May 2026 Review

It was hot stuff as temperatures soared and the industry welcomed new river ships and a procession of refreshed ocean vessels with sparkling debut features. Alaska proved to be the cool new kid on the block, while the launch of 2028 programmes gathered pace.

River headlines
As Saga Cruises unveiled details of fourth river ship, Spirit of the Lorelei, which launches on the Rhine and Danube in 2027, two more lines welcomed new arrivals. VIVA Cruises christened VIVA BEYOND in Paris ahead of its maiden season on the Seine, followed by Amadeus River Cruises naming AMADEUS Aurea in Amsterdam ahead of its Rhine and Danube debut. May 1 was a banner date for French line CroisEurope which celebrated its 50th anniversary, while Uniworld unveiled its 2026/7 Ultimate Journey Collection, bringing together its full range of products for the first time.

As good as new
Holland America Line’s Rotterdam returned from dry dock with enhancements to Vista Suites and entertainment areas. Bookings also opened for sister ship Oosterdam’s December 2027 debut after being the first HAL ship to be revamped as part of the line’s Evolution upgrade. Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Voyager emerged from a revamp with refreshed suites and new public spaces including its debut Epicurean Enrichment Studio, while Silversea’s Silver Spirit gained a new lifestyle-led poolside concept called Riviera and the line’s SALT programme. Crystal’s Crystal Serenity is to get a new pool bar, plus upgraded guests suites and public areas during a drydock this October.

Alaska’s getting hot
America’s Last Frontier is getting ever more popular and this summer marks notable debuts with Virgin Voyages’ first visit to the region as Brilliant Lady departed from Seattle with its own resident lumberjack and Alaskan cultural heritage expert on selected voyages. Also making its first appearance in the Pacific Northwest is Princess Cruises’ newest ship Star Princess and Windstar Cruises’ latest fleet member, Star Seeker. Seabourn mega-yacht Seabourn Encore kicked off its Alaskan debut with itineraries between Vancouver and Juneau.

2028 looms large
Azamara Cruises promised deeper destination discovery for 2028 with more than 360 late nights and overnights, plus its first full Asia season. Cunard unveiled 190 voyages from April 2028 to January 2029, including its landmark Four Queens Celebration in Liverpool in May 2028 and 40-night four Queens voyage. HAL confirmed full-year cruising in Europe with an extended 2027/28 winter season aboard Nieuw Statendam, and also put two 2028 Grand Voyages on sale: a 129-day circumnavigation and 90-day Grand Australia and New Zealand sailing. RSSC released its 2028/29 Voyage Collection which marks Seven Seas Prestige’s Canada and New England debut.

For something a little different
HX Expeditions is turning the clock back aboard the hybrid-powered MS Fridtjof Nansen with a themed 1896 cabin. Described as an immersive overnight experience, it takes guests back to the era of early exploration at sea with bunk beds, wooden furniture, feature fireplace and vintage maritime décor. Available as a one-night add-on, it can be booked before or during voyages. MSC Cruises has come up with an ideal solution for guest queries: MSC Concierge, an AI-powered digital assistant full of information (in 90 languages no less). Available through the MSC for Me app, it not only answers questions, but can book restaurants, spa treatments and excursions.