Latest news with #Transcend
Business Wire
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
WorldPride Chooses Transcend as Official Privacy Technology Partner
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Transcend, the privacy infrastructure company that helps the world's greatest brands unlock growth, is proud to announce our selection by the Capital Pride Alliance as the privacy technology vendor of choice as part of the WorldPride DC 2025 celebrations. As the 'Official Privacy Technology Partner,' Transcend is honored to support the work of the Capital Pride Alliance in advancing inclusivity, equity, and privacy during this historic global event taking place in Washington, D.C., from May 17–June 8, 2025. 'Transcend is deeply proud to be selected by the Capital Pride Alliance as their privacy infrastructure provider, and to announce our designation as 'Official Privacy Technology Partner' of WorldPride DC 2025,' said Ron De Jesus, Field Chief Privacy Officer at Transcend. 'This collaboration reflects our commitment to supporting the LGBTIQ+ community while upholding the highest standards of privacy and data protection. Our infrastructure will help ensure that everyone can engage in these historic events with confidence and security.' In the LGBTIQ+ community, privacy is not just a regulatory necessity, but a key enabler of efforts for equality, visibility, and justice. By ensuring that personal data is handled with the utmost respect and care, and with full user agency, Transcend helps provide a digital environment where individuals can fully participate in their communities while retaining control of their personal information. 'Against the backdrop of this historic event, we're thrilled to share our selection of Transcend as the Capital Pride Alliance's privacy technology vendor of choice, and the Official Privacy Technology Partner of WorldPride DC 2025,' said Ryan Bos, Executive Director of the Capital Pride Alliance. 'Their commitment to privacy and inclusion has already made a meaningful impact across both the LGBTIQ+ community and the privacy industry. We look forward to implementing Transcend and working together to ensure a safe, empowering, and transformative experience for all.' Transcend is an established advocate for LGBTIQ+ rights, beginning with its sponsorship of the "LGBTQ+ Allies Afterparty" in 2023, a fundraising event coinciding with the International Association of Privacy Professionals' Global Privacy Summit. Since then, Transcend has been a marquee sponsor for several subsequent events, helping raise over $1M for SMYAL, LGBT Tech, and other queer nonprofits. Earlier this year, Transcend's Field Chief Privacy Officer Ron De Jesus and the LGBTQ+ Allies Afterparties team received the IAPP Leadership Award in recognition of their efforts on this front. For additional information about WorldPride DC 2025, visit the WorldPride DC website ( About Transcend Transcend is the privacy infrastructure that unleashes growth for the world's leading brands. By automating data and consumer preference governance at the systems layer, Transcend helps companies unlock AI, personalized experiences, and growth with speed and confidence. Transcend replaces the patchwork of manual tools with a unified, efficient, and secure governance platform. From consent and preference management, privacy requests, AI governance, assessments, and risk mitigation, Transcend operationalizes modern privacy across every system and user touchpoint. Recognized for rapid growth and innovation, in 2024 Transcend was named to the Deloitte Technology Fast 500™, one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies, and LegalTech's Data Solution of the Year. Founded in 2017 by Ben Brook (CEO) and Mike Farrell (CTO), Transcend is based in California's Bay Area. For more information, visit About the Capital Pride Alliance The Capital Pride Alliance (CPA), located in Washington, D.C., is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the needs of the LGBTQ+ community all year long, through educational programs, major events, fundraising, outreach, and advocacy, providing platforms for visibility, and supporting the work of our many community organizations and local businesses. About WorldPride DC 2025 WorldPride DC 2025, hosted by the Capital Pride Alliance, will take place in the heart of the nation's capital from May 17 to June 8, 2025. The global celebration will feature two weeks of parades, festivals, marches, exhibits, and cultural programming. For more information, visit
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Opinion: Microschools Are Not Just a Trend, They're A Turning Point
As former superintendents who have led large, complex public school systems and worked closely with hundreds more, we know the tension between urgency and constraint that defines system leadership. We've each shouldered the responsibility of ensuring every student is served while navigating community aspirations, political scrutiny, fiscal constraints, and legacy seen where and how innovation thrives and where systems fall short, as even the most well-intentioned and dedicated leaders run headfirst into rigid structures not built for adaptability. We know the stakes, and we've seen what happens when the system cannot meet the moment. