Launching a $250 million initiative, Celebrity Cruises is setting out to make its Solstice-class ships look new again, starting with Celebrity Solstice in 2026. A full revitalization of the ships will create eight new shipboard experiences, complete with four new-to-sea spaces, including restaurants. In addition, the Solstice-class vessels will receive some new stateroom categories, and all staterooms and suites will be revitalized and upgraded.
No Cruise Curbs in Sitka
Within the past year, some destinations across the globe have taken steps to limit cruise tourism. But don’t expect that anytime soon in Sitka, AK. According to the Daily Sitka Sentinel, in a special election this past week, Sitka voters decisively—by more than a two-to-one margin—turned down a ballot proposition to limit cruise ship tourism. Only 773 votes favored the proposed limits, while 2,071 voters cast their ballots against the proposition, which sought to limit cruise visitors to 300,000 annually, required at least one quiet day a week with no large ships, and more.
On the product side, MSC Cruises is adding an MSC Yacht Club, an upscale ship-within-a-ship complex, to MSC Magnifica. In addition, the line is enhancing its specialty dining options fleetwide. Seabourn has elevated its onboard entertainment while the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has unveiled new details about Luminara. In addition, Holland America Line upgraded the afternoon tea-time experience aboard its ships, while Celestyal Cruises just launched a summer promotion.
(MSC Cruises)
On the Leadership Front
Windstar Cruises’ top executives—Christopher Prelog, president, and Janet Bava, chief commercial officer—shared their perspective with sister publication Luxury Travel Advisor about small-ship, luxury industry growth. They also outlined what’s new and different this year and beyond for their boutique luxury oceangoing line. Oceania Cruises also revealed plans for its 2026 specialty cruises.
Several major leadership changes have surfaced for cruise lines this past week. Catherine Powell, who was named president of AmaWaterways earlier this year, has also now been appointed CEO. Rudi Shreiner, who has served as the river line’s CEO since he co-founded the brand in 2002, is transitioning to the role of chairman of the board, effective July 1. Company co-founder Kristin Karst will remain a board member and continue her work as the line’s global brand ambassador.
Separately, Koreen McNutt joined Virgin Voyages as vice president agency and business development. She previously served as senior vice president and commercial sales officer at MSC Cruises USA. Also at Virgin Voyages, Kristy Woolums was promoted to senior director of national strategic accounts, North America, and Stephen Hopkins, the line’s vice president of growth, added international sales and marketing to his responsibilities.
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