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Cruise NewsAuthor: Cruise News
Cruise News brings you the latest headlines, ship updates, and insights from across the cruise industry. Each week, we cover whats new in cruise travel, from ship launches and itinerary changes to environmental policy, innovation, and onboard trends.Whether youre a frequent cruiser, travel professional, or just dreaming of your next voyage, Cruise News helps you stay informed without the fluff. Expect timely coverage of major cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, MSC, and Disney Cruise Line, along with interviews and analysis that explain what the headlines really mean for travelers.Join us for clear, credible updates on the business, destinations, and experiences shaping the world of cruising.Learn more at https://www.cruisenews.io Language: en Genres: Leisure, Places & Travel, Society & Culture Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Viking's 103 Ships, Princess's Sushi Upgrade, and Trafalgar's 2028 River Gambit.
Friday, 14 November, 2025
In this episode, we explore the comprehensive strategic investments cruise lines are making to dominate global waterways, focusing on simultaneous fleet refinement, massive capacity expansion, and entry into highly competitive markets.We look at how Princess Cruises is maintaining a competitive edge through targeted revitalization, such as the extensive two-week dry dock of the Sapphire Princess. This refit centered on transforming existing spaces into premium dining venues, including the acclaimed Crown Grill Steakhouse and the new Makoto Ocean Edomae-style sushi venue by Chef Makoto Okuwa. Beyond dining upgrades, this strategy supports targeted market expansion, as the Sapphire Princess prepares for diverse itineraries, culminating in Princess Cruises’ most expansive Japan season ever in 2027.Next, we dive into the staggering growth of Viking Cruises, which recently expanded its total fleet to 103 vessels with the addition of nine new river ships. This move underscores Viking’s ongoing commitment to tailored, region-specific travel experiences. The new ships, including those purpose-built for Egypt’s Nile River (Viking Thoth and Viking Amun), solidify Viking's leadership in vessel count and demonstrate remarkable profitability. Viking’s committed orderbook anticipates a total fleet of 135 vessels by 2031.Finally, we examine the strategic shift by Trafalgar, a major guided vacation company, as it makes a decisive entry into the river cruising industry. Trafalgar’s expansion reflects a move to meet the rising demand for immersive European journeys. The company plans to debut its first-ever river cruise fleet in 2028, leveraging its decades of guided travel expertise to redefine the luxury river cruising standards with innovative vessel designs and curated shore excursions.We discuss how these three diverse strategies—refinement, capacity growth, and new market entry—reflect the industry’s renewed confidence and focus on delivering elevated, experience-driven products across river and ocean segments.