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Today's challenges are increasingly urgent and complex. Learner gaps. Enrollment shifts. Educator shortages. Political flashpoints. Family demands. And beneath it all, a widening chasm between what students experience in school and what they need to thrive in a world shaped by automation, AI, and accelerating change. Public microschools offer a focused, actionable path forward in this era of uncertainty and opportunity. These small, purpose-built, learning environments give public schools and their communities the power to design experiences that are deeply personalized, flexible, and malleable without waiting for entire systems to shift. They can serve students, empower educators, and address community needs. While the idea isn't new, today's reality is. This is not about boutique innovation. Public microschools are a turning point and an invitation to broadly reimagine how we design for relevance and responsiveness inside public systems. They can restore the connection between what students need and what schools provide to transform how we deliver on the promise of public education. At Getting Smart Collective, Learner-Centered Collaborative, and Transcend, we are not only observers of the microschool movement, we are active partners in shaping it. Our organizations are deeply embedded in designing, launching, and supporting microschools that are centered on learners and grounded in community context. We came together to create the Public Microschool Playbook because we know that innovation is possible when leaders and educators are trusted to design with clarity of purpose and with learners at the center. We've worked alongside system leaders, leveraging public microschools to serve disengaged students, pilot bold learning models, or meet unique needs within their communities. These efforts aren't side projects; they're strategic priorities that reflect a broader shift in what's possible. These are places where educators rediscover purpose, students go from feeling invisible to being known, families are empowered, and communities are connected. Related Across the country, public microschools are addressing student needs and catalyzing broader transformation across rural, suburban, and urban areas. In Pitt County, North Carolina, district leaders launched microschools that blend virtual and in-person learning to re-engage chronically absent students. In Los Angeles, microschools support youth experiencing homelessness and newcomer students through deeply personalized support and wraparound services. At Myrtle Elementary School in Lamont, California, the district created a public microschool grounded in project-based learning (PBL). Escondido Union School District in San Diego County launched microschools at Central Elementary and Hidden Valley Middle School, which feature interdisciplinary schedules, advisory and wellness blocks, community-connected PBL, and exhibitions of learning. The early results at Hidden Valley are inspiring: Out-of-school suspensions are down 60%, attendance is up 10%, and i-Ready test scores show academic improvements in both ELA and math. In Wisconsin, educators designed three interdisciplinary PBL-focused microschools within Kettle Moraine School High School. In Edgecombe County, North Carolina, a rural district launched a microschool to pilot a student-centered model grounded in identity, community, and purpose. What began with 30 students led to multiple design iterations, ultimately transforming the student experience at North Edgecombe High School and Phillips Middle School, serving hundreds of students in grades 6 to 12, and inspiring redesign efforts across the district rooted in belonging and relevance. Related Demand is growing for resources to support the creation of public microschools like these. As we've begun to share the playbook with leaders nationwide, their response has been clear: Microschools offer a realistic and hopeful path forward. System leaders recognize the need to transform how learning happens, but they're also navigating constraints that can make wholesale change feel out of reach. Public microschools meet this moment by making it possible to start small, stay grounded in community needs, and move more rapidly toward meaningful, learner-centered innovation. The Public Microschool Playbook is a practical guide for leaders who are ready to move from idea to action. It walks through three critical phases: planning, designing, and implementing. Each section includes guiding questions, tips, and real-world examples to support thoughtful design and strategic decision-making. There are strategies for leveraging policy flexibilities, designing staffing and scheduling models, aligning new approaches with financial plans, and launching with a strong culture and clear purpose. Attention to opportunity and access is woven throughout, helping ensure that microschools are designed to serve the students who need them most. Public microschools are among today's most promising strategies for creating a future-aligned education system. They allow leaders to create focused, learner-centered environments that can inform and inspire broader transformation across the system. The playbook is available in multiple formats to meet leaders where they are at various entry points. The work can't wait. And neither can we. Use what you need. Share what you learn. And let's keep building the future of public education together. Explore the interactive digital version, download the 75+ page PDF, or use the editable digital workbooks. Access everything and sign up to receive updates at: The 74 and Getting Smart both receive financial support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Stand Together, Walton Family Foundation and XQ Institute.
