Virgin Voyages is taking professional recognition to the next level.
While the industry typically celebrates Travel Agent Day, Virgin Voyages has ‘dialed things up’ by expanding the celebration into a full, month-long extravaganza -- First Mate Appreciation Month.
The centerpiece of its May-long tribute is VV Fest, an immersive series of webinars and interactive sessions designed to empower travel advisors (First Mates) with high-octane tools, insider knowledge, and exclusive rewards.
Virgin Voyages Canadian Director of Sales, Sean Russo, explained that: “A single day...
Seabourn’s 2028 to 2029 expedition voyage collection is now open for sale as the cruise line unveils a compelling season shaped by deeper exploration in the Arctic and the line’s second Grand Expedition: Pole to Pole as part of Seabourn’s 40th anniversary in 2028.
During the 2028–2029 expedition season, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit will offer 49 departures ranging from eight to 96 days and visiting more than 180 destinations across 29 countries.
Highlights of the season include expanded Arctic exploration across Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland and Arctic Canada;...
Holland America Line has ushered in its 2026 Alaska season with the arrival of Eurodam to the Port of Seattle. With more than 100 voyages across six ships this season departing three homeports, guests who embark on a cruise to the Great Land will find a lineup of extensive onboard programming, elevated culinary offerings and more than two dozen new shore excursions -- all designed to connect guests more deeply with Alaska’s awe-inspiring landscapes and local culture.
From April through September, Holland America will operate cruises ranging in length from weeklong getaways to a...
Virgin Voyages has introduced Rovey -- the brand's first AI Crew assistant and the first expression of a long-term AI initiative built with Google Cloud.
Built with Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform, Gemini models and BigQuery, Rovey navigates the many variables that shape a cruise decision, where itinerary, timing, destination mix and onboard experiences all intersect.
Instead of starting from a blank slate or navigating dozens of itineraries manually, First Mates can rely on Rovey to make human-like recommendations based on a client's travel style, timing and preferences.
That...
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is returning to Philadelphia, becoming the first cruise line to sail from the city in 15 years.
As the city of Philadelphia celebrates a momentous year with the country's 250th anniversary happening this summer, NCL has brought yet another significant milestone to this storied city with the return of the cruise industry.
Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, said: “Norwegian Cruise Line’s return to Philadelphia marks an exciting and meaningful milestone for us and the region.”
Kazlauskas continued: “For the first time in...
MSC Cruises has confirmed that MSC Euribia has departed Dubai and has safely transited the Strait of Hormuz and is now en route to Northern Europe.
The passage was completed in close coordination with the relevant authorities.
The cruise company advises that MSC Euribia is on course to resume its Northern Europe season, and -- as the ship will now be able to return sooner than previously anticipated -- MSC Cruises has confirmed that the cruise departing on May 16 from Kiel (and May 17 from Copenhagen) will now operate as originally scheduled, with all subsequent sailings...
Holland America Line has announced Holland America Evolution – a bold multi-year investment to thoughtfully reimagine six ships. Representing the most ambitious guest experience update in the company's 153-year history, Evolution will deliver a comprehensive bow-to-stern revitalization while bringing the best of its Pinnacle Class ships across most of the fleet.
The multiyear renovation will take place ship by ship, delivering substantial transformation focused on expanding onboard choice, adding restaurant and bar options, and refreshing and reinventing key guest spaces...
According to CLIA’s 2026 State of the Cruise Industry Report, global cruise passenger volume reached a historic high of 37.2 million in 2025.
The newly released report reinforces the continued strength and resilience of the industry, with nearly 90% of cruisers indicating they intend to sail again, as well as highlighting the significant investments by cruise lines in new ships, innovative technologies, and destination partnerships. In 2026, there will be 325 CLIA-member ocean-going ships, representing around 690,000 lower berths globally.
Bud Darr, president and CEO of CLIA,...
Carnival Cruise Line is making waves this World Autism Acceptance Month by announcing that Celebration Key -- its exclusive destination in Grand Bahama -- has been officially certified as the first cruise destination to earn KultureCity’s prestigious sensory inclusion certification.
With more than two million guests visiting Celebration Key, this groundbreaking achievement highlights Carnival’s commitment to making every guest’s experience inclusive and fun, including families with sensory needs.
For the last six years, Carnival has partnered with KultureCity, a leading...
Riverside Luxury Cruises has announced plans to expand its fleet with the debut of Riverside Mahler in 2028, marking the first time the vessel will sail under the Riverside banner. She is slated to join sister-ship Riverside Debussy sailing itineraries on the Rhine, Main, Moselle and Danube Rivers.
In 2023, Riverside acquired a fleet of five river ships from Crystal Cruises -- Mozart, Debussy, Ravel, Mahler, and Bach -- and has successfully introduced the first three into service across Europe’s most iconic waterways.
The addition of Riverside Mahler represents the next...