Cruise
Emerald Cruises unveils three new ships
Emerald Cruises has unveiled a major multi-ship expansion for 2027, building on the momentum of Emerald Kaia and Emerald Astra, both set to launch in April 2026. The 2027 growth will introduce two new superyachts and one new European river ship – including the brand’s first-ever vessel on the iconic Seine River. Together, these additions reflect the next phase in Emerald Cruises’ evolution and a forward-thinking deployment strategy designed to fuel continued growth in the luxury travel sector. The strategic expansion underscores the brand’s momentum as it sails into its second...
MSC Foundation celebrates opening of marine conservation centre in the Bahamas
The MSC Foundation celebrated the official opening of its Marine Conservation Centre at Ocean Cay, marking a key milestone in its commitment to coral conservation and marine research in The Bahamas. The MSC Foundation’s Marine Conservation Centre will be a base for biologists, scientists, students and island visitors alike, and will feature interactive pavilions, a lecture hall, a Bio Lab, and a land-based coral nursery. The new research facility will also provide educational opportunities for visitors on the importance of the marine ecosystem and the critical need to protect coral...
Holland America Line extends 2026 Europe season
Holland America Line announced a six-week extension of its 2026 Europe season and opened bookings for four cruises available as part of the expansion. Guests have further opportunities to explore the Mediterranean and Norway — including a chance to see the Northern Lights on a cruise that enters the Arctic Circle. Each of the newly added cruises will sail aboard Nieuw Statendam roundtrip or one-way from Rotterdam, one of the premier hubs from which to explore Europe, and Holland America Line's historic home. "Cruises rooted in the culture and history of Europe are...
Drew Barrymore, Orlando Bloom welcome MSC World America in Miami
MSC Cruises officially welcomed MSC World America to its fleet last night in Miami during a star-studded affair featuring godmother Drew Barrymore and her ‘Let’s Holiday’ Superbowl commercial co-star Orlando Bloom. The celebrities are known for playfully going head-to-head in the popular bit comparing the differences between Europeans and Americans. From a memorable pyrotechnic drone show displaying visuals like MSC loves Miami and Let’s Holiday over the Miami skyline to performances by the likes of Marc Anthony and Gloria Estefan, the hours-long naming ceremony celebration...
(Un)Ravel on the River: Riverside Luxury Cruises hosts leadership retreat in France
This week, Riverside Luxury Cruises and industry coach Geraldine Ree are hosting an aptly named leadership retreat, Unravel, aboard the stunning Riverside Ravel. Baxter Media is exclusively reporting from the Rhône River as we sail from Lyon to Avignon on this eight-day itinerary. As industry veteran and business coach Geraldine Ree explains, “The Unravel Retreat is designed for busy travel business owners ready to step back and focus on what truly matters. Our goal is simple: to unravel the knots holding their business back. We’ll address the core barriers to growth—lack of...
Construction officially begins on Carnival Cruise Line’s next new ship
Just days after Carnival Cruise Line announced its next new ship will be named Carnival Festivale, construction is now officially underway with the first piece of steel cut on April 8 at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany. The steel cutting ceremony is the first milestone of the ship’s construction, and the shipyard hosted a traditional ceremony to launch the beginning of the shipbuilding journey. Carnival Festivale will be Carnival’s fourth Excel class ship, powered by Liquefied Natural Gas. At 180,000 gross tons, the ship will accommodate up to 6,400 guests. “The steel...
Explora reveals new loyalty program, Explora Club
Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, has unveiled Explora Club - a new loyalty program created to celebrate and reward discerning guests who seek more than a journey. Explora Club offers a seamless and intuitive, five-level structure – Classic, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond – with each level unveiling a curated collection of benefits, from priority access and bespoke events to personalized gifts and exclusive savings. With more journeys, Explora Club Members unlock an array of incremental privileges, thoughtfully designed to...
Viking announces world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship; two more ocean ships
Viking and Fincantieri have shared details of the Viking Libra, the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship, capable of operating with zero emissions. Already under construction at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard, the Viking Libra is scheduled for delivery in late 2026. The Company’s subsequent ocean ship, the Viking Astrea, which is also currently under construction and scheduled for delivery in 2027, will also be hydrogen powered. About Viking Libra Classified as a small ship, as are all Viking ocean ships, the Viking Libra will have a gross tonnage of approximately...