62 | CRUISE NEWS
Royal Caribbean Marks Milestone of Seventh Oasis Class Ship
ROYAL Caribbean has marked the first of many milestones for the seventh Oasis Class ship in the fleet. The first piece of steel was cut for the next in line for the Oasis Class lineup of ships that first came to the industry more than a dec- ade ago. The soon-to-be-named ship is official- ly on its way toward its introduction in 2028. To kick off the journey for the newest ship, a
steel-cutting ceremony was held at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. Representatives from Royal Caribbean and Chanti- ers de l'Atlantique attended the milestone event to commemorate the moment alongside the teams of innovators, naval engineers, architects, designers and
more working to bring the ship to life.
American Cruise Lines Announces Details of Major Ship Order
www.nitravelnews.com
November/December 2025
Quark Expeditions Launches 2027 Arctic and 2027/2028 Antarctic Season
AmaWaterways Launches Second Luxury River Cruise Ship in Colombia
AMAWATERWAYS has celebrated the launch of its second luxury river cruise ship in Colom- bia, AmaMelodia. The introduction of a second ship also reflects the company's strong con- fidence in Colombia’s future as a world-class river cruise destination. "After seeing the incredible response to AmaMagdalena earlier this year, we are thrilled to welcome AmaMelodia to the AmaWaterways fleet,"- said Catherine Powell, CEO of AmaWaterways. "Launching these two ships has been an extraor-
dinary collaboration with our Colombian partners. Together, we are not only creating unforgettable travel experiences for our guests but also helping to build a sustainable foundation for tourism that benefits local communities along the river." Accommodating 64 guests, AmaMelodia was designed to maximise comfort and views of Colom- bia's lush landscapes and vibrant riverfront towns. On board, travellers enjoy exquisite locally inspired Latin American cuisine and Western favourites in the Main Restaurant, lively evenings filled with music and entertainment in the Main Lounge, and moments of relaxation in the Sun Deck whirlpool as the ship glides along one of South America’s most storied waterways. "Seeing AmaMelodia set sail is very meaningful
AMERICAN Cruise Lines has announced details of 10 new ships. Beginning with American Pioneer debuting in Flor- ida on 31st October 2025, it will be the second new Patriot Class ship the company has launched this year. This will be estimated to be delivered over the next
three years, with all of American’s new boats continued to sail domestically. They will operate itineraries across the line’s growing portfolio, including the Mississip- pi River, Alaska and the East Coast. The new ships will also accelerate American’s expansion into new niche markets such as the Great Lakes, the Arkansas River and National Parks cruises. “American’s order book reflects our confidence in the domestic cruise market and the product we have pio- neered in the US,” said Charles B. Robertson, president & CEO of American Cruise Lines. “The new ships will roll out at an average pace of one every four months and keep us on a disciplined growth trajectory.” Following American Pioneer’s inaugural sailing, the company’s orderbook will feature five new American Riverboats, and 4 more Patriot Class ships . The Project Blue ships to date have included four innovative new Coastal Cats and Patriot Class flagship, American Patriot, which launched in June 2025.
WORK has begun on the upgrade of MSC Cruises’ MSC Magnifica, marking the start of an extensive enhancement programme that underscores the cruise line’s ongoing investment in enhancing the guest experience across its fleet. MSC Magnifica has been in service since 2010 and
is the first of two Musica Class ships due to enter dry dock at Palumbo Malta Shipyard in Malta for such an upgrade. The ship will receive the MSC Yacht Club with 63 new
suites, two new specialty dining venues — Butcher’s Cut and Kaito Sushi Bar – along with an enhanced MSC Aurea Spa and Technogym Fitness Centre complete with Gentleman’s Barber, different workout studios and outdoor Aurea area. The work is expected to be completed in December,
with the full MSC Yacht Club experience available in Summer 2026 when MSC Magnifica sails Northern Europe itineraries. MSC Cruises’ CEO Gianni Onorato said “These
upgrades highlight our commitment to offering guests the best possible experience and facilities across our fleet. By introducing our MSC Yacht Club to these ships –
to me," said Kristin Karst, Co-Founder and Chief Brand Ambassador of AmaWaterways. "Over the past three years, I’ve had the privilege
of working closely with our Colombian partners and witnessing the incredible pride and passion that define this country. From its talented artisans to the warm communities along the riverbanks, Colom- bia's spirit is woven into every detail of this ship. AmaMelodia is a celebration of that culture and a beautiful example of what can be achieved through true collaboration and respect for local heritage."
