Tag Archives: travel

Deutschland Starts Farewell Season for Phoenix Reisen

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Deutschland Starts Farewell Season for Phoenix Reisen

The Deutschland recently sailed from Bremerhaven to kick off its farewell season for German cruise operator Phoenix Reisen.

After undergoing a drydock at the same port in April, the 1998-built vessel started the deployment on May 12, 2026.

The final season includes a series of eight cruises departing from three homeports: Bremerhaven, Cuxhaven and Kiel.

Visiting destinations in Northern Europe, Iceland, the Baltic, and the British Isles, the 520-passenger ship will operate eight- to 22-night cruises.

For the first cruise of the season, the Deutschland offers a 16-night voyage to the United Kingdom and Ireland.

The itinerary is highlighted by visits to 13 destinations, including Belfast, Edinburgh, Douglas, Dover and Portland.

Before ending its summer season for the German brand in early September, the ship also offers a three-week cruise to the Portuguese archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira.

The voyage features calls to Ponta Delgada and Funchal, as well as stops in lesser-visited destinations such as Praia da Vitória and Velas.

Sailing round trip from Cuxhaven, the cruise is also set to visit other destinations in Northern Europe, including Glengariff and Honfleur.

As previously reported by Cruise Industry News, Phoenix Reisen decided not to renew the charter contract of the Deutschland.

Sailing seasonally for the brand since 2015, the vessel will not return to the company’s fleet for the 2027 summer season.

In addition to the ship, the German brand operates the Artania, the Amera and the Amadea on a year-round basis.

After completing its farewell deployment for Phoenix Reisen, the Deutschland is set to be renamed World Odyssey before embarking on another season for Semester at Sea.

As part of the company’s educational cruising platform, the vessel offers two world cruises during the 2026-27 winter season. Further plans for the future of the 22,400-ton ship are still to be announced.

Crystal Grace to Feature Dedicated Crew Recreation Area

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Crystal Grace to Feature Dedicated Crew Recreation Area

Crystal Cruises has unveiled a dedicated crew recreation area aboard the Crystal Grace, its newest ship coming in 2028.

Set on deck 12, the crew recreation area will include a crew gym featuring Technogym equipment, a sundries shop, bar, table seating area and lounge with a 98-inch television indoors. 

This will be complemented with sun loungers, a jacuzzi and shower area outside, according to a statement. 

“Our crew consistently delivers an exceptional level of service and care, and it was important to us that Crystal Grace reflects that same standard in return,” said Cristina Levis, CEO of Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group (AKTG). 

“This dedicated recreation space was created with real intention, a place for our team to unwind, recharge and feel supported after bringing the Crystal experience to life each day.” 

Measuring 1,582 square feet (147 square meters), the area can accommodate up to 100 crew members, with 74 dedicated seats in the indoor social spaces. 

In addition to this, two crew dining areas will be located on deck 3. 

The 650-passenger Crystal Grace is scheduled for delivery in May 2028.  

Her official debut on June 11, 2028, in Civitavecchia (Rome), will visit Sorrento, Igoumenitsa, Kotor, Split, Zadar and Trieste before continuing to Venice, after which a Mediterranean season will be launched.

MSC to Deploy 7 Ships in U.S. and the Caribbean for Summer 2028

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MSC to Deploy 7 Ships in U.S. and the Caribbean for Summer 2028

MSC Cruises recently revealed its plans for the 2028 summer season in North America and the Caribbean, which includes itineraries onboard seven ships.

According to a press release, the deployment is highlighted by the first full year of service of the MSC World Atlantic.

After entering service in late 2027, the new World-class ship will continue to sail from Port Canaveral during the summer, offering seven-night cruises to the Caribbean.

The World Atlantic will be joined in Central Florida by the MSC Grandiosa, which will offer a series of three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas.

MSC is also deploying two ships in PortMiami during the 2028 summer, with the MSC World America and the MSC Seaside.

The MSC Seascape will continue to sail from Galveston on seven-night itineraries to the Western Caribbean, while the MSC Poesia returns to Alaska for the third consecutive summer.

MSC also announced plans to operate the MSC Opera in the Southern Caribbean during the summer of 2028, with additional deployment details set to be revealed at a later date.

According to the company, the itineraries will be highlighted by overnight stays in its private island destination of Ocean Cay, as well as the debut of Sandy Cay.

“We’re always looking for opportunities to give our guests new ways to experience MSC Cruises’ mix of European style and American comfort, and our Summer 2028 Caribbean itineraries are a great example of that,” said Lynn Torrent, president of MSC Cruises North America.

“We have sunny getaways available for everyone, whether they’re looking for a quick weekend in The Bahamas, a family vacation aboard one of our fantastic World Class ships, or a bucket-list journey through the gorgeous Southern Caribbean. Plus, guests can look forward to the new experiences we’re building in key destinations like Ocean Cay, Sandy Cay and Catalina Island—all aimed at ensuring they have the best beach days possible,” she added.