Cruise
Martinique making waves as cruise arrivals post big gains
Martinique is reporting a close to 11% jump in cruise arrivals for the 2024–2025 season -- up from about 421,000 the previous year to more than 465,000 embarking and disembarking passengers across over 200 ship calls. It’s a clear sign of the island’s rising appeal as both a homeport and transit destination, with the island now ranking among the region’s fastest-growing cruise hubs, a momentum further boosted by MSC Cruises’ recent announcement to resume year-round operations in Martinique starting in 2027. Muriel Wiltord, Director of the Americas for the Martinique...
Air Canada Vacations adds CroisiEurope to its cruise portfolio
Air Canada Vacations has added CroisiEurope to its growing cruise portfolio. Renowned for its French elegance, sustainable practices, and immersive cultural experiences, CroisiEurope is a family-owned, fully integrated operator that oversees every aspect of the travel experience, from shipbuilding to onboard service. Beyond river itineraries, the company also offers coastal, canal and barge cruises, further enhancing the diversity of experiences available to Canadian travellers. Nino Montagnese, Vice President at Air Canada Vacations, said: “The addition of CroisiEurope to our...
Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady sails into New York
As Brilliant Lady – the newest ship in Virgin Voyages’ fleet – arrived in New York City, Sir Richard Branson was on board greeting Sailors and Crew as the ship sailed past the Statue of Liberty. Brilliant Lady’s arrival featured 2,400 Sailors and Crew performing Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now”, led by Astrid Jorgensen of global sensation Pub Choir. The ship’s arrival in New York -- a full-circle moment since Scarlet Lady first launched here – celebrates Virgin Voyages’ journey from bold idea to global cruise innovator, all while bringing unforgettable experiences to...
The Wait Is Over: Celebrity Cruises unveils details of 2027 river cruise ships and river cruise program
The future of river cruising has arrived is the message that Celebrity Cruises is delivering as it unveils its new river cruise ships featuring open decks, spacious staterooms, unmatched dining and its signature elevated hospitality to the Rhine and Danube rivers. Priority booking access is now open for 2027 sailings on the Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker. Guests can now place a fully refundable $500 deposit to claim a stateroom on one of these two new ships, which combine the iconic design of Celebrity’s Edge Series ocean ships with European charm, and feature a...
TRAVELSAVERS Canada takes its Elite on retreat in Greece and Turkey
Top TRAVELSAVERS Canada affiliated agencies had the chance to both celebrate their sales success and experience the culture of two, in-demand countries during their recent Elite Retreat, which saw the group cruising from Istanbul to Athens with Explora Journeys. In a recent survey of its advisors,TRAVELSAVERS Canada found that authentic travel was among the biggest emerging trends for 2025, with today’s travellers hungry for meaningful, engaging experiences. The same survey also named luxury travel and ocean cruising two of the chief trends of the year. Jane Clementino, Senior...
Luxury meets luxury as Riverside Luxury Cruises accepted as a Virtuoso preferred partner
Riverside Luxury Cruises is celebrating following the announcement that it has been accepted into Virtuoso’s portfolio of luxury travel partners – a portfolio that is comprised of 2,500 preferred suppliers in 100 countries. Jennifer Halboth, CEO of Riverside Collection Americas made it clear that inclusion in Virtuoso will present new sales and marketing opportunities to the network’s luxury travel advisors and their highly desirable clientele. Halboth told Travel Press Today that: “This new relationship with Virtuoso gives us access and visibility with some of the world’s...
Azamara Cruises launches 2025 Travel Advisor Celebration
Azamara Cruises has launched its 2025 Travel Advisor Celebration – “a heartfelt tribute to the travel professionals whose dedication continues to elevate the guest experience and drive the brand’s global success.” The celebration runs from Sept. 1 through Oct. 31 and during that time, Azamara will recognize and reward its valued travel advisors with exclusive tools, incentives, and meaningful rewards. Michelle Lardizabal, Chief Sales Officer, North America, explained that: “At Azamara Cruises, travel advisors are the driving force behind our continued...
Scenic Group reveals fleet expansion milestones for Emerald Yacht Cruises
Emerald Cruises is setting a new standard in luxury yacht cruising, with the highly anticipated inaugural Mediterranean sailing of Emerald Kaia in April 2026. Reflecting Scenic Group’s commitment to continuous innovation and growth, anticipation is growing for the next generation of super yachts, with the fleet expansion continuing via the recent steel cutting for Emerald Raiya, which sails from June 2027. Emerald Kaia will embark on her inaugural voyage on April 4, 2026, inviting up to 128 guests on an exceptional journey, that spans the historic coastlines of Greece and Turkey....