60 | CRUISE NEWS
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Amadeus River Cruises To Launch New Ship in 2027
MSC Cruises Confirm Two New World Class Ships for 2030 & 2031
MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique has announced a major extension of their long- standing relationship with orders for two additional World Class ships – numbers 7 and 8 – due to be delivered in 2030 and 2031. The announcement was made at a double celebration event to mark important maritime milestones for two other World Class ships currently under construction at Chantiers de l’Atlantique’s shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France, the float out of MSC World Asia and coin ceremony of MSC World Atlantic. Valued at €3.5 billion, the orders announced bring MSC Cruises’ total investment in the four ships ordered in France this year to nearly €7 billion. Together with the World Class vessels already under construction, this brings the company’s total direct investment currently committed in France to €10.5 billion. This major industrial plan reflects the shipowner’s confidence in the future of cruise tourism and its ongoing commitment to shipbuilding excellence in France and across Europe. Pierfrancesco
Vago, Executive Chairman, Cruise
Division, MSC Group, said, “We mark a proud moment today for MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique as we celebrate important milestones for our future – the float out of MSC World Asia, the coin ceremony of MSC World Atlantic and the order of two new ships. The World Class platform is a symbol of our vision to set new standards for the future of cruising. These are some of the most energy efficient ships in the world and we continue our commitment to LNG, ensuring we are ready for future renewable fuels. We look forward to continuing with our innovative and successful collaboration with Chantiers de L’Atlantique – our long-term partner for more than 20 years.”
Laurent Castaing, General Manager, Chantiers de
l’Atlantique, added, “We are deeply grateful to MSC Cruises for their renewed confidence. What our shipyard is achieving today is truly exceptional — four new ships ordered in 2025! The World Class series, now totalling eight vessels, is a testament to our teams’ expertise and to MSC’s vision. It exemplifies our shared commitment to elevating the passenger experience while advancing environmental performance.” Construction of both World Class 7 and 8 will begin in 2029 and will join a legacy of ships delivered by Chantiers de L’Atlantique as part of its longstanding partnership with MSC Cruises. The two new orders will be subject to access to financing, as per industry practice.
AMADEUS River Cruises has announced that its newest river cruise ship, AMADEUS Mira, will launch in 2027 and will join its sister ship, AMADEUS Aurea, which is scheduled to enter service in 2026. The ship will feature an updated hybrid- electric propulsion system complemented by an advanced control and positioning system for maximum efficiency. Additional eco-friendly features include solar panels for supplemental power, a heat recovery system to optimize energy use, and special glass panelling to minimise heat loss and temperature fluctuations, enhancing onboard comfort. “On board our fleet, cutting-edge
environmental technology and luxurious design go hand in hand,” said Wolfgang Lüftner, founder and CEO of Amadeus River Cruises. “With AMADEUS Mira, we continue this 40-year tradition of excellence, meeting the growing global demand for luxury river cruises with contemporary, innovative solutions. The strong interest from our guests and the resulting growth make us proud and reaffirm that our commitment to pioneering shipbuilding is the right path forward.” AMADEUS Mira will sail the scenic Rhine,
Main and Danube rivers, taking guests on unforgettable journeys through Europe’s most culturally rich and picturesque regions. Like Aurea, Mira will accommodate 158 passengers in 12 luxurious suites and 67 comfortable cabins.
January 2026
Silversea Kicks Off its 33-Voyage Caribbean Season for 2025/2026
SILVERSEA has kicked off its 2025/2026 Caribbean and Central America season, with Silver Shadow departing on the first of 33 curated voyages in the region until March 5, 2025. Four of Silversea’s intimate ships will host guests in
comfort on sailings that range from seven to 21 days. Guests will discover 32 iconic and off-the-beaten-path destinations in 19 countries, including smaller ports that larger ships cannot access, such as Little Bay in Montserrat and Les Saintes in Guadeloupe. “For our 2025/2026 Caribbean season, we have
Icon of The Seas to Sail From Galveston in 2027
ROYAL Caribbean has announced Icon of the Seas will sail from Galveston for the first time starting August 2027, joining Royal Caribbean’s new action- packed line-up for the 2027-28 season. Itineraries will start from Texas, California and the Northeast and visit picturesque destinations across the Caribbean and more.