Skift
23-05-2025
- Business
- Skift
Cruising Into 2025: 29 New Ships, Ports, and Itineraries for Groups
With just 15% of the U.S. population having cruised, planners have an opportunity to create a whole new experience for many of their attendees. The new and upcoming introductions, part of Skift Meetings' just-released report, What's New in Meetings and Incentive Travel 2025, reflect an industry that is constantly adding new itineraries, features, and amenities as it continues to grow and innovate. For some lines, chartering is also an option, giving companies a chance to brand the entire ship and to design their own exclusive, one-of-a-kind journey. One cruise line, Transcend, will launch two ships in 2025, designed specifically for full charters and group buy-outs on the Rhine and Danube rivers. For incentive groups. Emerald's new 128-guest superyachts will feature spacious all-suite accommodations, sky decks with private cabanas, swim-up marina platforms, and wellness-focused amenities, while Ritz-Calton yachts' new Ilma has its own curated art collection with works by artists such as Picasso. In 2027, Aman will bring its land-based hospitality approach to a maritime setting with the Amangati, designed with a focus on privacy and a tranquil onboard experience. 1. Amadeus River Cruises Amadeus River Cruises is launching two new ships: the AMADEUS Amara in 2025 and the AMADEUS Aurea in 2026, both designed for luxury cruising on Europe's Rhine and Danube rivers. The AMADEUS Amara, launching in summer 2025, will feature 12 suites with balconies and 70 cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows, plus an indoor pool and expansive sundeck. The AMADEUS Aurea will offer similar accommodations, along with a sun deck pool, fitness center, and hybrid propulsion technology aimed at improving sustainability. 2. Aman at Sea Set to launch in 2027, Aman at Sea will introduce Amangati, a 47-suite luxury yacht marking the hospitality brand's expansion into ocean travel. The vessel will operate in the Mediterranean and other global regions, offering curated itineraries and the option for private charter. Designed with a focus on privacy and a tranquil onboard experience, Amangati aims to translate Aman's land-based hospitality approach to a maritime setting. 3. American Cruise Line In 2025, American Cruise Lines will launch the American Patriot and American Pioneer, a pair of new 125-passenger coastal ships, sailing East Coast itineraries including a 15-day Grand Florida Coast & Keys cruise. In 2026, sister ships American Maverick and American Ranger (125-passenger, Patriot-class) will debut with similar designs and fully stabilized hulls for smooth cruising along the Eastern Seaboard from Maine to Florida. Onboard highlights include a panoramic Sky Lounge and casual outdoor café on the upper deck. 4. Azamara Cruises Azamara Cruises has unveiled plans for its most extensive world cruise to date, a 188-night journey scheduled for 2027. This voyage aboard the Azamara Quest will span five continents, visiting 37 countries and 103 destinations. Additionally, in August 2026, three separate cruises will feature viewing opportunities for the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. 5. Carnival Cruise Line Carnival Cruise Line has announced the launch of its fourth Excel-class ship, the Carnival Festivale, scheduled to debut in spring 2027 from Port Canaveral, Florida. The ship will feature 1,000 connecting rooms, and a three-deck outdoor area called Sunsation Point, and the company's largest water park at sea. The line also revealed the upcoming Carnival Tropicale for 2028 and plans for three 230,000-gross-ton ships set for delivery between 2029 and 2033. Deployment updates include Mardi Gras shifting to shorter cruises from Port Canaveral, a return to year-round sailings from Mobile, Alabama, and a larger ship replacing Carnival Pride in Baltimore. On the destination side, Carnival will open Celebration Key in The Bahamas this July, expand RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay by late 2026, and redevelop Mahogany Bay in Roatan as Isla Tropicale with new beachfront amenities. 6. Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Cruises Launching in November 2025, Celebrity Xcel will be the fifth edition in Celebrity's Edge series with capacity for up to 3,260 guests. The ship will initially sail seven-night itineraries in the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale. In Summer 2026 it will head to Europe to explore the Mediterranean offering seven-to 11-night journeys out of Barcelona and Athens, including all new overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal. Celebrity Cruises is also branching into European river cruising, having recently ordered 10 vessels of a new design with plans to begin sailing in vessels offer 360-degree views and are set to focus on destination-rich itineraries and locally inspired cuisine. 