Travel Agent attended the annual “State of the Global Cruise Industry” general session at Seatrade Cruise Global in South Florida last week. Top executives from the world’s four largest cruise companies—Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and MSC Group—talked about sustainability, guest experiences, pricing and more related to the post-pandemic recovery.
Across the Globe
Disney Cruise Line and the Singapore Tourism Board announced that Disney will homeport a ship year-round in Singapore, starting in 2025. The partnership means that a Disney ship will homeport in the Southeast Asian city for at least five years.
Sailing the Mediterranean, Celestyal Cruises’ Celestyal Journey will debut in September 2023. (That’s the former Holland America Ryndam. Celestyal will invest $21 million for ship updates and enhancements.)
Swan Hellenic Cruises has announced cultural expedition cruises to Africa.
Ocean Cruise News
Carnival Venezia, a former Costa Cruises vessel, has officially joined the Carnival Cruise Line fleet. Separately, MSC Cruises revealed plans for its new World America; bookings have opened.
With consumers increasingly desiring longer voyages, Holland America Line has added three new 2024-2025 Caribbean season voyages of 14 to 21 days. It will add Boston as another Caribbean departure port—in addition to its long-time homeport at Port Everglades, FL. Calls to Bermuda will return, as well. Separately, Gus Antorcha, Holland America’s president, briefed the media about what else is new at the brand during a private special event on Nieuw Amsterdam at Port Everglades.
Sister publication, Luxury Travel Advisor, looked at what’s new for luxury Alaska cruises. and also covered the keel laying for Silversea Cruises new Silver Nova. In addition, Explora Journeys unveiled North American destination experiences.
The new Crystal announced the return of Umi Uma, the popular specialty restaurant by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa; it previously operated on Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony and will be back on those ships when the new line sets sail.
River Cruise News
Emerald Cruises has unveiled themed Danube River cruises, while sister line Scenic has unveiled additional culinary voyages featuring Chef Bryan Voltaggio.
AmaWaterways is adding a full-sized pickleball court to the top deck of AmaMagna for this year's sailing season on the Danube River. On the destination side, Uniworld is partnering with Adventure World for pre- and post-cruise land packages.
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