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Holland America Line Launches 2027 Solar Eclipse and Northern Lights Cruises

Holland America Line announced new 2027 cruises designed around two major celestial events: the August 2, 2027 total solar eclipse and the Northern Lights. Two special eclipse-themed voyages are now open for booking: a 28-day roundtrip from Rotterdam or Dover aboard Nieuw Statendam featuring 13 European ports, and a 14-day roundtrip from Athens aboard Oosterdam covering Greece, Malta, Italy, and Tunisia. Both ships will position themselves near the eclipse’s path of totality off the coasts of Morocco and Tunisia, respectively.

Additionally, three Northern Lights cruises are scheduled aboard Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam in October and November 2027. These itineraries include multiple Norwegian ports and extended stays above the Arctic Circle, including overnight calls in Alta, known as “The City of the Northern Lights.”
Both cruise themes feature expert lectures, themed excursions, and limited-time early booking perks, including onboard credits and package upgrades through the “Have It All” and Mariner Society programs.
Carnival Corporation Closes $1 Billion Notes Offering to Refinance Debt and Cut Interest Costs

Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK) has successfully closed a $1 billion private offering of 5.875% senior unsecured notes due 2031. The proceeds will be used to fully redeem $993 million of its 7.625% senior unsecured notes due 2026, with the redemption scheduled for May 22, 2025.

This refinancing effort is expected to reduce Carnival’s net interest expense by over $20 million through the original maturity of the 2026 notes, especially after a $350 million partial redemption earlier this year. The newly issued notes include investment-grade-style covenants and will be unsecured, maturing on June 15, 2031. Interest payments will be made semi-annually beginning December 15, 2025.

The notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by Carnival plc and certain subsidiaries. They were sold only to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A and to non-U.S. investors under Regulation S.

This move is part of Carnival’s broader strategy to lower debt servicing costs and manage upcoming maturities more efficiently. The company emphasized that this press release does not constitute an offer or solicitation to sell the notes.
Carnival Corporation Prices $1 Billion Private Offering of Senior Unsecured Notes

Carnival Corporation has announced the pricing of a private offering of $1.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of 5.875% senior unsecured notes due 2031. The offering is intended to support the company’s ongoing financial strategy and strengthen liquidity. These notes are not registered under the Securities Act and are being offered only to qualified institutional buyers. The proceeds from this offering are expected to be used for general corporate purposes.
Seabourn Unveils 2026–2027 Season Featuring New Japan, Caribbean, and Southeast Asia Itineraries

Seabourn has announced its ultra-luxury cruise itineraries for the 2026–2027 fall, winter, and spring seasons, offering 31 departures to 73 destinations in 30 countries. The new sailings on Seabourn Encore, Seabourn Ovation, and Seabourn Quest include first-time spring voyages in Japan and expanded offerings in the Caribbean and Southeast Asia.

Highlights include:
- Two spring voyages in Japan during plum blossom season, plus cherry blossom sailings from Tokyo in March–April 2027.
- Caribbean itineraries on Seabourn Ovation and Seabourn Quest featuring boutique ports like Little Bay, Montserrat, and signature events such as Caviar in the Surf.
- Southeast Asia cruises from Singapore and Hong Kong with port visits to Penang, Ko Kood, and Ho Chi Minh City, plus optional overland journeys to Angkor Wat and Luang Prabang.
- Holiday cruises across all three ships, including a 22-day Southeast Asia itinerary on Seabourn Encore and a 14-day roundtrip Caribbean voyage from Barbados.

The new itineraries offer access to up to 30 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and immersive experiences like Shopping with the Chef, Marina Day, and regional cultural excursions.

Guests who book by May 14, 2025, can save up to 10% with Seabourn's Early Booking Advantage.
Carnival to Redeem $350 Million of 2026 Senior Notes in Continued Deleveraging Strategy

Carnival Corporation announced the redemption of $350 million in outstanding principal of its $1.4 billion 7.625% senior unsecured notes due in 2026. The redemption will occur on May 1, 2025, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but not including, the redemption date.

The move is part of Carnival's ongoing efforts to deleverage its balance sheet and reduce interest expenses. The company emphasized that this action reflects its strategic financial management and continued recovery efforts.

This notice does not constitute an official redemption notice, which has been issued separately.
Carnival Corporation and Carnival plc Shareholders Approve All Proposals at 2025 Annual Meetings

On April 16, 2025, Carnival Corporation and Carnival plc held their annual meetings of shareholders. A total of over 967 million votes were cast, and all director nominees were re-elected to serve until the next annual meeting. Shareholders also approved all other proposals recommended by the Boards of Directors.

