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TUI Group completes sale of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

TUI Group has finalised the sale of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises to the TUI and Royal Caribbean Cruises joint venture (JV) TUI Cruises in a €1.2bn ($1.3bn) deal.

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In February, TUI Group announced plans to sell Hapag-Lloyd Cruises to TUI Cruises. Established in 2008, Royal Caribbean Cruises and TUI each own a 50% stake in the joint venture.

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Tui cruises.

The company said that all approvals, including the merger clearance from the EU Commission, are completed.

It was closed based on the terms and conditions that were previously agreed amid the economic slowdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The transfer of the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises ships will be completed in the next few days.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will continue to serve the luxury and expedition ship demand with two luxury ships and three expedition ships in the German-speaking markets.

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Another expedition cruise ship is under construction and is expected to be delivered next year. It will replace the MS Bremen ship.

TUI Cruises serves the premium market with the Mein Schiff fleet of seven ships.

The three deliveries of TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff fleet are expected to take place by 2023, 2024 and 2025 respectively.

In October last year, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises received the Hanseatic Inspiration luxury cruise vessel from Norwegian shipbuilder Vard Marine (VARD).

In January, TUI Cruises received the New Mein Schiff 2 vessel from the Meyer Turku shipyard.

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Julian Pfitzner Named CEO at Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

• December 11, 2020

Julian Pfitzner has been named CEO of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, effective from Jan 1.

The TUI-owned brand said that following the integration of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises under the TUI Cruises umbrella, Karl J. Pojer, current CEO, will step down. 

For Pfitzner, it’s a job promotion, having previously been responsible as the product manager for Europa 2 and for marketing for the German brand.

Sebastian Ebel, member of the Executive Board of TUI AG, said: “We would like to thank Karl Pojer for his many years of outstanding service to the Group and above all for his special achievements for Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. The entire Executive Board of the TUI Group wishes him all the best and continued success for his future. The maxim of perfection for the best cruise liners worldwide is a manifesto and are destined to endure in the company”.

Pojer noted: “It was an important step to integrate the successful and powerful Hapag-Lloyd Cruises brand into the joint venture between the TUI Group and Royal Caribbean. I have actively and intensively accompanied and shaped this route. Now it is the right time to hand over the tasks and the further path to the new management. I would like to thank all my colleagues who have supported me so enthusiastically on this track over the past seven years – for me the best crew in the world. I wish Julian Pfitzner, who perfectly represents the philosophy of the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises brand, continued success in his new management role.”]

In May 2013, Pojer took over as Chairman of the Executive Board of Hapag-Lloyd Kreuzfahrten. With a far-reaching restructuring, consistent brand management and a realignment of the ships, he achieved a remarkable turnaround of the company, according to a press release. In 2019, he put Hapag-Lloyd Cruises on course for growth with two new ships in the expedition segment and achieved the best result in the company’s history. A third new luxury expedition ship joins the fleet in 2021.

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Our History

The beginning.

In 1968, hospitality entrepreneur Ed Stephan and three Norwegian ship owners, Sigurd Skaugen, Anders Wilhemsen and Gotaas Larsen, created a cruise line to sail the Caribbean. The partners chose the name “Royal Caribbean” – with the connection to royalty signifying the high standards of service guests could expect from the new company. The first ship,  Song of Norway , set sail on her maiden voyage from Miami on November 7, 1970, followed by two more ships in the next two years.

Influenced by the state-of-the-art Norwegian marine industry, the team built those first three ships for speed and fuel efficiency, with shallow drafts that could allow the ships to berth at small island quays. Impressed also by the Norwegian culture of ship safety, they made sure the vessels were designed for quick, efficient evacuation. Those early ships pioneered the wide, open-air decks and the round-cantilevered Viking Crown Lounges that made Royal ships stand apart from the crowd. 

In the decades that followed, Royal Caribbean Group has continued as an industry innovator – from hotel and dining to entertainment, safety, technology and destination development

All those years ago, when Royal Caribbean was a start-up company, it looked the part. The trailer on Biscayne Boulevard that housed the business would fit in a single conference room in the Group’s current Miami headquarters, which has a clear view of that spot on the Boulevard.  

