Another month goes by, and another exciting edition of Iglu Cruise News arrives for you to read. In the February 2025 edition, we’re going to cover some of the biggest announcements and updates from the cruise industry, let you know what’s coming up, and highlight a few interesting things we’ve been working on.
So, let’s not waste any more time and get stuck into it; find out more below!
A Monthly Roundup of the Biggest Cruise News
Royal Caribbean’s Fleet Gets More Iconic Than Ever
Following a short build-up to the announcement, Royal Caribbean has finally confirmed that Legend of the Seas will be the cruise line’s next Icon Class cruise ship, due to embark on its maiden voyage in Summer 2026.
A sister ship to the other Icon Class cruise ships in Royal Caribbean’s impressive fleet, Legend of the Seas will feature all the fantastic amenities and attractions that make Icon Class cruise ships standout – including a Category 6 Waterpark, AquaDome area with AquaTheater, dining venues like Chops Grille and Sorrento’s, and eight distinct neighbourhoods full of fantastic facilities beyond that.
While exciting, what makes this announcement particularly interesting is the fact that Legend of the Seas will spend its debut season sailing the Mediterranean, making it the first Icon Class cruise ship to sail outside of the Caribbean and Central America. Departing from Rome and Barcelona throughout Summer 2026, before spending a season sailing the Caribbean from Port Canaveral in Winter 2026, Legend of the Seas promises to deliver exciting Icon Class experiences and adventures to even more stunning destinations around the world.
Ambassador Cruise Line Debut Fly-Cruises Following Merger
Recently, Ambassador Cruise Line revealed it would be merging with French cruise operator Compagnie Francaise de Croisieres (CFC) to create the Ambassador Group, with cruise ship Renaissance joining the Ambassador fleet – which also features Ambition and Ambience. Following this already-exciting announcement, Ambassador is set to debut fly-cruises to the Caribbean and Central America from October 2025.
Traditionally a British no-fly cruise line with sailings departing from several UK ports – such as Tilbury, Newcastle, and Portsmouth – this decision is a huge development for Ambassador Cruise Line and a fantastic opportunity for Ambassador customers. Following an initial transatlantic sailing from London Tilbury, Ambassador cruisers will be able to enjoy adventures in the Caribbean aboard Renaissance with departures from Bridgetown, Barbados – a stunning destination in its own right.
While recently renovated and featuring that distinct Ambassador charm, Renaissance will be largely staying the same when it comes to facilities and amenities; this means it will offer Ambassador guests a unique experience, when compared to Ambition and Ambience, alongside the new variety of destinations and ports of calls on offer.
MSC Cruises Confirm Further Involvement in Formula One
Ahead of the exciting 2025 Formula One season, MSC Cruises – longtime Formula One sponsor and current title sponsor of the Austrian Grand Prix, the United States Grand Prix, and the Brazilian Grand Prix – has announced that it will be a premium partner of BWT Alpine Formula One Team for the 2025 season and beyond.
Featuring prominently on the A525, Alpine’s new car for the 2025 season, MSC Cruises’ partnership with Alpine is an exciting one for both sides. Both MSC Cruises Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago and BWT Alpine Formula One Team Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore have praised the partnership, highlighting the two companies shared values of innovation and team spirit with “many exciting projects” to come.
With cruising a fantastic way to follow your favourite drivers throughout the season, you can find out more about upcoming Formula One cruises right here. The 2025 Formula One season starts with the Formula One Louis Vuitton Australian Grand Prix 2025 in Albert Park on March 16, 2025.
Improvements to HX Expeditions’ Fleet are Coming Soon
Earlier this month, HX Expeditions revealed plans for major refurbishments for both MS Fram and MS Spitsbergen in 2025. Valued at around € 7,000,000 in total, both cruise ships will receive an improved Science Centre alongside cabin renovations, new dining improvements, and more. Refurbishments on MS Fram are expected to be completed in late May 2025, and those for MS Spitsbergen are expected to be finished in early April 2025.
In addition to the new Science Centre, MS Fram will see extensive cabin renovations, with suites fully refurbished and gaining a twin-bed configuration option. The Aune Restaurant and galley will also be upgraded, with bathroom improvements also taking place for all Polar Cabins and crew cabins onboard.
Meanwhile, alongside a new Science Centre, MS Spitsbergen will see the Explorer Bar redesigned, new bathrooms in all Polar Cabins, and the introduction of the Brygge Bistro – somewhere where guests will be able to enjoy snacks throughout the day. This ship will also see upgraded ADA bathrooms and multilingual interpreter setups introduced alongside expanded crew areas.
Iglu Cruises’ Top Blogs in February
While February was a busy month when it came to content updates across Iglu Cruise, with information on more destinations than ever now on-site and improved information for both upcoming and existing cruise ships ready for you to read, we also uploaded a handful of blog posts for you to check out. You’ll find out more about them below:
Top Cruise Items to Pack and Must-Have Cruise Gear
Not sure what you need to bring with you on your next cruise adventure? Well, outside the essentials like clothing and travel documents, it can be tricky to work out what you’ll need when you embark. Thankfully, this blog goes through some must-have items that will make a huge positive impact on your cruising experience – both onboard and ashore.
The Boldest Ships in Cruise History: Exploring Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class
With Legend of the Seas joining Royal Caribbean’s incredible Icon Class, we’re taking a look at what makes these remarkable cruise ships some of the best sailing today. With details on Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas, and Legend of the Seas within, you’ll find out more about the top dining, entertainment, and activity highlights onboard in this blog.
Cruise Destination Demand in 2025
If you’re wondering where to travel next, we might be able to help. Looking at exclusive cruise demand data from 2018 and comparing it to data from 2024, we have worked out which destinations are growing in popularity in 2025 – and, you might just be surprised to find out which holiday hotspot tops the list.
Book Your Next Adventure with Iglu Cruise Today
With a range of fantastic offers on everything from all-inclusive cruises and Cruise & Stay packages to last-minute sailings and family cruises for the Summer, you’ll find plenty of incredible itineraries to choose from when booking with Iglu Cruise. So, take a look at all the latest cruise deals right here and prepare for an unforgettable holiday!