Key approvals included advisory votes on executive compensation and the Carnival plc Directors’ Remuneration Report and Policy. Deloitte LLP was appointed as Carnival plc's independent auditor, and Deloitte & Touche LLP was ratified for Carnival Corporation. Shareholders also approved authority for the allotment of new shares, disapplication of pre-emption rights, and an amendment to the 1993 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

The meetings reflect continued shareholder support for Carnival’s leadership, compensation practices, and corporate governance structure.
Seabourn Pursuit Hosts French Polynesia President During Papeete Visit

Seabourn welcomed French Polynesia's President Moetai Brotherson aboard *Seabourn Pursuit* in Papeete, Tahiti, marking his first official visit to the ultra-luxury expedition ship. Accompanied by advisors, the president toured the vessel, including its submarines, and attended a dinner hosted by the ship’s captain and senior officers.

President Brotherson expressed interest in expanding small-ship tourism and highlighted the cultural and ecological value of Tahiti's remote regions for explorers. Seabourn emphasized its commitment to sustainable tourism and growing partnerships in the region.

Currently operating in the South Pacific, *Seabourn Pursuit* will return to Western Australia's Kimberley region in May for its second expedition season. The ship is one of two purpose-built expedition vessels by Seabourn, featuring advanced technology and a 23-person expert expedition team.
Holland America Line Extends 2026 Europe Season With Four New Cruises

Holland America Line announced a six-week extension to its 2026 Europe cruise season, unveiling four new voyages aboard the Nieuw Statendam. These new itineraries include deeper exploration of the Mediterranean, Norway, and a highly anticipated Arctic Circle cruise for Northern Lights viewing.

Key highlights include:
- 14-Day Arctic Journey and Northern Lights with The HISTORY Channel (Departs Nov. 7): A special Northern Lights-focused cruise visiting Ålesund, Trondheim, Tromsø, Alta (overnight), and Leknes, with a wake-up call service when the aurora is visible.
- 14-Day Mediterranean and Atlantic Treasures (Departs Nov. 21): A roundtrip from Rotterdam with stops in Spain, Portugal (including an overnight in Lisbon), and Gibraltar — the line's first roundtrip Mediterranean sailing from Rotterdam in nearly a decade.
- Additional options include a 7-Day Norway with Nordfjord and a 15-Day Cultural Crossing with England and Normandy.

Guests booking early with the “Have It All” package will receive added benefits like free prepaid gratuities and beverage and Wi-Fi upgrades. Loyalty members can earn up to $400 onboard credit if they book by July 9, 2025.

More details are available at hollandamerica.com.
Seabourn Encore Makes First-Ever Call to Continental U.S., Docking in California

Seabourn’s ultra-luxury cruise ship *Seabourn Encore* made its maiden arrival to the continental United States with a historic first docking in Long Beach, California. The ship berthed beside the iconic *Queen Mary*, offering travel advisors and guests a rare chance to view the vessel up close. This visit also marks the start of Encore’s transition toward Europe, including a Panama Canal passage and a transatlantic voyage for a Mediterranean summer season. Later in 2025, Encore will set out on a westward journey to Japan, spanning over 18,500 nautical miles across multiple oceans and continents.
Carnival Corporation Orders Two Next-Generation AIDA Cruises Ships for Delivery in 2030 and 2032

Carnival Corporation & plc has finalized an agreement with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for two new mid-sized AIDA Cruises ships, set to be delivered in fiscal years 2030 and 2032. These multi-fuel-capable vessels, each with around 2,100 cabins, will fall between AIDA’s current Hyperion and Helios classes in terms of size.

The ships will be equipped with engines that can run on a range of fuels, including low- and zero-carbon options like bio and synthetic fuels, supporting Carnival’s sustainability goals. AIDA President Felix Eichhorn noted the new class will offer innovative features and strengthen the brand’s leadership in the German cruise market.

The announcement brings Carnival Corporation’s total newbuild pipeline to eight ships between 2025 and 2033. CEO Josh Weinstein emphasized the company’s disciplined growth strategy and its focus on high-performing brands such as AIDA and Carnival Cruise Line.

The order is contingent on financing, expected to be completed later this year. Design details and itineraries for the new ships will be released in the future.
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03-24-25Global Finance News