7. CroisiEurope CroisiEurope has announced plans to launch a new 16-suite, 5-anchor river cruise ship in 2027, offering 12-day voyages through the Brazilian Amazon, including routes along the Amazon, Rio Negro, Solimões, Arapiuns, and Tapajós rivers, extending to the Colombian border. 8. Crystal Cruises Crystal Cruises has announced its 2027 World Cruise, a 140- night voyage aboard Crystal Serenity. Departing from San Diego on January 8, 2027, and concluding in Vancouver on May 28, 2027, the itinerary includes 83 destinations across 29 countries and four continents. Highlights encompass ports in Central and South America, French Polynesia, New Zealand, Australia, Southeast Asia, China, South Korea, Japan, and Alaska. 9. Disney Cruise Line Disney Cruise Line is expanding its fleet with the introduction of three new ships. Disney Treasure, a 144,000-gross-ton vessel with 1,250 staterooms, embarked on its maiden voyage from Port Canaveral, Florida, in December 2024, offering seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. Disney Destiny is scheduled to enter service on November 20, 2025. This 144,000-gross-ton ship will homeport in Port Everglades, Florida, offering four- and five-night cruises to The Bahamas and Western Caribbean. Its inaugural voyage includes stops at both Disney Castaway Cay, and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Disney Adventure is set to debut in Singapore on December 15, 2025, marking Disney Cruise Line's first foray into the Asian market. This 208,000-gross-ton ship will offer three- to five-night cruises from Singapore. 10. Emerald Cruises Emerald Cruises is set to expand its fleet with the introduction of three new luxury vessels. Emerald Kaia, a 128-passenger superyacht, is scheduled to launch in early 2026, offering voyages across the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Adriatic Seas, as well as the Seychelles. Following this, Emerald Raiya will debut in the Seychelles during winter 2026/27, transitioning to the Eastern Mediterranean in summer 2027, and returning to the Seychelles for the subsequent winter season. Emerald Xara is slated to commence Mediterranean cruises in summer 2027 before heading to the Caribbean for the winter 2027/28 season. These 128-guest superyachts will feature spacious all-suite accommodations, Sky Decks with private cabanas, swim-up marina platforms, multiple dining venues, and wellness-focused amenities, enhancing Emerald Cruises' boutique yachting offerings. 11. Four Seasons Yachts Four Seasons Yachts is set to debut its first vessel, Four Seasons I, in January 2026, offering ultra-luxurious voyages in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. The 679-foot yacht features 14 decks and 95 suites. Onboard amenities encompass 11 dining venues, a full-service spa, and a 66-foot aft deck pool. Itineraries include destinations such as St. Barths, Nevis, Croatia, and Greece, focusing on ports typically accessible only to private yachts. A second vessel, Four Seasons II, is scheduled for delivery in December 2026. 12. MSC Cruises MSC Cruises has recently expanded its fleet with the introduction of the MSC World America, a vessel accommodating up to 6,762 passengers across 22 decks, which commenced Caribbean voyages from PortMiami in April 2025. The company also opened the world's largest cruise terminal with four stories covering 492,678 square feet and capable of processing up to 36,000 passengers across three ships daily. Looking ahead, MSC World Asia is slated to begin service in December 2026 featuring over 40 bars, lounges, and restaurants, offering seven-night Western Mediterranean cruises. MSC Cruises has also announced plans for the MSC World Atlantic, with construction initiated in March 2025. This vessel is expected to homeport in Port Canaveral, Florida, starting in the winter of 2027-2028, offering Caribbean itineraries. 13. Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Cruise Line is expanding its fleet with the introduction of Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, both part of the Prima Plus Class. Norwegian Aqua, launched in March, is a 156,300-gross-ton vessel measuring 1,056 feet in length and accommodating 3,571 guests. It features the world's first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, an expanded pool deck, enhanced spa services, and three-bedroom duplex suites. The vessel will homeport in Miami and Port Canaveral (Orlando), Fla., as well as New York City, offering Bahamas, Caribbean and Bermuda itineraries. Norwegian Luna is launching soon and shares similar specifications and amenities with itineraries also focused on the Caribbean. Norwegian Cruise Line announced it will homeport the Norwegian Jewel in Philadelphia starting April 2026, after more than a decade away. The ship, with capacity for 2,300 passengers, will voyage to Bermuda, Canada, and New England. 14. Oceania Cruises Oceania Cruises is set to launch its newest ship, Allura, in July 2025. The 67,000-gross-ton vessel will accommodate 1,200 passengers and 800 crew members. Following its Mediterranean debut, Allura will offer itineraries in Canada and New England, and later in the Caribbean, homeporting in Miami. The ship emphasizes Oceania Cruises' culinary focus, boasting multiple dining venues. 15. Orient Express Orient Express Corinthian, the world's largest sailing yacht, is expected to take its maiden voyage in 2026 from its home port of Marseille, France. The more than 700-square-foot yacht will feature 54 luxury accommodations onboard with jacuzzis and sunbeds in some suites. Five restaurants, eight bars, an amphitheater cabaret, a cinema, and a recording studio are among the yacht's features. Other highlights include a 55-foot-long swimming pool, fitness center and yoga studio, and a spa. A second yacht, the Orient Express Olympian is scheduled to debut in 2027, expanding the brand's presence. The first two Orient Express yachts will explore the Mediterranean, Adriatic, and Caribbean seas. 16. Paul Gauguin Cruises Paul Gauguin Cruises has completed a multi-million-dollar refurbishment of the m/s Paul Gauguin, a 330-guest ship sailing year round in French Polynesia. Upgrades include a redesigned Le Grill restaurant, a revamped pool deck with shaded cabanas, eight new connecting staterooms, and new sustainable technologies to reduce energy use and plastic waste. The ship is currently operating two repositioning itineraries: a 14-night Immersive Indonesia voyage from Singapore to Australia, and a 16-night Crossing Melanesia sailing to Fiji, before returning to its regular South Pacific routes to the Society Islands, Tuamotus, Cook Islands, and Marquesas in May. 17. Princess Cruises Princess Cruises is set to launch the Star Princess, its second Sphere-class ship, in fall 2025. The 4,300-guest vessel will debut with Caribbean itineraries before repositioning to Alaska in spring 2026. Notable features include an expanded non-smoking casino area, exclusive suites with private dining and relaxation areas. The ship also boasts a new SkyDeck Sports Court and Track for activities like pickleball and basketball. 18. Regent Seven Seas Cruises Regent Seven Seas Cruises has unveiled designs for its next-generation ultra-luxury ships in what it calls the Prestige-Class. The first vessel, Seven Seas Prestige, is scheduled for delivery in 2026, with a second ship expected in 2029. Each ship will accommodate up to 850 guests and feature all-suite, all-balcony accommodations. The ships will offer various itineraries, including destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. 19. Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection introduced its second superyacht Ilma in September 2024, following the debut of Evrima in 2022. The 790-foot vessel accommodates up to 448 guests across 224 suites, each featuring private terraces. Onboard amenities include five restaurants, seven bars, two swimming pools, a spa, and a curated art collection with works by artists such as Picasso. Ilma commenced its inaugural season in the Mediterranean and has since joined its sister-ship Evrima in the Caribbean. Slated to debut in July 2025, Luminara is the third superyacht of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection with 226 suites accommodating up to 452 guests. The ship will set sail in the Mediterranean before embarking on voyages in the Asia-Pacific region and Alaska. Alaska and Canada sails feature transits past the Hubbard Glacier, stops at ports like Juneau, and less-visited places such as Klawock and the whale-watching haven of Icy Strait Point. 