Holland America Line Expands Fjord Access on 2027 Rotterdam Cruises

Posted on 10 July, 2026 by Spacejunkie2

Holland America Line Expands Fjord Access on 2027 Rotterdam Cruises

Holland America Line has updated itineraries of five cruises aboard the Rotterdam in 2027 to give guests more chances to experience fjords.

They will include calls to Flåm and Hellesylt and access to popular fjord destinations, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Nærøyfjord and Storfjorden.

The itineraries are now open for booking and available on five seven-day cruises aboard the Rotterdam, the cruise line said in a press release.

“Northern Europe continues to be one of the most sought-after regions we sail, with fjord cruising ranking among the most desired experiences for our guests,” said Paul Grigsby, vice president of deployment and revenue planning for Holland America Line.

“By adding Flåm and Hellesylt to these itineraries, we’re giving guests even more opportunities to experience the incredible scenery, rich history and unforgettable landscapes that make this part of the world so special.”

Three departures (May 30, June 27 and Aug. 1, 2027) call at Oslo, Kristiansand, Sandnes (Stavanger) and Flåm, with the addition of scenic cruising through the Sognefjord and Oslofjord.

The departures on July 25 and Aug. 8, 2027, enable guests to visit Eidfjord, Hellesylt, Ålesund and Bergen, alongside cruising in the Hardangerfjord and Storfjorden.

This follows the brand’s announced opening of its 2027-28 Caribbean season, sailing October 2027 through March 2028.

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.”