Adding to the bucket list are all kinds of ways to explore the gems of the Caribbean like Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curacao; and Castries, St. Lucia; sail along the pristine coastlines of Mexico at places such as Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta; and venture through scenic towns in Portland, Maine; Halifax and Sydney, Nova Scotia; Boston, Massachusetts, and more. The new itinerarys offer 4-to12-night adventures on nine Royal Caribbean ships to choose from starting April 2027
A&K to Double Luxury Nile Riverboat Offering
ABERCROMBIE & Kent
announced the signing of the agreement with Egyptian shipbuilder The Arab Contractors (Osman Ahmed Osman & Co.) for the construction of a second newbuild luxury riverboat, a sister vessel to the highly anticipated Nile Seray, An A&K Sanctuary. Nile Seray is scheduled for delivery in late 2026, with its sister ship to follow in 2028. The new vessel, with a name to be revealed in the coming months, will mirror the design and accommodations of Nile Seray, featuring 32 suites for 64 guests. “This second vessel represents our absolute confidence in Egypt’s enduring appeal and our commitment to setting new standards in Nile cruising,” said Cristina Levis, CEO of AKTG. “Having two sister ships of this calibre allows us to
offer even more travellers the exceptional experiences that have defined A&K’s presence in Egypt since 1977.” This announcement comes at a pivotal moment for Egyptian tourism, with the recent opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum displaying 100,000 artefacts, including King Tutankhamun’s complete
Travel Group has
treasure collection for the first time since their discovery in 1922. A&K reports that bookings for Egypt have increased significantly year-on- year, with particular demand for its Tailormade holidays and private experiences. “Egypt has always held a special place in A&K’s
story,” added Levis. “These vessels embody our understanding that luxury today is defined not by excess, but by space, authenticity, and the quality of experience. They reflect how we see travel: deeply personal, beautifully crafted, and rooted in genuine connection to place.”
crafted an immersive collection of voyages that will take in both iconic and rarely visited islands, enabling our guests to delve deeper, and experience the Caribbean’s authentic soul and vibrant flavours like never before,” said Bert Hernandez, president, Silversea. “Exploring boutique ports, accessible only to smaller ships, our guests will experience the most authentic side of the Caribbean’s unique culture.” With four ships journeying throughout the Caribbean
and Central America in the 2025/2026 season, guests can choose from multiple sailings on Silversea’s newest Nova Class ship, Silver Ray, or Silver Spirit and Silver
Shadow – as well as one voyage on board Silver Dawn. Windstar Cruises Opens Summer 2027 Reservations
WINDSTAR Cruises is highlighting two of its most in-demand regions – Alaska and Japan – with summer 2027 sailings of its newest all- suite yacht, Star Seeker. “Star Seeker was purpose-built for destinations
like Alaska and Japan,” said Stijn Creupelandt, chief operating officer of Windstar Cruises.
“She’s small enough to reach tucked-away harbours and narrow passageways and personal enough that every guest feels connected. Pair that with our new Mystery Cruise concept and a one-of-a-kind Destination Discovery Event in Japan, and the 2027
summer season will be unlike anything else at sea.” Hollywood Stars Officially Name Star Princess in Ceremony
IN a radiant evening celebration illuminated by celestial hues and filled with unforgettable moments, Star Princess was officially named by godparents, Camila and Matthew McConaughey. While Star Princess was alongside at Port Everglades,
the vibrant couple christened the ship during a ceremonial maritime tradition dating back centuries, breaking a celebratory bottle of Pantalones Organic Tequila, the brand they co-founded, to wish the ship, guests and crew good fortune on the seas. Hosted by travel and lifestyle TV personality Dawn
McCoy, the star-studded naming ceremony took place in the ship’s spectacular Princess Arena, where guests enjoyed an evening of inspiring tributes from Princess President Gus Antorcha and Star Princess Captain Gennaro Arma and live entertainment. The celebration continued with a special performance by nine-time Grammy Award-winning singer songwriter Sheryl Crow. To cap off the event, a shimmering drone show filled the starry sky paying tribute to Star Princess’ upcoming itinerary to The Great Land of Alaska. “It’s an honour to follow in the footsteps of past
godparents and welcome Star Princess into the Princess fleet,” said Camila and Matthew McConaughey. “We are excited to share this moment with the guests who step aboard – coming together with family and friends,
making new memories, and sharing a Pantalones cocktail, or two.” Gus Antorcha, Princess Cruises President highlighted,
“Star Princess is a stunning reflection of our legacy and our future – bringing together incredible design, exceptional experiences, and the spirit of discovery our guests love. We’re grateful to Matthew and Camila McConaughey for joining the Princess family and know their warmth and infectious spirit will always be felt throughout Star Princess.” Camila and Matthew McConaughey join an illustrious group of Princess Cruises godparents including Princess Diana; Catherine, Princess of Wales; Audrey Hepburn; and Sophia Loren.
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