20. Royal Caribbean UT, Utopia of the Seas, aerial, drone shot, deep blue water, 3/4 angle, aft, rear, starboard, wake, daytime, Royal Caribbean's Icon Class represents a significant advancement in cruise ship design, emphasizing large-scale amenities and family-friendly experiences. The inaugural vessel, Icon of the Seas, launched in January 2024, is currently the largest cruise ship in the world offering 2,834 cabins and 10 event spaces, the largest of which can hold almost 1,400 people. Amenities include 21 dining options, a variety of bars and lounges, several pools, and a fitness center. Subsequent ships, which will take over as the largest when launched, include Star of the Seas and Legend of the Seas, scheduled to enter service in 2025 and 2026,respectively. Royal Caribbean plans to open its first Royal Beach Club on Paradise Island in The Bahamas in December 2025. The 17-acre, all-inclusive destination will feature multiple beaches, pools, private cabanas, and various dining venues. The club will offer areas tailored for both family-friendly activities and adults-only experience. 21. Scenic Cruises Scenic Cruises has expanded its ultra-luxury offerings with the introduction of Scenic Eclipse II, launched in April 2023 to complement Scenic Eclipse I. Both are 168-meter yachts accommodating up to 228 guests in 114 suites. The vessels also boast two helicopters and a submersible for enhanced exploration experiences. Itineraries include destinations across the Americas, Europe, including the Norwegian fjords, Asia, Australia, the South Pacific, the Arctic, and Antarctica. Seabourn Seabourn's newest ship, Seabourn Pursuit, a 264-passenger vessel equipped with two custom-built submarines, 24 Zodiacs, and a 24-person expert expedition team. The ship is designed for diverse environments, adhering to PC6 Polar Class standards. Seabourn's fleet covers destinations such as the Arctic, Antarctica, the Kimberley region in Australia, and the South Pacific. The company has also announced two solar eclipse voyages for August 2026: a 14-day West Ireland Gems & Solar Eclipse cruise on Seabourn Ovation, departing from Dover, England, and a 10-day Spanish Gems & Solar Eclipse cruise on Seabourn Sojourn, sailing roundtrip from Barcelona, Spain. 22. Silversea Cruises In 2024, Silversea expanded its Nova-class fleet with the introduction of two ships: Silver Nova and Silver Ray. Silver Nova debuted in Asia-Pacific, arriving in Kushiro, Japan, in September 2024, before offering voyages in Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, introducing the S.A.L.T. culinary program to the region. Silver Ray commenced its inaugural Mediterranean summer season before embarking on a 71-day Grand Voyage through South America and the Caribbean in January 2025, visiting 38 destinations across 17 countries. 23. Transcend Cruises Transcend Cruises' two purpose-built 135-meter river vessels will launch in 2026, Transcend connect will launch in April and Transcend evolve later in Q2. The ships, designed exclusively for full charters and group buy-outs will sail the Rhine and Danube with itineraries ranging from city-based programs in Amsterdam, Cologne, or Vienna to scenic journeys through less-traveled regions. 24. TUI Cruises / Mein Schiff TUI Cruises has expanded its fleet with the launch of Mein Schiff 7 in June 2024 and the upcoming Mein Schiff Relax, delivered in February 2025. Mein Schiff Relax began sailing in March with Mediterranean itineraries from Palma de Mallorca and was officially christened in Málaga in April. The ship accommodates nearly 4,000 passengers and features 14 restaurants and 17 bars. Mein Schiff 7 currently offers cruises to Norway and the Baltic Sea. Following this, Mein Schiff Flow, a sister ship to Mein Schiff Relax, is under construction at Fincantieri's Monfalcone shipyard and is expected to enter service in 2026. 25. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises Uniworld will launch its first women-only river cruise in August aboard the S.S. Catherine, sailing the Burgundy & Provence itinerary through southern France. The voyage includes stops in Arles, Avignon, and Viviers, cruising the Rhône and Saône Rivers, with excursions focused on regional art, history, and wine. Actor and comedian Rachel Dratch will join as a special guest, performing a comedy set and Q&A session during the trip. 26. Viking Cruises Viking Cruises is set to expand its fleet with several new vessels. The Viking Vesta, accommodating 998 passengers, will debut in July 2025, offering itineraries in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. Following this, the Viking Mira is scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2026, and the Viking Libra in the fourth quarter of 2026. Additionally, Viking Nerthus, a 168-passenger river vessel designed for Seine River cruising, has been delivered and will operate eight-day itineraries around Paris and Normandy. 