Cruise
Oceania Cruises places order for fifth Sonata Class ship
Oceania Cruises has placed an order for its fifth Sonata Class ship with Fincantieri shipbuilders, scheduled for delivery in 2037, underscoring global demand for the line’s next-generation fleet. The announcement comes in the wake of a record launch day for Oceania Sonata in January, reflecting enthusiasm from discerning travellers and valued travel partners. Reinforcing the direction of the brand, the order of the fifth Sonata Class ship builds on the remarkable momentum of Oceania Sonata, expanding opportunities for guests seeking more space, more choice and more serenity at...
Virgin Voyages delivers record mid-Wave Season results
Virgin Voyages is reporting that it’s seeing record momentum driven by accelerating demand in the adult-only travel sector as Wave Season raches its midpoint. That demand is translating into one of the brand’s most advisor-friendly Wave seasons to date, supported by enhanced commissions, cash rewards and a suite of limited-time performance incentives. The adult-only travel market is projected to nearly double from $9.2 billion in 2024 to $18.1 billion by 2033, according to market analysts. For Virgin Voyages, that category growth is already translating into strong commercial...
Riverside Luxury Cruises invites couples to exchange vows in Europe
Riverside Luxury Cruises has introduced intimate wedding group packages designed for couples seeking privacy, elegance, and a slower, more immersive approach to destination weddings, set against the scenery of the Rhône, Rhine, and Danube rivers. The approach is intentionally intimate, with ceremonies and celebrations taking place in thoughtfully designed onboard spaces that preserve both privacy and the serene onboard experience. For smaller weddings, celebrations are hosted in the ship’s Vintage Room, an elegant venue well suited to gatherings that feel personal and focused....
New cruise and tour itineraries unveiled by Uniworld
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has set sail with a new collection of ‘Cruise & Tour’ itineraries for 2027 in partnership with sister-brand Luxury Gold that seamlessly blend Uniworld’s luxury river cruising with Luxury Gold’s small-group land travel. Thoughtfully designed to showcase Europe’s most iconic destinations, these experiences pair multi-night journeys on land with award-winning, all-inclusive river cruises. Ellen Bettridge, President and CEO of Uniworld, said that: “At Uniworld, our focus is always on creating travel experiences that feel intentional and...
Scenic Group launches its new Scenic & Emerald Rewards Global Loyalty Program
Scenic Group is launching its new Scenic & Emerald Rewards global loyalty program, combining the existing Scenic Club and EmeraldEXPLORER programs, into one unified platform. Designed from extensive guest and travel advisor feedback, the new program was launched globally on Feb. 9, 2026, and will recognize and reward member travel across all the Scenic and Emerald Cruises luxury yacht, river and escorted land journeys. The new Scenic & Emerald Rewards will combine the existing status points from the previous two programs into a single consolidated balance, providing members...
Azamara Cruises relaunches Azamara Ashore
Azamara Cruises is reintroducing its Azamara Ashore land programs, extending the spirit of Destination Immersion beyond the port and offering immersive land experiences that allow guests to journey further before and after their cruise. Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara Cruises, said that: “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 people who call them home.” Ritzenthaler continued: “The relaunch of Azamara Ashore is a direct response to what guests have been asking for,...
Virgin Voyages names Ivan Mansanet as BDM for Western Canada
Virgin Voyages has appointed Ivan Mansanet as its new Business Development Manager for Western Canada, and he will be supporting First Mates -- Virgin Voyages’ speak for travel advisors -- across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Sean Russo, Director of Sales, Canada, said: “I’m incredibly excited to welcome Ivan to the Virgin Voyages crew. Ivan brings a wealth of industry knowledge, strong advisor relationships, and a genuine passion for the travel trade. He’s already a fan favourite within the Canadian advisor community, and I know he’ll be an...
Holland America Line expands Eastern Canada sales team to enhance French support
Holland America Line is expanding its support of French-speaking travel advisors in Quebec, Canada, with the addition of Business Development Representative (BDR) Marguerite Karpinski. Working with Aaron Crawford, Holland America Line’s business development manager (BDM), Eastern Canada, the duo will lead strategic initiatives designed to drive revenue growth and strengthen agency relationships in the region. Adding a French-speaking sales team member ensures that Holland America Line can effectively work and communicate with Canadian travel professionals in their preferred...