Orient Express recently revealed deployment plans for 2027, which include the maiden season of its second vessel, the Orient Express Olympian. According to a press release, the ship will offer itineraries in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, along with its sister ship, the Orient Express Corinthian. Currently under construction at the Chantier Naval de Marseille...

There is strength in early bookings for Ambassador Cruise Line, according to CEO Christian Verhounig. “While there will always be demand for last-minute deals, we’ve seen a significant shift towards early bookings, with guests planning well in advance of the departure date when availability is high, particularly for longer voyages,” Verhounig said. He noted that the company had...

HX Expeditions has announced a new documentary series, “Julia Bradbury’s Wonders of the Frozen South.” Created in partnership with ITV, the three-part series will air on ITV1 at 12.45pm on Feb. 15, Feb. 22 and March 1. According to a press release, the series follows Bradbury on a 23-day voyage through the Southern Ocean, travelling...

Carnival Cruise Line is doubling its deployment in Europe in 2027, with two ships set to offer summer seasons The Carnival Miracle will provide the company’s traditional mix of Mediterranean and Northern Europe cruises, while the Carnival Sunshine is scheduled to sail new itineraries in the Mediterranean and Africa. Marking the first time that Carnival...

Carnival Cruise Line sent out a statement to warn guests of cold weather in Norfolk during Carnival Sunshine’s upcoming cruise. As part of its year-round schedule on the U.S. East Coast, the 1996-built ship is scheduled to depart from its homeport in Virginia on Feb. 7, 2026. “We are looking forward to having you sail...

Oceanwide Expeditions has set a world record for the southernmost point reached by a non-icebreaker vessel in the Weddell Sea for the second year in a row, the company said. On Feb. 5, 2026, the  Ortelius recorded a position of 78 degrees 05.60 minutes south in Vahsel Bay. This follows last season, when the Ortelius...

Royal Caribbean International sent out a statement to a selected group of guests, inviting them to cancel their bookings for the Feb. 7, 2026, cruise onboard the Oasis of the Seas. According to the letter, the company was looking for passengers who might have “flexible travel arrangements.” “If your plans are set in stone, please...

Seabourn Venture reached 70 degrees south during a 12-day Antarctica exploration voyage from Jan. 28 to Feb. 9, 2026, setting a new record for the most southerly point in Seabourn and Carnival Corporation history, according to Seabourn. The expedition ship became the most southerly ship on the Antarctic Peninsula at the time while crossing the...

AIDA Cruises has appointed Anika Birkholz its Vice President of Revenue & Capacity Management starting Feb. 1, 2026, the company said in a statement. In addition to Revenue Management and Guest Transportation, Birkholz will also be responsible for Customer Care. She will also succeed Dennis Schrahe as a new member of the AIDA Executive Committee....

The Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment for Antigua and Barbuda, The Honourable Charles Fernandez, has outlined the government’s strategic outlook for the tourism sector in 2026, according to the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. “Our focus for 2026 is not simply expansion, but smart, balanced and inclusive development; growth that protects our...

The Radiance of the Seas is currently at one of the drydocks of the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport, the Bahamas. Pausing a series of short cruises departing from Port Everglades, the original Radiance-class vessel arrived at the facility in late January. While Royal Caribbean did not release information about the project, the 2001-built ship...

Azamara Cruises has reintroduced its Azamara Ashore land programs for destination immersion, the company said in a statement. The program enables deeper exploration of destinations before and after the cruise. “At Azamara, every journey is designed to be more than a passing visit, it’s an opportunity to truly connect with the places visited and the...

NYK’s Asuka Cruises is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the launch of the Asuka II with a live photo essay and a special cruise to Southeast Asia. Originally built for Crystal Cruises in 1995, the former Crystal Harmony was transferred to the Japan-based brand in late 2005. As reported by Cruise Industry News at the...

Celestyal has announced two new F1 sailings for its 2026-27 Arabian Gulf season, the company said. On Nov. 27, 2026, the 1,260-guest Celestyal Journey will be in Doha for an eight-night Doha F1 itinerary. The ship will stay in port for three nights, allowing guests to watch all practice sessions, qualifying and race day events....

