Cruise
Riviera launching two new ships in 2025
Riviera River Cruises will launch two new ships on the rivers of Europe in 2025, including the first in a new generation of ships with a split-level bar and restaurant, a third restaurant and the line’s largest-ever suites. The new ships, Riviera Radiance and Riviera Rose, will also share the line’s name for the first time for improved branding. “With Riviera Radiance and Riviera Rose, our new ships launching in 2025, we’re moving away from using the names of famous British authors and proudly putting our own out there on the bow,” said Marilyn Conroy, executive...
NCL starts Jacksonville sailings in November 2025
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is sailing from Jacksonsville, Florida beginning November 2025. The 2,394-guest capacity Norwegian Gem will homeport in Jacksonville, Fla. from November to April every year through 2028, offering seasonal cruises to The Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean. When Norwegian Gem arrives at JAXPORT in November 2025, it will mark the first time NCL homeports in Jacksonville, Fla. Norwegian's Jacksonville schedule “We look forward to Norwegian Gem’s arrival to Jacksonville in November 2025, and welcoming guests from the area, as well as neighbouring cities...
Avalon Waterways now sailing to Bordeaux, France
Avalon Waterways has announced new one-, two- and three-week sailings through Bordeaux. With cruises on the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers and cruise combinations that also include the Seine, Saône, Rhône and Rhine Rivers, Avalon Waterways is increasing its France offerings by 30 per cent. “Wine-lovers aren’t the only cruisers raising a glass to Avalon’s new Bordeaux itineraries," said Pam Hoffee, president of Avalon Waterways. "Along the shores of the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers, we’re elevating immersive experiences for guests, offering them deeper discoveries of the...
Paul Gauguin hires expert team for food & wine cruise
Paul Gauguin Cruises has welcomed two renowned food and wine experts to host its December 11, 2024 Society Islands & Tuamotus voyage. Hawaiian cuisine culinary expert Chef Tom Wong and certified sommelier Charlie Plummer will work alongside the ship’s acclaimed team to offer tasting and culinary demonstrations, mixology workshops, wine seminars, and more. Offered complimentary as part of the line’s Themed Enrichment Voyages, the Food and Wine Culinary Cruise will also feature signature dishes and cocktails throughout the 10-night journey. “Beyond its legendary lagoons,...
Virgin Voyages adjusts ‘Sea Change’ sailings from Australia to Athens
Virgin Voyages is advising that it is making changes to its ‘Sea Change’ repositioning sailings from Australia to Athens that were scheduled for March aboard the Resilient Lady. With the safety of its passengers and crew the ‘number one priority,’ the cruise company said in a statement that: “Like many other cruise brands, we have been watching the current conflict in the Middle East closely, connecting regularly with global security experts to consider the impacts to the repositioning voyages planned for Resilient Lady in 2024.” The statement continued: “We remain...
Emerald & Scenic are hosting Canada-wide agency info sessions
Emerald Cruises and Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours are hosting a series of cross-Canada information sessions for both travellers and travel agents. The sessions offer a glimpse into their Emerald Cruises’ modern luxury and Scenic’s ultra-luxury river cruises for 2025, highlighting new destinations, inclusive experiences, and their commitment to luxury travel in Europe and Southeast Asia. About the sessions Scheduled in various cities during February and March, these sessions are an opportunity for travellers to explore the cruise companies’ offerings and for agents to...
New Carnival sailing features Hawaii, South Pacific islands
Carnival Cruise Line has announced the opening of a new transpacific Carnival Journeys cruise for 2025 on Carnival Luminosa. When the ship repositions from its Alaska season and returns to Australia, it will sail a 22-day voyage that visits breathtaking destinations, including Hawaii and several South Pacific islands. The new sailing’s itinerary begins with a departure from Seattle, Wash. on Sept. 18, 2025, with Carnival Luminosa arriving in Sydney, Australia on Oct. 11, 2025. Destinations during the cruise include Honolulu, Hawaii; Papeete (Tahiti) and Moorea, French...
Sheralyn Berry talks about her new role with HX
With a new brand identity in place, HX continues to build momentum in Canada with a growing team in place to support and grow the Canadian market. Notably, industry veteran Sheralyn Berry recently took on the role of General Manager for the Americas region for HX, formerly known as Hurtigruten Expeditions. “I joined in October, just as we entered an exciting new chapter following our rebrand to HX,” Berry tells Travel Courier. “Since I joined, HX has launched a new visual identity, website, social channels, booking materials, advertisements and more. Alongside this rebrand,...