Travel Leaders Network (TLN) recently surveyed its North American travel agency owners on multiple topics. Survey findings revealed that most members expect more than 10 percent growth in 2025 for the luxury and contemporary cruise segments, compared with 5 to 10 percent growth for the premium cruise market. In addition, 38 percent of the Travel Leaders Network agencies expect more than 10 percent growth in river cruising.
Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, is a well-known shipyard with a $11.2 billion cruise ship order book. But since the pandemic, the family-owned company has struggled with inflation, short-term debt and supply chain issues. According to Seatrade Cruise News, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz toured the shipyard this past week and pledged to keep the operation afloat. That apparently involves a rescue plan including state control for now and a buy-back plan by the Meyer family. Details are not yet fully known, but a shipyard statement confirmed that “the way has now been paved for the start of restructuring and securing the future of the shipyard.”
Reporting second quarter 2024 financial results, Viking Holdings posted quarterly net income of $155.8 million compared with $190.1 million for the same period in 2023. Second quarter net yield growth was 6.6 percent over the prior year on a 3.1 percent capacity increase.
New Cruise Experiences
On the new ship front, American Cruise Lines christened the 100-passenger American Liberty, its third coastal catamaran. The celebration unfolded at Fort Adams State Park, where all ACL ships dock in Newport, RI. Separately, Windstar Cruises has revealed a first look at its new 224-passenger Star Seeker, slated to launch in 2026.
Disney Cruise Line unveiled new Marvel-style experiences for its new Disney Destiny. Among them, the Grand Hall will reflect inspiration from Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther” films. Carnival Cruise Line unveiled its 2026 cruises including the line's first solar eclipse sailing. Up Norway will partner with Havila Voyages for sustainable voyages.
According to sister publication, Luxury Travel Advisor, Crystal is teaming up with Italy's Alajmo brothers in a new culinary partnership. In other luxury line news, Explora Journeys has unveiled new destination experiences in the Caribbean, while Seabourn has unveiled new 2026 cruises in the South Pacific on Seabourn Quest.
River Cruise News
Viking has taken delivery of its newest Egypt ship, the 82-guest Viking Hathor. It will join the line's Nile River fleet and sail the 12-day “Pharaohs & Pyramids” itinerary. AmaWaterways has announced a new stateroom upgrade auction program.
Riviera River Cruises offers an end-of-summer promotion on remaining 2024 and 2025 departures. Starting on Labor Day and continuing through September, advisors will receive a $100 gift card for every cabin booked, while their clients will receive 100 euros in onboard credit for every person booked.
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