Victory Cruise Lines has appointed Rodney Bailey as vice president, guest experience, the company said in a press release. The role puts Bailey in charge of the holistic guest experience shoreside and onboard, covering pre-voyage inspiration and booking, onboard experience design and delivery, theme and enrichment programming, loyalty strategy and post-voyage service recovery. “Rodney represents...

AmaWaterways has announced the appointment of two senior executives: Virginia Suliman as chief technology officer and Michael Moghtader as chief people officer, according to a press release. Suliman brings extensive technology leadership experience, most recently serving as chief information and digital officer at Invitation Homes, where she led a major digital transformation. She also spent...

Scenic and Emerald Cruises are offering $100 per person savings on select 2026 sailings during a weekend flash sale from Feb. 6 to 8, 2026, according to a press release. The offer is stackable with current promotions. “We continue to see strong demand for forward-planned travel, and our Weekend Flash offer reflects that momentum,” said...

Holland America Line is opening nearly three dozen itineraries in 2027–28 spanning Hawaii, Mexico, the Panama Canal and the Pacific Coast, the company said in a press release. The new season features longer stays in Honolulu, Hawaii, and extended exploration of Mexico’s Sea of Cortez aboard Koningsdam, Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam or Zaandam. Sailings are set...

Carnival Cruise Line has announced new sailings for the 2027/28 season, highlighted by the addition of a second ship in Baltimore and new deployment options for the Carnival Firenze, the cruise line said. This marks the first time Carnival will homeport two ships from Baltimore. Beginning fall 2027, the Carnival Miracle will join her sister...

MSC Cruises has revealed details about the artwork to be featured on MSC World Asia, the latest World Class ship to join the cruise line’s fleet. As stated in a press release, the ship will start seven-night sailings to popular Mediterranean destinations including Barcelona, Marseille, Messina, Civitavecchia for Rome, Naples and Valletta, from Dec. 4,...

Costa Cruises will mark World Nutella Day (February 5) with a range of offerings featuring this Italian staple at its Nutella Bar, the company said in a press release. Guests onboard the Costa Toscana and Costa Smeralda can enjoy all-things Nutella on deck 17. “The Nutella Bar brings Italy’s most beloved treat to our ships,...

The Norwegian Bliss will no longer offer the “Jersey Boys” Broadway show, according to an update shared by Norwegian Cruise Line. In a statement sent to guests set to board the ship, the company said that the musical performance will be replaced by a host of performances. “As we prepare for your upcoming voyage, we...

The cruise industry is now expected to add 77 ships and over 200,000 berths over the next decade, according to the latest update of Cruise Industry News’ global cruise ship orderbook. Recent orders from Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, and Mystic have led to a significant increase in the industry’s expected capacity growth. New ships on...

Guests currently onboard the Freedom of the Seas were informed that they won’t be able to visit Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay due to the impact of last weekend’s winter storm. According to a statement, the ship replaced its visit to the destination scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, with a stop in Cabo...

Norwegian Cruise Line is informing guests of operational changes in Great Stirrup Cay due to recent winter storms. According to a statement sent to guests onboard the Norwegian Prima, the port’s pier and pool are temporary unavailable. Currently undergoing a major expansion project, Great Stirrup Cay serves as the company’s private island destination in the...

Alaskan Dream Cruises has ceased operations, according to a statement issued by the cruise line on Wednesday evening. “Effective immediately, Alaskan Dream Cruises has ceased business operations and will no longer be operating future sailings,” the small-ship company said in a statement, adding it was a strategic decision. “This decision reflects a deliberate realignment of...

Columbia Group has appointed Christina Orfanidou as its Head of AI, the company said in a press release. Orfanidou will lead Columbia Group’s AI strategy and implementation, focusing on business-owned solutions that deliver measurable value. “Christina’s appointment reflects Columbia Group’s belief that artificial intelligence must be deployed with purpose, responsibility, and a clear focus on...

