April/May 2026
Viking Launches World’s First Hydrogen-Powered Cruise Ship
VIKING Cruises marked a major milestone with ‘float out’ of Viking Libra – the world’s first ever hydrogen-powered cruise ship. The cruise ship is capable of operating with zero
emissions and is scheduled for delivery in November 2026.
Viking Libra will begin her inaugural sailing
itineraries in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. A float out ceremony took place at Fincantieri’s
Ancona Shipyard as the ship moves on to its final stage of construction and interior build-out. The ceremony was attended by Fincantieri’s
Gilberto Tobaldi, Director of the Ancona Shipyard, as well as members of the Viking team, including Karine Hagen, Executive Vice President of Product, and Enrico Prunotto, Senior Vice President of Ocean Passenger Operations, who thanked the shipyard on behalf of Viking. Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking, said: “The float out of the Viking Libra represents another milestone for Viking and our continued partnership with Fincantieri,” “From the beginning, our approach to ship design has focused on reducing fuel consumption, and the Viking Libra is our most environmentally friendly vessel yet. Investing in hydrogen was a principled choice for
Viking, offering a true zero-emission
solution, and we look forward to welcoming the world’s first hydrogen‑powered cruise ship to our fleet.”
www.nitravelnews.com
Celebrity Cruises Unveil New Destination Discovery Programme for 2027/ 2028
CELEBRITY Cruises have unveiled a new discovery programme that aims to redefine river travel through experimental destination experiences. The discovery programme will launch across 2027 and 2028 itineraries and will feature four experience categories including a Storyteller Series, a Skillmaster Series, Keys to the City Series and a Celebrity Takeover Series. Local insiders lead the Storyteller Series and Skillmaster Series, while the Keys to the City Series gives guests the tech-driven power to explore on their own with insights curated to their unique interests and passions. The Celebrity Takeover Series will offer guests a tailored experience. Aiming to allow travellers to experience each destinations culture, the programme will be available across all 2027 and 2028 Celebrity River Cruises itineraries, and pre and post-cruise stays in Prague, Budapest and Amsterdam. Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises,
said, “On a Celebrity River Cruises
vacation, no two days are the same because no two places are. We’ve built a destination program that connects guests to Europe more personally.” “With our groundbreaking destination discovery options, paired with thoughtfully crafted spaces onboard that inspire relaxation and connection.”
CRUISE NEWS | 51
MSC Group’s Cruise Division Unveils New MSC Creative Studio
MSC Group launch new MSC Creative Studios following their
acquisition of a production
studio in Edinburgh, Scotland which is currently undergoing renovations. The new facility will be a dedicated centre supporting
the growing entertainment and productions across MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys. The studio is expected to be fully operational by July 2026 supporting the development of shows and productions for MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys’ end of 2026 season and beyond. MSC Studios will consist of a dedicated aerial
rehearsal space, eleven dance studios, six vocal studios, a technical recording studio, offices and green rooms, changing facilities, and storage for scenery, props and costumes. The facility will support rehearsals and performer
preparation prior to shows being launched. Steve Leatham, Vice President of Entertainment for MSC Cruise Division, said “Having a dedicated home for our entertainment development and training is essential as we continue to expand the scale and ambition of our productions. This state-of-art facility will help ensure our shows are launch-ready and
consistently delivered at the highest quality, reinforcing the Cruise Division’s long-term commitment to innovation in onboard entertainment. MSC Creative Studios will be a vibrant hub where performers, technicians and creatives can collaborate from the very start of every project. Based in Edinburgh, one of the world’s great cultural capitals, the studio will draw inspiration from the city’s rich artistic energy and we are looking forward to seeing it come to life and to share the exciting new concepts it will bring to our guests on MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys.”
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