AmaWaterways Welcomes Sarah Little as Godmother of AmaSofia
In a noteworthy announcement, AmaWaterways named Sarah Little, Senior Vice President of Business Development for the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), as the godmother of its newest river cruise ship, AmaSofia. This elegant vessel is designed for 7-night European river cruises along the Danube River, featuring renowned itineraries such as “Melodies of the Danube” and “Romantic Danube.” The christening ceremony is scheduled for March 2026 during the ASTA River Cruise Expo in Amsterdam, setting the stage for an exciting launch that underscores AmaWaterways’ dedication to quality river cruising.
Celestyal Cruises Unveils Renovated Staterooms on Celestyal Discovery
Celestyal Cruises has recently revealed the completion of extensive renovations aboard the Celestyal Discovery. The revamped staterooms are expected to significantly enhance the onboard experience, providing guests with fresh designs and improved amenities. Currently sailing the scenic Greek Isles, the ship is poised for its inaugural season in the Arabian Gulf next winter, ensuring that travelers can enjoy an upgraded cruising experience in one of the world’s most beautiful regions.
HX Expeditions Completes Refurbishment of MS Spitsbergen
HX Expeditions has successfully returned its ship, MS Spitsbergen, to service following a comprehensive refurbishment that took place just in time for the summer Arctic season. Notable upgrades include the addition of enhanced guest spaces, a new bistro, and a cutting-edge science center. Furthermore, the exterior design has been modernized, showcasing HX’s signature indigo blue and sand livery. These enhancements aim to provide a more engaging and comfortable experience for guests exploring the Arctic’s breathtaking landscapes.
Diana Ross: Godmother of Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas
In a move that has captured widespread attention, Royal Caribbean has named legendary music icon Diana Ross as the godmother of its upcoming ship, Star of the Seas. Ross will perform the traditional christening ceremony at the ship’s AquaTheater prior to its debut in August 2025 from Port Canaveral, Florida. This announcement not only highlights the star-studded nature of the event but also reinforces Royal Caribbean’s commitment to creating memorable experiences for its guests.
Carnival Cruise Line Introduces Carnival Rewards Loyalty Program
As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance customer loyalty, Carnival Cruise Line has unveiled its new loyalty program, Carnival Rewards, set to launch in June 2026. This innovative program introduces a points-based system that allows guests to earn personalized perks and status through various means, including credit card spending. Transitioning from the existing Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) program, Carnival Rewards aims to provide an elevated rewards structure, unlocking a multitude of benefits for frequent cruisers.
Riviera Travel Launches Riviera Radiance
In June, Riviera Travel debuted its newest vessel, Riviera Radiance, completing its maiden voyage along the Danube River. This luxurious ship accommodates 178 guests and boasts split-level decks along with three distinct dining venues. The Riviera Radiance features some of the largest suites in the company’s fleet, offering travelers a truly upscale experience as they explore Europe’s most captivating destinations. Its inaugural itinerary, the “Budapest to the Black Sea River Cruise,” promises to deliver an exceptional journey.
Viking Welcomes Viking Vesta to Its Fleet
Viking’s fleet continues to expand with the addition of its latest ocean ship, Viking Vesta, delivered in late June. With a capacity of up to 998 guests across 499 staterooms, this new ship will primarily operate in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe during its inaugural season. Viking Vesta promises to uphold the brand’s reputation for excellence, featuring upscale amenities and itineraries that cater to discerning travelers seeking enriching experiences at sea.
Holland America Line Launches ‘Refreshingly Free’ Brand Campaign
This June, Holland America Line introduced its new “Refreshingly Free” brand campaign, aimed at showcasing its Caribbean cruises. The campaign emphasizes a relaxed, crowd-free cruising experience, contrasting Holland America’s intimate atmosphere with the larger, amusement park-like ships of other cruise lines. By appealing to guests looking for a more laid-back alternative in the Caribbean, Holland America hopes to attract a diverse clientele seeking tranquility and luxury at sea.
Oceania Cruises Announces Godparents for Oceania Allura
As anticipation builds for the debut of Oceania Allura in July, Oceania Cruises has announced that alumni from the Food & Wine Best New Chefs program will serve as the ship’s godparents. The christening ceremony is set to take place in Miami on November 13, 2025, highlighting Oceania’s commitment to culinary excellence and providing guests with a luxurious cruising experience characterized by world-class dining and exploration opportunities.