27. Virgin Voyages Virgin Voyages' fourth ship, Brilliant Lady, launches in September 2025 featuring 1,408 cabins, enhancing the company's adults-only offering. Itineraries include sailings from New York to Bermuda and Canada, winter Caribbean cruises from Miami, a Panama Canal crossing, West Coast routes from Los Angeles, and summer voyages to Alaska from Seattle. Virgin Voyages is also offering Eclipse Voyages, two special itineraries themed around the solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. 28. Viva Cruises VIVA Cruises launched its newest ship, VIVA ENJOY, in January 2025. The 95-cabin vessel sails a range of itineraries on the Rhine and Danube, including wellness-focused cruises and routes connecting Amsterdam, Vienna, Budapest, and Frankfurt. 29. Windstar Cruises Windstar Cruises will launch the Star Seeker, its first Star Class newbuild, in December 2025. The ship's maiden voyage departs Málaga, Spain, and ends in Miami on January 13, 2026, where it will be christened. The 224-guest vessel will sail in the Caribbean, Alaska, and Japan throughout 2026, with itineraries between Juneau, Seward, and Vancouver, and later between Tokyo and Osaka.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
NETSOL Technologies Inc (NTWK) Q3 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong Revenue Growth and ...
Total Net Revenues: Increased 13% to $17.5 million compared to $15.5 million in Q3 fiscal 2024. Services Revenue: Increased 24% to $9.7 million compared to $7.8 million in Q3 of last year. Subscription, SaaS, and Cloud Revenue: Increased 10% to $7.9 million compared to $7.1 million in the prior year period. Gross Profit: $8.7 million, or 50% of total revenues, compared with $7.5 million or 48% in Q3 fiscal 2024. Operating Expenses: $7.2 million or 41% of sales compared to $6.2 million or 40% of sales in Q3 fiscal 2024. GAAP Net Income: $1.4 million or $0.12 per diluted share compared to $320,000 or $0.03 per diluted share in Q3 fiscal 2024. Non-GAAP EBITDA: $2.2 million or $0.19 per diluted share compared with $767,000 or $0.07 per diluted share in the prior year period. Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA: $1.8 million or $0.15 per diluted share compared with $810,000 or $0.07 per diluted share in Q3 fiscal 2024. Cash and Cash Equivalents: $18.8 million as of March 31, 2025, compared to $19.1 million at June 30, 2024. Working Capital: $23.7 million as of March 31, 2025, compared to $23.6 million at June 30, 2024. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 5 Warning Signs with NTWK. Release Date: May 14, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. NETSOL Technologies Inc (NASDAQ:NTWK) reported a 13% increase in total net revenues for Q3 fiscal year 2025, reaching $17.5 million compared to $15.5 million in the same quarter of the previous year. Services revenue saw a significant growth of 24%, amounting to $9.7 million, driven by a cumulative catch-up related to a contract amendment. The company successfully completed a major deployment of its Transcend finance platform for a financial institution in Australia, enhancing its partnership and technology usage. NETSOL signed two new multi-million dollar contracts with financial services providers in Oman and Indonesia, expanding its footprint in these regions. The launch of Transcend AI labs and the appointment of a new Vice President of Artificial Intelligence position NETSOL to lead in AI-driven solutions for the asset finance and leasing sectors. Operating expenses increased to $7.2 million, representing 41% of sales, up from $6.2 million or 40% of sales in the previous year, indicating rising costs. The company's cash and cash equivalents slightly decreased to $18.8 million as of March 31, 2025, compared to $19.1 million at June 30, 2024. Foreign currency exchange fluctuations pose a risk, as changes in exchange rates can impact revenues and expenses due to the company's global operations. Despite the positive financial performance, the company did not provide specific revenue and earnings guidance for the next fiscal year. The reliance on in-house investor relations services may limit the company's exposure and engagement with the broader investor community. Q: It's nice to see the subscription and support revenue grow to $7.9 million for the quarter. Do you expect that to be at least a baseline that continues to grow moving forward? A: Najeeb Ghauri, Chairman and CEO, responded affirmatively, expressing confidence that the trend will continue due to the positive growth in sales revenue and developments in the retail sector. Q: Now that we're