Getting bigger has a lot of positives. But there are certain traits that helped us get where we are today and we will never lose. Chief among them is our entrepreneurial spirit. That is the force that drives us to innovate, to constantly strive to do better. Richard D. Fain, Chair of the Board, Royal Caribbean Group

Getting bigger carries the temptation to move slowly, take fewer chances. Royal Caribbean Group has always resisted that temptation. At the Group, growth fuels the penchant for trying new things and provides a larger landscape for conducting experiments. It means more opportunities for innovation — because great entrepreneurs know that breakout ideas are often the fast lane to success.

Entrepreneurial spirit is the state of mind that helps the Group see opportunity where others see only risk. It’s the state of mind that never thinks “good enough” is remotely good enough. It’s the state of mind that greets every new idea with the words “What if?” instead of “It won’t work.”

In 2020, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. adopted a new moniker, Royal Caribbean Group, to reflect its status as a parent company of a diverse set of cruise lines as well as other business. The Group also sharpened its iconic crown and anchor logo, reflecting the company’s growth and evolution since its last refresh more than 20 years earlier.

Guests have come to expect the biggest, best and boldest from Royal Caribbean Group. And we aren’t going to let them down — ever.

Who owns Royal Caribbean cruises, and which cruise lines does Royal Caribbean own?

Editor's Note

Royal Caribbean International is one of the most recognized brands in the cruise industry. With nearly 30 ships in its fleet, it's also the largest. For several years running, it has operated vessels that, one after the other, held the title of world's largest cruise ship .

If you've ever wondered who owns Royal Caribbean International, you've come to the right place. The line is owned and operated by Royal Caribbean Group (formerly Royal Caribbean Cruise, Ltd.), which also includes Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises.

Here's a rundown with more specifics for each of the Royal Caribbean Group brands.

For more cruise guides, news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises began in 1988 as a Greek cruise line offering an experience that was slightly more elevated than the likes of other cruise lines that were operating at the time. In 1997, Celebrity was acquired by what was then Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., making it Royal Caribbean's sister cruise line (currently the only sisterhood in the industry that offers reciprocity for loyalty status ) and ushering in a new era of ships for the fleet.

Now, Celebrity sails more than a dozen vessels and still offers the same upmarket experience for which it was founded. It features a high-end vibe that's not all-inclusive, which allows fares to remain affordable when compared to luxury lines.

The ships' cabins are comfortable and well-appointed, the entertainment is high-energy, and the nightlife is lively. Sailings tend to attract young professionals and couples, as well as families with adult children, thanks to an ambience that's trendy without being tacky.

Related: All you need to know about Celebrity Cruises

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean was born in 1968, sailing voyages from Miami to the Caribbean on the line's first ship, Song of Norway. Since then, the fleet has grown considerably and now sails to many parts of the world.

Offering award-winning kids clubs, excellent dining options and creative entertainment — as well as a variety of wow-factor amenities like onboard surfing , skydiving and zip lining — Royal Caribbean attracts lots of active travelers and families with children.

Since the line has so many ships, it's easy to find one that meets your needs, whether you're seeking a smaller, older vessel with affordable cabins or the newest, largest and flashiest ships with exclusive (read: pricey) suite areas .

Related: All you need to know about Royal Caribbean

Silversea Cruises

The cruise industry's first all-inclusive luxury brand, Silversea Cruises, debuted in 1994. In 2018, Royal Caribbean Group acquired two-thirds of the line and purchased the remaining bit in 2020.

Silversea's fares include high-end perks, such as all-suite accommodations with butler service, as well as flights and transfers. This allows passengers to have a truly seamless door-to-gangway (and back again) cruise experience.

The Silversea fleet comprises 11 ships — seven classic oceangoing vessels and four expedition ships — that carry between 100 and 728 passengers each. In addition to their smaller size and more intimate onboard experience, the vessels provide understated elegance with elements like marble bathrooms and Bulgari bath products.

Related: All you need to know about Silversea Cruises

Royal Caribbean Group FAQ

Is carnival owned by royal caribbean.

No. Carnival Cruise Line is owned and operated by Carnival Corporation & PLC.

Is Celebrity owned by Royal Caribbean?

Yes. Celebrity Cruises is owned and operated by Royal Caribbean Group, the same parent company that owns and operates Royal Caribbean International.

Is Norwegian Cruise Line owned by Royal Caribbean?

No. Norwegian Cruise Line is owned and operated by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

Who is the sister company of Royal Caribbean?