Atlas Ocean Voyages has reported a record-breaking start to 2026, delivering what the company says is the strongest January booking performance in its history. In a press release, the company said this milestone continues its exceptional sales momentum from 2025, with future voyages filling at what Atlas says are unprecedented levels. According to Atlas, January...

MSC Cruises has announced a partnership with ORCA, a marine conservation organization which will deploy its first dedicated marine mammal observer (MMO) aboard a ship during the cruise line’s inaugural Alaska season in summer 2026. In a press release, MSC Cruises said the initiative reinforces its commitment to turning environmental responsibility into action as it...

Chimu Adventures has announced the launch of Frozen Chapters: A Literary Retreat to Antarctica aboard the Ocean Nova, according to a press release. The 13-day journey, departing Nov. 25, 2026, is designed for travelers seeking both polar exploration and creative inspiration. Travelers will cruise through the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, discovering icebergs,...

The Caribbean will have over 40 percent of cruise market share worldwide in 2026, according to the upcoming 2026 Cruise Industry News Annual Report. CIN data shows that more than 200 ships will sail in the region, with capacity up over 10 percent on a year-over-year basis. Larger brands, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC and...

Cruise lines continue to add a significant number of staterooms to existing ships during routine drydocks, as highlighted in the new 2026 Drydock Report from Cruise Industry News. The additional capacity generally fills in under utilized public areas, with revenue that flows right to the bottom line. Among upcoming programs, the 2016-built Ovation of the...

Holland America Line is commemorating 100 years of Caribbean cruising with a limited-time promotion that includes a $100  onboard credit for a party of two, according to a press release. The cruise line was among the first in the region when the Veendam II sailed to the Caribbean in 1926. From Feb. 3 to 9,...

MSC Cruises is adjusting its plans for the 2026-27 winter season in South America, the company announced in a statement. According to the letter sent to travel agents, the MSC Lirica will no longer sail in the region during the timeframe. The 2003-built vessel was initially part of a five-ship lineup in the region, which...

Carnival Cruise Line sent an advisory to inform guests of a $1 increase in gratuities starting on April 2, 2026. The company also said that it will increase the daily cost of its Bottomless Bubbles beverage package for adults. “The last time we did this was in April 2023, so now the gratuities go from...

Victory Cruise Lines has announced highlights of its 2027 season, sailing April through October. According to a press release, next year’s sailing program will feature an expanded collection of Great Lakes, St. Lawrence Seaway, Canadian Maritimes, and Atlantic Coast voyages. “Our 2027 season reflects what our guests and travel advisor partners want — even more...

Expedia Cruises is setting ambitious expansion and recruitment goals for 2026 following a strong 2025 marked by franchise expansion, internal growth and industry recognition, according to a press release. Last year, Expedia Cruises awarded 10 new franchises and opened seven new brick-and-mortar locations. Much of this growth was driven by existing franchisees expanding their portfolios....

Hurtigruten has reported its strongest ever month of trading and start to the year in the UK, which it describes as one of its strongest source markets. In a press release, the company said that the UK booked revenue in January increased 75% year-on-year, reflecting a growing demand for voyages along the Norwegian coast and...

Atlas Ocean Voyages has announced the appointment of Nicolas “Nico” Calvo as Regional Sales Director, Latin America. Calvo will be based in Bogota, Colombia, and will support Atlas Ocean Voyages’ growing presence and partner relationships across the Latin American market. Calvo brings a strong background in luxury hospitality and cruise sales, most recently serving with...

Cunard marked a historic maritime moment as the Queen Mary 2 was in Long Beach to reunite with her namesake, the historic Queen Mary, for the first time in 20 years, according to a press release. The rendezvous took place Feb. 2, 2026. This iconic rendezvous pays a powerful tribute to Cunard’s enduring legacy and...

The Panama Canal has recorded a milestone with the inaugural transit of Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Adventure, on February 2, 2026. According to a statement by Panama Canal Authority, this is the largest passenger vessel by capacity and gross tonnage ever to transit the interoceanic waterway. This new ship measures 342 meters in length and...