CRUISE 48 | CRUISE NEWS
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Emerald Cruises Unveil Multi-Year Cruise Expansion for 2027
EMERALD Cruises have unveiled a major multi-ship expansion for 2027, building on the momentum of Emerald Kaia and Emerald Astra, both set to launch in April 2026. The 2027 growth will introduce two
Belfast Set For Buoyant 2025 Cruise Season with 146 Cruise Calls
THE 2025 cruise season will see more than 145 calls to Belfast Harbour from some of the world’s best known cruise lines, including first time calls from 10 cruise ships.
Belfast will welcome first time calls from
10 cruise ships this year as part of a cruise season that will see more than 145 calls to Belfast Harbour from some of the world’s best known cruise lines. Cruise Belfast, the partnership between
Belfast Harbour and Visit Belfast which markets the city as a leading cruise ship destination, has announced that the first cruise call of the seven-month season will be on March 30th. During the 2025 season there will be
146 calls by 57 ships from 31 different cruise lines – including 13 by Belfast’s most frequent caller, the ‘Regal Princess’. Among the ships calling at Belfast
for the first time will be Viking’s newest vessel, the ‘Viking Vela’, which will be the first cruise ship to dock in the city in 2025, while Virgin Voyages first ship ‘Scarlet Lady’ will also be making its inaugural visit to Belfast in August. The largest vessel that will be visiting Belfast this year will once again be the 333 metre-long MSC Preziosa. In a further indication of the city’s
growing status in the cruise industry, this year will see Belfast Harbour facilitate eight ‘turnarounds’ – which means passengers beginning and ending their trip in Belfast boosting overnight stays in city hotels. Additionally, Belfast will host a partial
turnaround for international travellers, mainly American tourists, embarking on Silversea’s luxury ship, Silver Shadow, for a 28-day voyage. Passengers will also have the chance
to depart from Belfast with Ambassador Cruise Line, setting sail to various destinations across Scotland and Europe. During 2025, 10 cruise calls will be
staying in the city overnight, giving passengers the opportunity to travel further in Northern Ireland and enjoy the restaurants and bars that Belfast’s vibrant night scene has to offer. It is anticipated that the cruise season
will bring a total of 225,000 passengers to Belfast, along with over 100,000 crew members, contributing an estimated £20m-£25m to the local economy.
Michael Robinson, Port Director of Belfast
Harbour said: “We are looking forward to another busy cruise season and to providing Belfast’s customary warm welcome to visitors from around the world. The cruise sector brings significant numbers of people to the city, directly supporting local tourism businesses in the economy while also boosting the profile of Northern Ireland as an international destination and we are committed to ensuring that our cruise operations are carried out in as sustainable a manner as possible. “Belfast Harbour recently announced
our single biggest investment in the port of £90m for a new deepwater quay to facilitate additional cruise business. We are also looking at the funding and provision of clean power solutions for cruise vessels calling to the port in the future. With feedback about the quality of the local offering and service continuing to be incredibly positive, we expect continued growth in the sector which is very good news for the local economy.” Mary Jo McCanny, Director of Visitor Experience and Destination Initiatives at Visit Belfast said: “It’s exciting to see Belfast’s reputation as a must-visit destination for cruise passengers continue to grow. With 325,000 people expected this year, our Cruise Welcome Centre will provide a great big Belfast welcome as visitors arrive. “With the addition of 10 overnight cruise
calls this year, passengers will now be able to fully enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife and excellent local food offering. “We are particularly excited to welcome
Virgin Voyages to Belfast for the first time and plans are already underway to give them a special, red-themed reception in August.” Naomi Waite, Director of Marketing
at Tourism Northern Ireland, said: “Experiencing Belfast and Northern Ireland as part of a cruise itinerary can be a great taster of the destination for first time visitors here. “As well as the immediate economic
benefits of the turnaround cruises, I have no doubt that due to the variety of excellent accommodation, attractions and experiences on offer, many of our cruise visitors will return to once again Embrace our Giant Spirit.” The 2025 cruise season will come to an end on 6th November 2025.
new superyachts and one new European river ship – including the brand’s first-ever vessel on the iconic Seine River. Together, these additions reflect the next phase in Emerald Cruises’ evolution and a forward- thinking deployment strategy designed to fuel continued growth in the luxury travel sector. The strategic expansion underscores the brand’s momentum as it sails into its second decade, with a fleet and guest experience shaped by design, destination, and innovation.
Following the debut of Emerald Kaia in
2026, Emerald Cruises will introduce two additional next-generation superyachts in 2027. The new vessels, Emerald Raiya and Emerald Xara, will reflect the same sleek design language and elevated guest experience as their sister ship, with enhancements
shaped by direct guest
feedback. Each will offer spacious all-suite accommodations, an expansive Sky Deck with private cabanas and panoramic views, and a swim-up marina platform designed for effortless access to the sea.
Each yacht will accommodate 128
guests and offer all-suite accommodations. Like Emerald Kaia, both ships will be designed for seamless open-air living, wellness-focused amenities, and immersive coastal exploration.
Majestic Princess Emerges From Drydock with Revamped Spaces
AFTER a two-week dry dock in Palermo, Italy, Majestic Princess has set sail with an exciting array of new venues, reimagined spaces, and refined touches in preparation for its 2025 Mediterranean season. Guests aboard the freshly renovated ship will be greeted by a host of new enhanced features, including various elevated culinary experiences and social spaces. Notable additions include the popular O’Malley’s Irish Pub, Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, Alfredo’s Slice, Salty Dog Grill, Ocean Terrace Sushi Bar, Bellini’s, rebranded shopping venues, and more. “Majestic Princess has undergone a remarkable transformation that will introduce beloved venues and experiences from across our fleet as it sails,” said Lorna Warren, Princess Cruises Vice President Hotel Operations and Guest Experience. “We can’t wait to welcome guests aboard for the upcoming Mediterranean season as we celebrate our 40th anniversary of cruising in this stunning, sought-after region.”
Explora Journeys Celebrates Launch of Troncone of Explora IV IN April, Explora Journeys
MSC Group's Cruise Division officially inaugurated the new MSC Barcelona terminal on the occasion of the first call of EXPLORA II at the new terminal - the second ship from luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand, Explora Journeys. The retail area, the spacious waiting lounge
with generous seating, and the exclusive VIP lounge for our premium and luxury guests
create an elevated pre-boarding experience with privileged views. Outside, ceramic cladding pays tribute to the rich Gaudi- inspired artistic history of Barcelona with a colour inspired by the sea. The terminal has achieved Gold Leadership
in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification in recognition of its energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.
April/May 2025
announced the
successful launch of the troncone, the forward lower section of EXPLORA IV, the fourth of six luxury ships to enter service by 2028. The ceremony, a maritime tradition that celebrates a
section of the ship being transferred from land to water for the first time, was held at Fincantieri’s Palermo shipyard in Sicily. The ceremony was attended by over 350 guests and marks an important step in bringing this next-generation ship to life. The upcoming EXPLORA IV is set for delivery in 2027
and will further redefine the future of luxury ocean travel. Once the outfitting phase of the bow section is completed, it will be moved to the Fincantieri shipyard in Sestri Ponente, where her build will be completed. “We are incredibly proud to reach this significant milestone in the construction of EXPLORA IV. This ship represents our unwavering commitment to delivering a new standard of excellence in luxury ocean travel. Our partnership with Fincantieri, one of the finest shipbuilders in the world, is built on shared values of innovation and the relentless pursuit of quality.” said Anna Nash, Global President of Explora Journeys.
MSC Cruises Officially Inaugurates New Barcelona Port Terminal
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