Royal Caribbean has two sister brands, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises. All three brands fall under the Royal Caribbean Group umbrella.

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Welcome to Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Luxury cruises and expeditions

Be inspired by our varied range of cruises. Enjoy a cruise that leaves no wish unfulfilled – on board our luxury ships EUROPA and EUROPA 2 . Or experience an adventure like no other aboard one of our expedition ships – HANSEATIC nature , HANSEATIC inspiration or HANSEATIC spirit . No matter which ship or route you choose, wonders always await: the world ahead of us.

NEW CATALOGUE 2025/26

28 breathtaking cruises to the worlds most beautiful sides: experience the sun-drenched coasts of Europe and the colourful Caribbean as well as America in all its various facets and the South Pacific with its idyllic dream islands.

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Arctic expedition.

With our small expedition ships and Zodiacs, you will experience vast landscapes, deeply carved fjords, mighty glaciers and bizarre ice and rock formations at fascinating close quarters.

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ALL SERVICES AT A GLANCE

Choose the fare that perfectly suits your individual needs. The PLATINUM, GOLD and SILVER fares each offer different levels of services and availability.

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International cruises

Our international voyages (English/German) on the EUROPA 2 and on the HANSEATIC inspiration ensure that English-speaking passengers feel comfortable from the moment they step on board. All of the documentation, e.g. confirmation, travel documents, handbooks, programmes of the day, menus, announcements and lectures as well as the safety drill and Zodiac instruction will be provided in English. We offer at least one shore excursion in English in each port of call. Approximately three months prior to the start of the cruise you will receive information about the shore excursions available in English.

More information about our international cruises on the EUROPA 2 and the HANSEATIC inspiration can be found in our English catalogues . All other catalogues are only available in German language .

MS EUROPA 2

International cruises.

HANSEATIC inspiration

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Hapag-Lloyd Cruises - The world ahead of us

Our expedition and luxury cruise ships, each with its own special character, offer hundreds of destinations, on-board and shore programmes with something for everyone whatever the spontaneous mood, attractive cruise combinations, short trips to get your feet wet as well as long voyages for epicures and experts. Flexibility and tremendous variety are outstanding characteristics of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. But one thing never changes: making your personal wishes come true and turning your visions of what a cruise should be into reality are always at the focus of our efforts. We want to make you forget your everyday cares so that you can discover how wonderful it is to live without constantly looking at the clock. A completely new kind of freedom is waiting for you. Cruises and expeditions are not only a wonderful way to travel - they are also highly individual.

Meet the Norwegian-owned cruise challenger to Carnival and Royal Caribbean that just raised $1.54 billion

Viking had humble beginnings. 

The now-listed cruise line was once just a venture by “two guys with two mobile phones and four river ships,” as the company’s CEO, Torstein Hagen, puts it in Viking’s prospectus .

But a lot has changed in 27 years. Now, the Norwegian-owned, Bermuda-based business has a staff of 10,000 catering to guests with a taste for the finer things in life. 

The cruise operator, which made its name in European river tours, launched its initial public offering at the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday. It raised $1.54 billion , according to Reuters, making it the biggest listing in the U.S. this year. 

Viking rebounded strongly after the COVID-19 pandemic decimated cruise travel and its public listing comes as luxury consumers are spending more on travel and less on shopping. Some of Viking’s competitors, such as Carnival and Royal Caribbean, have seen record demand for cruises—opening a world of opportunity for the smaller company.    

Viking’s beginning

Viking was founded in 1997 by Hagen, who controls most of the company with his daughter, Karine Hagen.

From the start it aimed to give travelers an immersive experience in local cultures as they toured in one of its four river vessels. In the past three decades or so, Viking has expanded its fleet to 92 ships offering three types of experiences via rivers, oceans, and expeditions.

The company has also benefited from some savvy marketing plays: It sponsored PBS Masterpiece series, such as Downton Abbey , and offered themed trips linked to those shows. 

Between 2015 and 2023, Viking’s revenue grew at a compound annual rate of 14.4%, outpacing the rest of the cruise industry in the river and luxury ocean segments during this period, the company said in a public filing .

Viking has carved its strategic niche among older, well-off customers, a group it believes is “underserved.” These are not boozy party boats, and there are no kids allowed. 

