March 2026
www.nitravelnews.com CRUISE
Royal Caribbean Announce New Discovery Class Ship To Debut In 2029
ROYAL Caribbean Group have announced a series of agreements with the Chantiers de l’Atlantique (CdA) shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France to secure the construction of its highly anticipated Discovery Class ships. The agreements include two firm ship orders with
options for four additional ships. The first ship in the class is set to debut in 2029, while the second ship is scheduled to be delivered in 2032. “The Discovery Class represents our continued commitment to shaping the future of vacations. These ships will be a showcase of what’s possible when design meets purpose, ultimately bringing the world closer to our guests,” said Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “Through our partnership
with Chantiers de l’Atlantique, we are leveraging France’s world-class shipbuilding ecosystem and new technology to, once again, reimagine the industry for decades to come.” This partnership builds on a legacy that began in
1985, when Chantiers de l’Atlantique constructed Royal Caribbean Group’s original Sovereign Class ships – Sovereign of the Seas, Monarch of the Seas and Majesty of the Seas – and continues today with groundbreaking ship classes, including Oasis Class, from game changing Harmony of the Seas, as well as Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Series, and now, Royal Caribbean’s new Discovery Class. Chantiers de l’Atlantique, has a long history of building industry leading ships. Over the past four decades, the shipyard has built a total of 21 ships for Royal Caribbean Group, and the yard is currently building two more ships with Oasis 7 and Celebrity Xcite.
Popular Disney Cruise Ship to Sail From UK for First Time Ever
Leveraging our expertise, and the
DISNEY Cruise Line has announced its summer 2027 itineraries that span across Europe, the Caribbean and beyond. Summer 2027 early booking windows for Disney Cruise
Line Castaway Club members begin on 16th February, whilst bookings will open to the public on 23rd February. Disney Wish will make its debut in Europe after a
repositioning cruise, where it will sail from the UK for the very first time. With sailing already available from the UK aboard Disney Dream, passengers will be welcomed in summer 2027 at Southampton port for Disney Wish. Offering three‑ to 10‑night itineraries, the fifth ship in the fleet will visit new destinations including Zadar, Croatia; Trieste near Venice, Italy; and Hellesylt in Norway. Carrying up to 4,000 passengers, Disney Wish will
become the first of the Wish class ships to visit Europe, with the classic red funnel making its grand entrance to UK
waters.
Holland America Celebrates 100 Years Cruising the Caribbean
THE cruise line first sailed the Caribbean on 18th February 1926, departing from New York Holland America Line became one of the first to offer regular departures to the Caribbean. Holland America Line visited various destinations in the
Caribbean including, Havana, Cuba; Kingston, Jamaica; Colon/Cristóbal, Panama; Cartagena, Colombia; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Bermuda. Karen Farndell, associate vice-president of sales and mar-
keting for the UK and Ireland at Holland America Line, said: “Celebrating 100 years of cruising in the Caribbean is a proud moment for Holland America Line and a testament to our deep roots in the region. From our very first Caribbean sailing in 1926, we’ve been committed to offering thought- fully curated itineraries that connect guests with the culture, history and natural beauty of these destinations.”
CRUISE NEWS | 43
Oceania Cruises Mark Pivotal Milestone in Construction of Newest Ship
OCEANIA Cruises has celebrated a pivotal milestone in the construction of its next-generation ship, Oceania Sonata, as the keel of the ship was laid at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy. The ceremony, an important maritime tradition,
honoured the rich heritage of shipbuilding, the importance of partnership, and underscored the line’s bold vision of its future. “Oceania Sonata embodies the next chapter in our
legacy of redefining luxury travel, and we are proud to mark this occasion as we cement our position in the industry,” said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Oceania Cruises. “This milestone is the result of the extraordinary dedication and expertise of the Fincantieri team – shipbuilders, engineers, designers and countless others whose skill and passion transform our vision into reality.” “The keel laying for Oceania Sonata marks an important milestone not only for Oceania Cruises and Fincantieri, but for the entire luxury cruise industry,” said Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of Fincantieri Merchant Ships Division. “This ship embodies the innovation and craftsmanship
that define our longstanding partnership with Oceania Cruises.
technical
excellence refined through the successful construction of the Allura Class vessels, we are proud to bring Oceania Cruises’ vision to life once again with this remarkable new ship.”
Set to embark on her maiden voyage in August 2027,
Oceania Sonata marks the next evolution of Oceania Cruises’ fleet.
She will be followed by three sister ships, Oceania
Arietta, scheduled to join the fleet in 2029, and two as‑yet‑ unnamed Sonata class vessels in 2032 and 2035.
NEWS
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