moving more towards stable profitability, do you anticipate providing revenue and earnings guidance for the next fiscal year? A: Najeeb Ghauri indicated that they plan to provide guidance after closing the year. He highlighted ongoing efforts to improve productivity and efficiency, which have shown positive results, suggesting a bright future for both revenue and profitability. Q: The results today are outstanding, and the future looks promising. Do you plan on engaging another IR company or getting analyst coverage? A: Najeeb Ghauri mentioned that they are currently satisfied with their in-house services due to their deep understanding of the business. However, they will consider the suggestion when planning the next fiscal year's budget. Q: Are there any plans to expand the investor community's awareness of NETSOL's achievements and future prospects? A: Najeeb Ghauri acknowledged the importance of investor relations and suggested that they would evaluate their approach after delivering the year-end results, considering both in-house and external options. Q: Can you provide more details on the strategic initiatives that are driving growth and innovation at NETSOL? A: Najeeb Ghauri highlighted the launch of Transcend AI Labs, which focuses on developing AI solutions for the asset finance and leasing sectors. This initiative, along with strategic investments and a focus on operational efficiency, is expected to drive future growth and innovation. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Sign in to access your portfolio
Travel Weekly
13-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
National Geographic-Lindblad reveals Rhine itineraries, envisions expansion
Lindblad Expeditions only last week announced a partnership with Transcend Cruises to add Europe river cruising, and the companies already are talking expansion. The partners will start out with two Rhine itineraries -- four departure dates for each one -- on the Transcend Connect in 2026. The Rhine cruises will operate under the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions brand. "We really do believe that this is a long-term commitment to the destination and we will continue to grow," said Lindblad Expeditions CEO Natalya Leahy. She aims to expand Europe offerings in 2027 and 2028, hinting that Christmas market cruises are on the horizon. The two Rhine itineraries will start at $6,450 per person. "The Rhine River: Castles, Culture and Culinary Delights" will spend eight days traveling through the Rhine Gorge; Mainz, Frankfurt and Heidelberg in Germany; and France's Alsace region. The cruise features a visit to the Rheinstein Castle in Germany, where guests will be treated to a champagne reception hosted by the castle's lord; private wine tastings throughout the cruise; and a private tour of writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's home in Frankfurt. "Holland and Belgium: Medieval History and Scenic Waterways" will bring passengers to the region's tulip fields, windmills and storybook towns across eight days. Itinerary highlights include a sea of more than 7 million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths at Keukenhof, one of the world's largest flower gardens, in Lisse; and a food tour of Belgian specialties. Transcend Cruises will launch next year with two ships, the Connect and the Evolve. The brand has promoted its ships as an ideal setting for meetings and other groups, but chief revenue officer Kimberly Daley said the brand's model was also developed with tour operators in mind due to the flexibility of the ships' cabin formations and the ability to customize itineraries. The partnership was formed after Daley began outreach to tour operators about Transcend's charter-only model. Daley said building river cruise itineraries for tour operators is "inherently difficult" for cruise lines that already have scheduled departure dates. She has a tour operator background, including stints at Pleasant Holidays, Mountain Travel Sobek and Abercrombie & Kent. Transcend has plans to add two ships per year to its fleet, eventually having between 10 and 12 vessels sailing the Rhine, Danube, Main and Moselle, with eventual expansion beyond those rivers, Daley said. Leahy said "it just makes sense" to charter ships and that building its own river ships is unlikely to happen in the near future. National Geographic-Lindblad is positioning the sailings as expert-led expedition cruises with a focus on deep exploration of the places visited. Each sailing will have an expedition leader, several field staff and at least one National Geographic expert.
