Scenic Taking President’s Cruise to Seine in 2027

emerald lumi

Scenic Group’s 2027 President’s Cruise will explore Normandy aboard the Emerald Lumi.  The eight-day Sensations of the Seine & Normandy voyage will sail roundtrip from Paris, departing on August 14, 2027.  The President of the US & LATAM, Ken Muskat, will be present onboard to host dinners and excursions, according to a statement.  “The President’s Cruise is one of the most…

Swiss SailGP Team Debuts New Explora Look in Bermuda

explora swiss sailgp bermuda 2

The Explora Journeys Swiss SailGP Team unveiled its new visual identity at the Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix.  The team raced for the first time under full Explora Journeys branding since the cruise line announced that it would become its title partner in April.  According to a press release, the new visual identity features a fully Explora Journeys branded F50 catamaran and crew kit.  “The…

Crystal Serenity Heading to Drydock in October

Crystal Serenity

The Crystal Serenity will enter drydock in October 2026 for a scheduled three-week refurbishment, Crystal Cruises shared in a statement. “Following the successful drydock of Crystal Symphony, our work aboard Crystal Serenity is guided first and foremost by the guest experience,” said Bernie Leypold, senior vice president of hotel operations for Crystal.  “These enhancements underscore our commitment…

Scenic Visiting 600 Ports in 100 Countries in 2028–29 Season

scenic eclipse 1

Scenic has released its 2028–29 Worldwide Voyages program.  The program spans all seven continents and visits more than 100 countries and 600 ports of call.  In a press release, the company noted that the season’s highlight will be arrival of the Scenic Ikon, which will join the Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II from April 2028.  Tom Batchelor, vice president, deployment, product & port operations – ocean said: “Scenic’s 2028/29 collection represents an…

Hantavirus-Hit Hondius Passengers Repatriated to Home Countries

The 174-guest Hondius

Twenty British nationals evacuated from the Hondius are beginning 45 days of self-isolation in the UK after their chartered flight from Tenerife landed at Manchester Airport on May 10, according to the BBC. The evacuees are isolating at Arrowe Park Hospital in Merseyside for 72 hours before being asked to self-isolate for a further 42…

Upgraded Silver Spirit Welcomes Guests Back in Europe

Salt Kitchen

The Silver Spirit resumed service for Silversea Cruises earlier this month after undergoing a series of upgrades during a drydock in the Mediterranean. After spending over a month at a shipyard, the 2009-built ship welcomed guests back for a repositioning voyage to Northern Europe. According to a press release, the ship’s revitalization aimed at enhancing…

Azamara: Investing in Existing Fleet and More Markets

azamara quest

With a new refurbishment program underway, Azamara is focusing on hardware upgrades and operational agility to drive profitability, according to Chief Executive Officer Dondra Ritzenthaler. The company last expanded its fleet in 2022, with the introduction of the Azamara Onward, which was acquired from Princess Cruises a year earlier. According to Ritzenthaler, the company currently…

Royal Caribbean Inks Shanghai Rolex Masters Sponsorship

Royal Caribbean Court

Royal Caribbean International has solidified its commitment to the Chinese market by renewing its partnership with the Shanghai Rolex Masters tennis tournament. The cruise line will continue as the Official Cruise Line Partner for the 2026 and 2027 editions of the event, marking a strategic extension of its high-profile sports marketing initiative in the region….

Nicko Cancels Further Vasco da Gama Cruise Due to Technical Issues

Vasco da Gama

Nicko Cruises cancelled a second cruise onboard the Vasco da Gama due to technical issues with the 1993-built vessel. Currently undergoing a drydock at Damen, the ship will be unable to operate its upcoming sailing, which was scheduled to depart on May 9, 2026. Sailing from Hamburg, the Vasco da Gama was set to offer…

Adora Mediterranea to Sail 25 Voyages from Tianjin in 2026

adora mediterranea 2

The Adora Mediterranea will return to Tianjin on June 7, officially launching its 2026 cruise season, Adora Cruises said in a statement.  This will be Tianjin’s fourth consecutive year as its homeport, helping the cruise line strengthen its presence in the northern China market.  The ship will operate 25 international voyages from June 7 to October 11, taking guests to destinations such as Jeju, Seoul (Incheon), Busan, and…

Expedia Cruises Hosts Largest Anchor Conference Yet

anchor expedia

Expedia Cruises hosted its largest annual Anchor Conference this year, according to a press release.  Held April 11–18 onboard the MSC World America, the event brought together nearly 1,000 franchisees, vacation consultants, supply partners and corporate team members.  With the theme “Stronger Together – Elevate and Accelerate,” the event focused on collaboration, education and growth.  “The Expedia Cruises 2026 Anchor Meeting was…

Silversea Honors Travel Advisors with Campaign, Giveaway

Silversea Ship in Bantry

Silversea is celebrating Travel Advisor Appreciation Month with a campaign highlighting the role advisors play in creating travel experiences. In a press release, the company said the “Extraordinary Journeys Begin With You” campaign honors their expertise, passion and dedication that inspire journeys for guests. As part of the campaign, advisors can participate in Silversea’s annual…

Royal Caribbean to Temporarily Stop Serving Alcoholic Beverages at CocoCay

Utopia and Wonder at CocoCay

Royal Caribbean International advised guests that it will not serve alcoholic beverages at its private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, on May 12, 2026. According to a statement sent to passengers, the temporary alcohol ban is related to the national elections in the Bahamas. “There is a public notice issued by the Ministry of National…

Battery Pack Delivered for Hybrid River Ship Amadeus Aurea

mps amadeus aurea 1

The Netherland’s EST-Floattech delivered the battery pack for the Amadeus Aurea, the second hybrid ship in the fleet of Amadeus River Cruises. Built at the TeamCo Shipyard in Heusden, the vessel entered service in April 2026, the Dutch firm said in a press release. The company’s Octopus Series High Energy battery system with a 520-kWh…

Lindblad Cuts Food Prep Waste Up to 75%

New Lindblad Ship

A guest dinner sign-up program has reduced food preparation waste by up to 75 percent on Lindblad Expeditions vessels, CEO Natalya Leahy said, speaking on the company’s first-quarter earnings call. She described it as one of several initiatives that is simultaneously cutting costs and reducing the company’s environmental footprint. “We have made significant strides through…