QUARK Expeditions has announced the opening of bookings for its Arctic 2027 and Antarctic 2027/28 voyages earlier than any time in its company history. This early launch decision reflects a strong demand and underscores the company’s growth and continued strength in polar-only travel. Once again charting new territory with refreshed itineraries for these seasons. “From a voyage into the Weddell Sea, to added Science and Discovery programming and culinary experiences, these seasons deepen what Quark does best: authentic, expertly guided polar exploration,” said Catherine Lawton, Senior Director of Product Development. The Arctic 2027 and Antarctic 2027/2028 season
introduces a range of new immersive voyages and experiences: Antarctic Peninsula, A Rare Exploration of the Weddell
Sea: Journey deep into one of Antarctica’s most storied and rarely visited expanses. Falkland Island and South Georgia, 20-day Wildlife Adventure: Rich in wildlife and epic landscapes, spend
time in this seldom visited and difficult to reach region. Scotland to Spitsbergen, Puffins, Sea Ice and Wildlife:
A wildlife lover’s dream, featuring iconic animals like the Puffin and Polar Bear, exploring a snow-covered tundra and glaciers. West Greenland, Discovering Massive Icebergs and
Inuit Communities: Exploring the fjords where some of the biggest icebergs in the Northern Hemisphere are created. West Greenland, Exploring the Far North: Go farther North on the west coast of Greenland than any other itinerary offered by Quark, visiting the remote Qanaaq and Upernavik communities. Tundra to Table: Iceland, a culinary journey inspired by
Arctic traditions Expanded Science and Discovery program onboard
Ultramarine Returning favourites from Svalbard in Spring: Sea,
Ice, Pristine Snow and Wildlife, to the iconic Spitsbergen Circumnavigation: A Rite of Passage, and Discovering the 7th Continent, continue to give guests endless ways to connect with the polar regions.
Uniworld Celebrates Largest Fleet Expansion to Date
MSC Magnifica To Undergo Major Refurbishment in Malta Shipyard
along with new restaurants, gyms, and wellness spaces – we are giving guests more exclusivity and choice than ever before. The MSC Yacht Club is one of our most highly regarded products, known for its exceptional service, elegant spaces, and exclusive amenities and we are proud to bring this experience to MSC Magnifica and MSC Poesia – in time for our first Alaska season and the 2027 MSC World Cruise.” Sister ship MSC Poesia will then enter dry dock at the
same shipyard in February 2026 to receive her upgrades, which include the MSC Yacht Club with 69 suites and an All-Stars Sports Bar, plus the same specialty restaurants and gym and spa upgrades coming to MSC Magnifica, ready to rejoin the fleet in time for her Alaska debut in May 2026. Palumbo Malta Shipyard is a strategic hub for
MSC Cruises’ fleet maintenance and high-quality refurbishing projects for ships in Europe. MSC Magnifica will set sail from Warnemünde, Germany on 16 May 2026 to Northern Europe, visiting Denmark, the Baltics, Scandinavia and Finland, before offering 3-to 8-night Mediterranean departures later in the year to ports including Barcelona, Civitavecchia for Rome and Marseille.
UNIWORLD Boutique River Cruises has unveiled four ships and six itineraries launching in 2027. New ships include three brand-new Super Ship builds, the S.S. Audrey, S.S. Marlene, and S.S. São Rafael on Portugal’s Douro River, as well as sailings on the Aqua Blu, marking the brand’s debut in Singapore and Indonesia. “2027 is shaping up to be a landmark year for us at Uniworld as we introduce four remarkable new ships to our guests and a range of itineraries that blend cultural immersion, luxury and adventure,” says Ellen Bettridge, President and CEO of Uniworld. “From honouring the timeless elegance of Audrey Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich aboard our newest Super Ships, to exploring the rich landscapes of Singapore and Indonesia with the Aqua Blu, these additions mark an exciting chapter of growth and continued elevation.” New Ships for 2027 The S.S. Audrey and S.S. Marlene will join the fleet in 2027 with a similar layout to sister ship S.S. Emilie, debuting in 2026.
Joining them is the new S.S. São Rafael, a brother ship to the S.S. São Gabriel, expanding Uniworld’s Douro River voyages in Portugal. The name São Rafael is a nod to Portugal’s legacy of exploration and maritime history. The final addition to the fleet is the Aqua Blu, an
expedition yacht operated in partnership with Aqua Expeditions. With just two sailings per year, its voyages will offer rare access to the islands of Indonesia and Singapore.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88