“Our target demographic has greater financial stability, which can make them more resilient to economic conditions and more willing to invest in high-quality travel experiences,” Viking said. 

And that’s the space it hopes it can dominate, with the help of its IPO funds.

The Viking founder and road ahead

Hagen didn’t enter the world of cruises till the 1970s. 

A physics major in school, Hagen earned an MBA at Harvard University before entering management consulting. He dabbled with entrepreneurship a few times before finally succeeding, Bloomberg reported .

When business for Viking’s river cruises, its first service, began to pick up, Hagen expanded to offer journeys worldwide—from expeditions in Antarctica to river cruises in Vietnam. 

Viking is on an expedition of its own now that its shares are traded. Last year, the cruise line hosted close to 650,000 guests and generated $4.7 billion in revenue, up by almost 50% from 2022. Its underlying profits were $1.1 billion for the same period, according to Viking’s prospectus.

The cruise company is still much smaller than rivals like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian. But it’s a global leader in some segments, such as luxury ocean cruises. 

Following a strong open, Viking’s market valuation has reached more than $10 billion, putting Hagen’s wealth at $5 billion. As the appetite for luxury travel builds , Viking is ready to ride the wave. 

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• About TUI Group
• Vision & Values
• Our business
• TUI History

TUI Group is a leading global tourism group and operates worldwide. The Group is headquartered in Germany. TUI shares are listed on the FTSE 250, an index of the London Stock Exchange, on the regulated market of the Hanover Stock Exchange and on the Open Market segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. The TUI Group offers integrated services from a single source for its 19 million customers. The entire tourism value chain is covered under one roof. This includes over 400 hotels and resorts with premium brands such as RIU, TUI Blue and Robinson and 16 cruise ships, from the MS Europa and the MS Europa 2 in the luxury class and expedition ships to the Mein Schiff fleet of TUI Cruises and cruise ships at Marella Cruises in Great Britain. The Group also includes leading tour operator brands and online marketing platforms across Europe, five airlines with more than 130 modern medium and long-haul aircraft and around 1,200 travel agencies. In addition to expanding its core business with hotels, cruises via successful joint ventures and activities in holiday destinations, TUI is increasingly focusing on the expansion of digital platforms. The Group is transforming itself into a digital company.

Global responsibility for sustainable economic, ecological and social action is at the core of our corporate culture. The TUI Care Foundation, initiated by TUI, focuses on the positive effects of tourism, on education and training and on strengthening environmental and social standards with projects in 25 countries. It thus supports holiday destinations in their development.

Holiday Experiences

Hotels & Resorts

TUI Group comprises more than 400 hotels worldwide. The resorts of our hotel brands are located in prime locations in the holiday destinations – offering a variety of hotel experiences with high standards of business performance, service quality and environmental management. The Group’s hotel portfolio includes well-known brands such as Riu, Atlantica, TUI Blue and the premium club brand Robinson.

More information.

TUI Group gears operations to the specific desires of different customers. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, with five ships, is the leading provider of expedition and luxury cruises in the German-speaking market. TUI Cruises offers premium voyages. The fleet currently consists of six vessels. Marella Cruises has five liners serving the British market.

TUI MUSEMENT

A leading Tours & Activities business that combines a scalable digital platform with local service delivery in more than 140 countries worldwide. Available in all major holiday and city destinations to travelers around the world, including the 19 mio. annual TUI customers, there are currently more than 160,000 “things to do” - including excursions, activities, tickets and transfers. These are distributed through the Musement and TUI websites and apps, and B2B partners, including the world's leading OTAs, tour operators, cruise lines and travel companies. TUI Musement is one of the major growth areas of TUI Group and in FY23, generated a revenue of EUR 1.2bn delivered by 9,000 colleagues. 

Markets & Airlines

Tour operators

Many strong tour operators with leading positions in their own domestic markets are clustered under the roof of the TUI Group. In Germany they include TUI Deutschland and airtours, in the UK First Choice. TUI operators are also among the leading national brands in Austria, Poland, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, France, Belgium and the Netherlands.

There are five airlines in the TUI Group operating around 130 medium- and long-haul aircraft, including the largest fleet of the latest Boeing Dreamliners. The airlines are TUI Airways, TUI fly, TUI fly Belgium, TUI fly Netherlands and TUI fly Nordic, serving more than 180 destinations around the world.

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