Royal Caribbean’s Ambitious Revamp Plans
Royal Caribbean has ambitious plans to revamp three of its notable ships: Ovation of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, and Liberty of the Seas. Scheduled for 2026, these refurbishments are part of the “Royal Amplified” program, which focuses on enhancing guest experiences through the addition of new amenities, dining venues, and recreational spaces. These upgrades are expected to keep Royal Caribbean at the forefront of the cruise industry, providing guests with cutting-edge experiences on the high seas.
AmaWaterways Christens AmaMagdalena in Colombia
Continuing its expansion into South America, AmaWaterways officially christened the AmaMagdalena in June, following the ship’s launch in Colombia in April. The christening ceremony featured Marianna Schlegel Donado, the ship’s godmother and a Colombian interior designer, marking a significant milestone for the cruise line as it broadens its geographical footprint and service offerings.
American Cruise Lines Debuts American Patriot
In June, American Cruise Lines launched its latest vessel, the American Patriot, marking the start of the largest season of New England cruises in the company’s history. With a capacity of 130 guests, the ship embarked on its inaugural cruise from Boston, promising an intimate and luxurious experience tailored to the preferences of discerning travelers.
Carnival Cruise Line Previews Celebration Key
Carnival Cruise Line offered an exclusive first look at its new private destination, Celebration Key, located in Grand Bahama. Set to debut in July, this sunny retreat promises to be a must-visit spot for cruise enthusiasts. Designed to provide an immersive and relaxing experience, Celebration Key is positioned to become one of the Caribbean’s most scenic locations, further enhancing Carnival’s portfolio of exciting destinations.
HX Expeditions Achieves Milestone in Nuuk, Greenland
HX Expeditions made history in June by completing its first-ever turnaround in Nuuk, Greenland, with the arrival of MS Fridtjof Nansen. More than 500 guests were transported via Air Greenland to Nuuk, Copenhagen, and Reykjavík, setting a new record for the expedition cruise line. This achievement underscores the growing interest in remote destinations and the expanding reach of expedition cruising.
Regent Seven Seas Introduces $25K Skyview Regent Suite
For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury, Regent Seven Seas Cruises has unveiled the Skyview Regent Suite aboard its newest ship, Seven Seas Prestige. Priced at an astonishing $25,000 per night, this expansive suite spans 8,794 square feet and accommodates up to six guests. With features like outdoor terraces, a private spa, and personalized butler service, the Skyview Regent Suite represents the height of opulence at sea, catering to travelers who demand nothing but the best.
Variety Cruises Completes Fleet-Wide Refurbishment
Variety Cruises, a leader in the boutique cruise segment, has announced the successful completion of extensive refurbishments across its entire fleet. Starting in November 2024, the overhaul project focused on improving guest accommodations and facilities. Significant upgrades included a full renovation of the M/S Galileo and enhancements to the M/Y Harmony V. Additionally, staff training programs were implemented to elevate the guest experience, positioning Variety Cruises as a premier choice for those who value intimate and personalized cruising experiences.
Royal Caribbean Group Leadership Transition
In a significant leadership change, Royal Caribbean Group has announced that Richard Fain, the long-standing Chairman of the Board since 1988, will step down from his role in Q4 2025. Fain’s retirement marks the end of an era for the cruise giant, which encompasses major brands such as Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea. This transition is poised to pave the way for a new chapter in the company’s storied history, as it continues to navigate the evolving landscape of the cruise industry.
Oceania Cruises Celebrates Steel Cutting for New Ship Oceania Sonata
Oceania Cruises celebrated a major milestone in June with the ceremonial steel cutting for its upcoming ship, Oceania Sonata. Set to debut in the summer of 2027, this vessel will be built at the Fincantieri-Marghera shipyard in Venice, Italy. As the first in the new Sonata class, Oceania Sonata promises to offer passengers an elevated cruising experience characterized by luxury, comfort, and culinary excellence. The construction of this new ship signifies Oceania’s ongoing commitment to meeting the increasing demand for high-quality luxury cruises, adding to its impressive fleet that includes favorites like Oceania Marina and Oceania Riviera.
In summary, June 2025 proved to be a transformative month for the cruising industry, as leading brands unveiled new ships, appointed prestigious godmothers, and launched innovative brand campaigns. As the cruise landscape continues to evolve, travelers can look forward to exciting new experiences that promise to redefine their journeys at sea.
