HX Marks 130 Years Since First Polar Expedition

Posted on 9 July, 2026 by Spacejunkie2

HX Marks 130 Years Since First Polar Expedition

HX is celebrating the 130th anniversary of its first expedition voyage on July 8, 2026.

On that date in 1896, steamship DS Lofoten sailed from Hammerfest to Svalbard. It was a time when the Arctic North was barely mapped and guests landed on the icefields of Bjørnøya.

To mark the occasion, CEO Gebhard Rainer thanked the cruise line’s guests in an anniversary video message, wishing the company another 130 years of successful exploration.

“From those beginnings to today’s purpose-built expedition ships, one thing has remained constant: a passion for real exploration, led by those who know these places best,” the company said in a statement.

“This anniversary celebrates 130 years of changing the way people see the world. And while we’re proud of where we’ve been, our greatest discoveries still lie ahead.”

130 years later, the company is still sailing polar waters, bringing guests to the same glaciers that captivated the first explorers in a more sustainable manner – using Roald Amundsen, the world’s first hybrid battery-powered expedition ship.

In celebration of the anniversary, guests can select one of two offers: up to 25 percent off all-inclusive expeditions, with discounts varying by destination, or a free suite upgrade.

Four Seasons Orders Third Ship for 2031 Delivery

Posted on 9 July, 2026 by Spacejunkie2

Four Seasons Orders Third Ship for 2031 Delivery

Fincantieri announced today that it has signed a contract with Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings, which is the joint owner/operator of Four Seasons Yacht, for the construction of a third ultra-luxury cruise ship.

Delivery of the new vessel is scheduled for 2031. It is the third ship in a new class of ultra-luxury cruise ships designed and built by Fincantieri at its Ancona shipyard. The Four Seasons I debuted earlier this year and will be followed by a sister ship in early 2028, according to the Italian shipbuilder.

The new ship will retain the same residential-style, “all-suite” concept that characterizes the first vessel in the class, the companies said.

Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and general manager of Fincantieri, stated: “This new order represents another significant step in the development of our partnership with Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings LTD, which has become a benchmark for innovation in luxury hospitality at sea.

The decision to expand the fleet with a third vessel reflects the strength of a long-term industrial vision and confirms market appreciation for a concept that has successfully created a new segment combining luxury hospitality with advanced shipbuilding.

Designed and built at our Ancona shipyard, the vessel further reinforces the site’s role as a Fincantieri center of excellence for the construction of ultra-luxury ships, where innovation, craftsmanship, and industrial expertise come together to deliver the highest standards of quality and refinement.”

Chief Dog Officer Boards Royal’s Legend for Maiden Season

Posted on 6 July, 2026 by Spacejunkie2

Chief Dog Officer Boards Royal’s Legend for Maiden Season

Royal Caribbean’s next Chief Dog Officer is already onboard the new Legend of the Seas for its maiden season in the Western Mediterranean.

According to a social media update, Skipper joined the ship earlier this month ahead of the vessel’s maiden voyage.

The new Icon-class vessel is scheduled to welcome its first paying guests on July 4, 2026.

Joining Rover on the Icon of the Seas and Sailor on the Star of the Seas, the Golden Retriever will live onboard.

Described by Royal Caribbean as a “family dog” for guests and crew, Skipper was born in early February 2026 and underwent training at the company’s headquarters in Miami.

As previously reported by Cruise Industry News, Royal Caribbean’s Chief Dog Officer program is conducted in partnership with the American Humane Society.

The partnership is said to ensure top-tier care and training for the pets, which have their own tutors onboard.

According to Royal Caribbean, the initiative aims to bring joy to guests and crew through playtime with the dogs.

Skipper will be onboard the Legend of the Seas for its first commercial cruise, which will sail to destinations in Italy, Spain and France.

The seven-night inaugural voyage is scheduled to start at the Italian port of Civitavecchia, near Rome, on Saturday.

Highlights of the itinerary include visits to La Spezia, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona and Marseille, as well as two days at sea in the Mediterranean.

Spending its first summer season in Europe, the Legend of the Seas will continue to offer similar itineraries through late October.

The 250,800-ton vessel will then offer a trans-Atlantic crossing ahead of debuting in Fort Lauderdale for a series of cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.