was delivered in 2022. The new Explora Journeys' first new ship, the 922-passenger Explora I, also has set sail with guests aboard. Plus, A&K Travel Group plans to build four new ships—two classic vessels and two expedition ships—for Crystal by 2029.
Norwegian Cruise Line took delivery of its second Prima-class ship, the new, 3,099-passenger Norwegian Viva. Separately, NCL’s parent company, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, reported financial results for the second quarter ending June 30, 2023. Quarterly revenue was a record $2.2 billion—up 33 percent compared with same quarter in 2019. Second quarter GAAP net income was $86.1 million or $0.20 earnings per share. Occupancy rose to 105 percent in the quarter. NCLH also reported that its cumulative bookings for the remainder of 2023 are at record levels and higher prices.
Newly Announced Voyages
In January and February 2025, Ponant will offer four voyages through Canada’s St. Lawrence River during the Boreal winter—a first for a cruise ship—aboard the icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot.
In a nod to a historic voyage operated nearly a century ago, Holland America Line has added a “42-day "Ultimate Mediterranean & Atlantic Passage” itinerary to its “Legendary Voyages" portfolio. Volendam will sail roundtrip from Port Everglades, FL, on November 9, 2024.
For 2024-2025, Oceania Cruises has unveiled more than 100 cruises in the Caribbean and Tahiti. while MSC Cruises will offer new winter 2024-2025 Caribbean itineraries.
More Cruise News
Princess Cruises updated its "Princess Plus" and "Princess Premier" packages, offering more inclusive options at no additional cost; those include casual dining, OceanNow delivery service, room service delivery and express Green Lane embarkation.
The International Galapagos Tour Operators Association (IGTOA) has asked the government of Ecuador to follow through with its 2017 commitment to adopt zero-growth Galapagos tourism and regulate land-based tourism in the same strict way as it's done with cruise vacations.
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